For community-positive, underrepresented Twin Cities businesses, the Connect grant empowers business owners to take their marketing and advertising to the next level by providing up to four qualifying Minnesota businesses a total of $200,000 in advertising credits, plus full and free access to the expertise, marketing power and effectiveness of Star Tribune products.

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2021 Recipients

Beyond Family Chiropractic

Beyond Family Chiropractic

Beyond Family Chiropractic is here to serve those in our community by focusing on the most important asset in life, our health. Our goal is to give, serve, love and educate our community on what it means to achieve optimal health through a natural approach. We focus on restoring hope, healing and health to the families in our community through neurologically-based chiropractic care. We want to create one of the healthiest cities in the world right here in Bloomington, MN and its surrounding areas by helping people reach a better state of health and get back to what really matters - their loved ones.

BeyondFamilyChiropractic.com

Black Tech Talent

Beyond Family Chiropractic

Black Tech Talent aims to increase the representation of Black technologists in both corporate careers and entrepreneurship by curating a pipeline of job opportunities, education, community and culturally specific content. Black Tech Talent received the 2020 Inclusive Evolution award and has partnered with over 15 corporations including Target, HealthPartners, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT to bring jobs to the Black community. Check out the Black Tech Talent Podcast now streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and more!

blacktechtalent.org

Coconut Whisk

Beyond Family Chiropractic

Coconut Whisk is a mission-driven vegan and gluten-free baking mix company that helps busy families create healthy indulgences. Proudly POC and women-owned, Coconut Whisk believes in lifting up as we climb and gives back to organizations that address hunger and food insecurity.

coconutwhisk.com

Sahan Journal

Beyond Family Chiropractic

Sahan Journal is a 14 month-old nonprofit digital news organization that provides journalism for, by and about Minnesota's immigrants and refugees, with a focus on the 3 largest groups: Hmong, Somali, and Latino. Founded by Somali-born American journalist Mukhtar Ibrahim, the web site launched in August of 2019. Operating support has been secured primarily from regional and national institutional donors.

sahanjournal.com
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About the grant

Our mission: To empower the future growth of minority and underrepresented business owners through marketing collaboration and advertising.

Star Tribune has covered Minnesota news for over 150 years with fact, truth, and integrity. We want to continue to provide all Minnesotans and all business owners with a platform where they are able to advance their business through advertising that helps to shape a more inclusive community for everyone.

We understand that in order to include everyone we need to focus on communities that continuously have been underrepresented. This includes, communities of color, women, LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, and more. This is why we have decided to launch our Star Tribune Connect Grant Program, where businesses that did not have the resources before can grow alongside those that have.

This grant is a year-long program where you will receive consultations and advertising opportunities with. Our goal is to continue to serve all of Minnesota – all day, every day.

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FAQ

What is the grant for?
This grant is for underrepresented and racial minority business owners to help with their marketing and advertising needs. Up to four recipients will be awarded a total of $200,000 in advertising credits to spend on Star Tribune owned and operated products (print, digital and/or events). The winners will also receive a branded content story about their business and access to other Star Tribune advertising and marketing services.

Who can apply for the grant?
Racial minorities and underrepresented business owners.
How do you define “racial minorities” and “underrepresented”?
Underrepresented and racial minorities by the following: Asian, Black, Hispanic and/or Latino, Native American, LGBTQ+, Women, and/or Persons with Disabilities.

Who will be evaluating the grant and choosing the recipients?
Star Tribune’s Selection & Oversight committee which is comprised of employee volunteers.

Do I have to have a Minnesota business license?
Yes, your business must be licensed in Minnesota. Per Minnesota business standards, your business must be registered with the secretary of state: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens/start-a-business/how-to-register-your-business/

When is the application deadline and when are the recipients selected?
Applications will be accepted November 5, 2020 through December 5, 2020. Selections will be made and posted mid-January, 2021.

When can the grant be used?
The grant is designed to fit your marketing and business needs, but must be used in the 2021 calendar year.

Do all business categories qualify?
Religious and/or politically-affiliated businesses do not qualify. Advocacy-related creative cannot be used.

Can the grant be used for all Star Tribune advertising products and services?
You will be able to apply this grant to any owned and operated products available. Your advertising advisory team will help you determine which options best align with your business needs and marketing goals.

If I have a 50/50 ownership business partner, and I identify as minority and/or underrepresented but my business partner does not can I still apply?
In this case, no, we require at least 51% minority ownership operated and controlled.

How does this affect my taxes if I receive this grant?
Please consult with your tax professionals on what is implied for you and your business when receiving grants.

Who can I contact if I’m having issues submitting my application?

How will I know if I received the grant or not?
Selections will be made in January, 2021 and recipients will be contacted. For more information and to see the list of recipients after selection is announced, go to startribune.com/connect.

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Contact us

For questions on the application or assistance, please email us at startribuneconnect@startribune.com

Star Tribune Policies

Please note that all advertising for grant purposes must fit the Star Tribune advertising criteria. You can view our Publishing Policies here: Star Tribune Publishing Policies