Paid Leave grants now available for Minnesota small employers

Small business owners can now apply for grants to help offset the cost of implementing the new Minnesota Paid Leave program.  

Paid Leave Small Employer Assistance Grants can cover a wide range expenses related to the paid leave rules that went into effect at the beginning of 2026. Qualifying expenses include:

• Paid wages for a temporary worker
• Increased wages for an existing employee who covered for the employee on leave
• Related costs, such as:
  • Recruited a temporary worker
  • Paid temp agency fees
  • Offered a sign-on bonus to a temporary worker
  • Purchased hiring supplies, such as a uniform
  • Paid training costs for a temporary or existing employee  

Eligible small businesses can apply for grants of up to $3,000 per leave, with a maximum of $6,000 per employee each calendar year.  

Small employers are eligible if qualify if they:

• Have fewer than 50 employees
• Are responsible for administering paid leave under Minnesota’s new program
• Meet the state’s application and compliance requirement 

Small employers navigating new requirements can also access no-cost advising through Elevate Hennepin for additional guidance.  

Learn more about eligibility and how to apply at Minnesota Paid Leave.