The Business Subsidy Policy outlines the criteria for either tax increment financing or tax abatement.  Please see either of these tax incentive policies for detailed information.

• Business Subsidy Policy

Farmington partners with the Dakota County CDA and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers to offer the Open to Business Program. Business Advisor Claire Milldrum, offers one-on-one business counseling and personal assistance for entrepreneurs and business owners at no cost. Claire will work with you to develop a strong business plan, identify challenges and opportunities for your business, and tailor solutions to your business questions. She can also help determine financial needs and identify and apply for financing that will meet those needs.

Open to Business Advisor Contact
Claire Milldrum
612-843-3261
cmilldrum@mccdmn.org

The Economic Development Authority has made funding available to land owners to be used for preparing their land for development. Land owners in the I-1 (industrial), IP (industrial park), B-1 (highway business) and B-3 (heavy business) districts. Grants are available in an amount up to $5,000 each.

For information, contact Adam Kienberger at 651-280-6820 or AKienberger@FarmingtonMN.gov

• Site Readiness Guidelines
• Site Readiness Application

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The purpose of this policy is to establish the City of Farmington’s position relating to the use of tax abatement for private development above and beyond the requirements and limitations set forth by state law. This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing and review of applications requesting tax abatement assistance.

• Farmington Tax Abatement Policy
• Farmington Tax Abatement Application

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The purpose of this policy is to establish the City of Farmington’s position relating to the use of tax increment financing (TIF) for private development above and beyond the requirements and limitations set forth by state law. This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing and review of applications requesting tax increment assistance.

Tax increment financing (TIF) uses the increased property taxes generated by new real estate development within a tax increment district to pay for certain eligible costs associated with the development.

• Tax Increment Financing Policy
• Tax Increment Financing Application

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Grant dollars are currently available with applications being reviewed on a first come, first serve basis.

Grant funds may be available to assist local businesses and/or property owners who are making qualified improvements to eligible commercial properties that eliminate conditions that are detrimental to public health and safety. The following are examples of qualified improvements: correcting code violations, code improvements, and the correction of handicap accessibility issues. The intent of the grant program is to prevent the deterioration of commercial structures and discourage blight, encourage projects that correct code violations and to eliminate accessibility restrictions. Requirements of the program include, but are not limited to the following:

• Applicant providing a 1:1 dollar match

• Competitive bidding

• Davis-Bacon Wage Act (payment of prevailing wages to contractors)

Program Information and Application

Please contact Community Development Director Adam Kienberger at 651-280-6820 or email to discuss your potential commercial rehabilitation project.

• Commercial Rehabilitation Grant Program Guidelines

• Commercial Rehabilitation Grant Program Application

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In conjunction with the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) has made funding available to downtown business owners to be used for building façade and exterior improvements. Improvements include items such as awnings, paint, tuck pointing, exterior lighting, decorative signage, windows, doors, gutters, accessibility improvements, permanent patios, utility screening, dumpster enclosures, etc.

Grants will be made in the amount of $1,500 up to $10,000 according to the scale in the guidelines and require a 1:1 match by the applicant.

• Downtown Façade Improvement Program Guidelines
• Downtown Façade Improvement Program Application

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The city offers businesses the opportunity to host a ribbon cutting event free of charge. Businesses interested in hosting a ribbon cutting should call 651-280-6803 or CMuller@FarmingtonMN.gov to schedule the event.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state’s principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade, workforce development, and community development.

The city is a part of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, which is committed to building a stronger business community in Dakota County. They proudly serve the cities of Eagan, Farmington, Lilydale, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Rosemount, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul. We're proud to contribute to the outstanding quality of life our businesses enjoy every day. Visit them on the web to learn of the many ways they’re helping make the Dakota County area the best possible place to live and work.

The Farmington Business Association is a non-profit business association dedicated to providing the residents of Farmington with a successful business environment, give back to the community through the planning and promotion of events within the City of Farmington, preserve and protect the historic downtown area, and provide networking opportunities to our membership.”

The CDA is a local government agency administering over 30 programs and managing over 2,100 units of affordable workforce and senior housing serving the communities and residents of Dakota County. They can assist you with buying a home by creating a plan to include credit repair, creating a household budget and identifying mortgage loan products.