Minnesota Tax Incentives
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One of the likely unintended consequences of the Affordable Care Act is that Special Need Trusts may be impacted due to settlement criteria that can be based on past, present, and future medical needs.
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Minnesota Tax Incentives
Page Contents
- Assistive Technology – Device Demonstration Programs
- Assistive Technology – Device Exchange
- Assistive Technology – Device Loan Programs
- Assistive Technology – Funding
- Assistive Technology – Reutilization
- Border Cities Enterprise Zone Program
- Business Resources for Veterans
- Employment Information for People with Disabilities
- Greater Minnesota Job Expansion Program
- Hire a Veteran in Three Easy Steps
- Indian Business Loan Program
- Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
- Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
- Minnesota Investment Fund
- Minnesota Job Creation Fund
- Minnesota Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program
- Minnesota STAR Program
- Training Grant Programs
- Veterans Employment Services
Assistive Technology – Device Demonstration Programs
Device demonstrations allow consumers to compare features and benefits of a particular device or category of devices. Demonstrations are available for individuals or small groups.
Assistive Technology – Device Exchange
As part of its commitment to promoting the reuse of assistive technology, STAR maintains an online device exchange known as STAR Technology Exchange (STARTE). This free device exchange site allows Minnesotans and others to donate, sell, and buy previously owned but still usable assistive technology.
Assistive Technology – Device Loan Programs
Short-term device loans are for 30-days or less and allow consumers to try a device or software program before buying. Short-term device loans may also be used to "fill-in" for a device that is being repaired or while waiting for delivery of a newly-purchased device.
Open-ended device loans are also available for Minnesotans who need assistive technology in higher education, employment, and certain community environments such as assisted living. Open-ended loans do not have a set return date and are helpful when the borrower needs a device for more than 30-days. Once the borrower no longer needs the device, it must be returned.
Assistive Technology – Funding
The federal government has granted Minnesota money for two alternative financing programs. These programs provide low-interest loans to Minnesotans with disabilities to purchase assistive technology devices and services, which will provide a more independent lifestyle.
Assistive Technology – Reutilization
Reutilization occurs when assistive technology that is no longer needed is passed along to someone else either by selling, exchanging, or donating the device. Reuse also occurs when a device is repaired and cleaned (refurbished) before being sold or donated.
Border Cities Enterprise Zone Program
The Border-Cities Enterprise Zone Program provides business tax credits (property tax credits, debt financing credit on new construction, sales tax credit on construction equipment and materials, and new or existing employee credits) to qualifying businesses that are the source of investment, development, and job creation or retention in the Border-Cities Enterprise Zone cities of Breckenridge, Dilworth, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, and Ortonville.
One of the purposes of this program is to create or preserve jobs in the Border-Cities Enterprise Zone. This could mean more employment possibilities for workers with disabilities living in these areas.
Business Resources for Veterans
For veterans interested in starting a new business in Minnesota or in re-establishing a business left behind after deployment to active duty, there are several sources of expert business guidance and some targeted business financing options. This web page has information and links to these resources.
Employment Information for People with Disabilities
With the right training, preparation and workplace accommodations, people with disabilities can have rewarding careers. A Vocational Rehabilitation Services unit can help an individual with a disability prepare for, find and keep a job, and live as independently as possible.
Greater Minnesota Job Expansion Program
The Greater Minnesota Job Expansion Program provides tax benefits to businesses located in Greater Minnesota that increase employment. Qualifying businesses that meet job-growth goals may receive sales tax refunds for purchases made during a seven-year period.
With the job growth generated by this program, workers with disabilities can find employment in one of Minnesota’s expanding industries.
Greater Minnesota Job Expansion Application PDF
Greater Minnesota Job Expansion Program Spreadsheet – XLS
Hire a Veteran in Three Easy Steps
This web page explains the 3 steps needed for a Minnesota company to hire a military veteran.
Indian Business Loan Program
The Minnesota Indian Business Loan Program supports the development of Indian-owned and operated businesses and promotes economic opportunities for Indian people throughout Minnesota.
Indian Business Loan Fund Checklist PDF
Indian Business Loan Fund Application PDF
Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center
A Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center provides expert consultation on assistive technology and accessibility features built into Microsoft products. Their specialists understand how disabilities impact computer users and are trained to evaluate the needs of the person with the disability. Some centers offer computer training and many organizations have lending libraries, so a consumer can try a product before purchasing it.
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is the state's largest and premier business advocacy organization. As the statewide voice of business, the Chamber represents more than 2,400 businesses of all types and sizes across Minnesota. The Minnesota Chamber excels at offering private-sector solutions to public-sector problems.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development oratory is the state’s principal economic development agency. Department of Employment and Economic Development programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.
Minnesota Investment Fund
The Minnesota Investment Fund provides financing to help add new workers and retain high-quality jobs on a statewide basis. The focus is on industrial, manufacturing, and technology-related industries to increase the local and state tax base and improve economic vitality statewide.
Some of the new workers hired or retained as a result of this fund can be workers with disabilities.
Minnesota Investment Fund Initial Application PDF
Minnesota Job Creation Fund
The Job Creation Fund provides financial incentives to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. Companies deemed eligible to participate may receive up to $1 million for creating or retaining high-paying jobs and for constructing or renovating facilities or making other property improvements. In some cases, companies may receive awards of up to $2 million.
To reach this fund’s job creation targets, a company can hire more workers with disabilities who are qualified to do building construction or renovation.
Minnesota Job Creation Fund Checklist PDF
Minnesota Job Creation Fund Fact Sheet PDF
Minnesota Job Creation Fund Application PDF
Minnesota Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program
The Minnesota Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program provides business loans to companies that are affected when certain employees are called to active military duty and to individual veterans who have returned from active duty and want to start their own business.
Minnesota Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program Fact Sheet PDF
Minnesota Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program Application DOC
Minnesota Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program Startup Application DOC
Minnesota STAR Program: A System of Technology to Achieve Results
A System of Technology to Achieve Results STAR is located within the Minnesota Department of Administration. STAR's mission is to help ALL MINNESOTANS with disabilities gain access to and acquire the assistive technology they need to live, learn, work and play.
Small Business Development Loan Program
The Small Business Development Loan Program provides loans for business expansions that result in the creation of new jobs. Small business loans up to $5 million are made by the Minnesota Agricultural and Economic Development Board through the issuance of industrial development bonds.
The jobs that are created as a result of this loan program could be occupied by employees with disabilities.
State Small Business Credit Initiative
The State Small Business Credit Initiative uses federal funding to stimulate private-sector lending and improve access to capital for small businesses and manufacturers that are credit worthy, but not getting loans they need to expand and create jobs. The initiative allocates up to $15.4 million into four state programs: the Capital Access Program, Emerging Entrepreneurs Fund, Small Business Loan Guarantees and the Angel Loan Fund.
Training Grant Programs
Training grants are provided up to $400,000 to educational institutions that partner with businesses to develop new-job training or retraining for existing employees. With the exception of the Low Income Worker Training Program, all training projects pair at least one public or private accredited Minnesota educational institution and one business.
The worker benefiting from the training could be someone with a disability who needs specialized instruction to achieve success in the workforce.
Veterans Employment Services
Current or former military members, no matter the era of service, receive priority veterans employment services in all WorkForce Centers across the state. WFC staff provides the fastest, most effective service possible – in person or online.
