St. Cloud is committed to Creating a Downtown Residents Love

The City of St. Cloud is dedicated to creating a downtown that is useful for business, enjoyable for recreation, and inviting to tourists. Last year, the city sought resident input on how its downtown spaces could be improved, even asking people where trash cans or benches would be most helpful. Visit Greater St. Cloud continues to drive visitors to the city center while also promoting downtown events and opportunities to residents.  

However, downtown redevelopment takes time and a team effort. Businesses have to want to open their doors downtown, while the city needs to make downtown an attractive place to be.

“We can’t expect businesses to move downtown if residents don’t go there, and we can’t expect residents to visit a part of town without businesses,” says Cathy Mehelich, Director for the City of St. Cloud Economic Development Authority (EDA). “Every ribbon cutting, community event, and improvement to downtown makes a difference and sets up St. Cloud for future growth.”

One resource used by the EDA is grant funding for property renovations and expansions. Various grants help fund projects, improve exteriors, and make repairs, either through matching programs or forgivable loans.

Here are a few grants that have recently helped downtown St. Cloud businesses and could continue to impact the community. 

Downtown Exterior Improvement Grant Creates First Impressions

First impressions are important, and the Downtown Exterior Improvement Grant helps businesses create a welcoming, visually appealing experience for customers. This is a 50% matching grant for design and construction costs up to $10,000 per property.

Funds may be used for various permanent exterior building improvements, including awnings, windows, doors, brick repair, and permanent landscaping. Other uses may also be eligible if prior approval is granted by the St. Cloud Economic Development Authority. Signage improvements are not eligible.  

The program and funding were established by the EDA in 2022. Since then, 16 total projects have been approved, and $457,913.56 private investment has been leveraged. This has become an invaluable grant program in the community.

The EDA is looking to renew the program and funding in mid-2026. “Our goal is to spur private investment and business expansion. The program has supported the addition of a number of new businesses since 2022,” says Mehelich. 

Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant Supported Repairs

Grant funding changes over time, and one former grant worth talking about is the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program (MSERP). This grant, funded by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), supported projects that stimulated economic growth by renovating and repairing local buildings. St. Cloud took advantage of those grant funds and allocated them to a variety of projects since 2022.

While this grant is no longer available, it has a lasting impact. In 2025, the EDA recommended more than $500,000 in grants in Foley and St. Cloud, including:

• Wirth Center for the Performing Arts: Remodeling to improve their electric systems, plumbing, and ADA compliance.  
• Fitzharris Ski, Bike & Outdoor: a new roof and flooring, a new HVAC system, and renovated bathrooms.
• 706 West St. Germain: comprehensive building improvements to prepare this building to attract future tenants. 
• 300 East St. Germain: facility renovation and repair to support future occupants.

The economic impact of these grant-funded projects is clear. Improvements to vacant buildings make it easier for tenants to move in, increasing downtown amenities and creating jobs. Other improvements to local buildings help businesses stay profitable and operational for the community.

It is estimated that the grant funds will create two dozen new jobs in the area and boost the local tax base as businesses expand into the properties. 

Case Study: Great River Children’s Museum

The entire community benefits from this grant funding. Great River Children's Museum (GRCM) recently celebrated its one-year anniversary and has quickly become a favorite destination for parents across the St. Cloud region. This museum benefits the greater downtown by creating a destination that spurs secondary and tertiary visits. A family might do some shopping after visiting the museum, and parents might notice a new restaurant they visit later for a romantic night out.

GRCM relied on MSERP to complete environmental testing for multiple old buildings before starting construction of the museum. 

“Great River Children's Museum was built by combining three varied-use buildings built in the 1930s,” says Cassie Miles, CEO of GRCM. “The grant dollars we received helped us understand what we were dealing with before we broke ground. None of the results showed anything outside the regulated limits, so we could start building and stay on schedule”

Miles says the grant funds saved a significant amount of money by keeping the museum on its construction schedule. Without the grants, construction could have been delayed while the museum sought funding.

The original buildings were vacated in 2018 and donated to GRCM. The designers wanted to make sure the old structures were sound and safe for customers and kids.

“The reuse of an old space into something imaginative and new is the story we’re here to tell,” says Miles. “We looked at older spaces and imagined what they could be for the St. Cloud community.” 

Downtown St. Cloud is a Great Investment

It’s worth investing in downtown St. Cloud from a business and community perspective. According to the National Association of Realtors, 79% of buyers say they would pay more for a home in a walkable community. The idea of walking or biking to a downtown area to recreate is highly desirable across most demographics, but particularly among younger ones. If downtown St. Cloud becomes a cool place to be, it can attract more young residents and potential multi-unit housing development.

A vibrant downtown also benefits the businesses that operate there. When people spend a night out, they can walk from their restaurant downtown to a bar or dessert shop afterward. Visitors to attractions like the GRCM can stop at other businesses before heading home. A downtown where multiple shops are right around the corner from each other is a perfect fit.

“The St. Cloud EDA will continue to support downtown revitalization using creative resources and partnerships,” says Mehelich. “Our efforts create opportunities for businesses, inspiration for entrepreneurs, and increased amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy.” 

Explore Other Grants and Incentives for Your Downtown Business

The St. Cloud EDA works closely with businesses of all sizes to identify opportunities and financing options. Explore other incentives at the state and local levels to find options for your organization. From free business counseling to revolving loan funds, you can find active programs that help you reach your goals.

If you aren’t sure where to start, contact the EDA and request a meeting. We are happy to learn about your business and discuss options to make you shine downtown.