The Application Process

The application fee for the Minnesota Certified Shovel-Ready Site program is $2,950. The fee covers the cost of initial review, on-site inspection, final certification, marketing and annual maintenance of the Shovel-Ready program.

The application is a seven-step process

Step One 
Download and save the Shovel-Ready Site Application to your computer. The application is in an Excel file format. Next, view the Instruction Sheet that will guide you through the application.

Step Two 
Gather the required support documentation requested in the application. If not all the information, site tests, and assessments are immediately available but will be complete within four to six weeks, finish the application and note when the supporting documentation is expected to be available.

Step Three
Submit electronic copies of the completed application and supporting documentation by email to gene.goddard@state.mn.us and john.rhodes@msbconsulting.com

It is also acceptable to provide the electronic documents on CD and send them by mail to the addresses below.

Step Four
Mail a paper copy of the completed application and supporting documentation along with a check for $2,950 payable to the State of Minnesota to:

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
1st National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200
St. Paul, MN 55101-1351
Attn: Gene Goddard

Mail a paper copy of the completed application and supporting documentation to:

Moran, Stahl & Boyer
8374 Market Street – 422
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Attn: John Rhodes

Step Five
Moran, Stahl & Boyer will review the application and telephone the contact listed in the application to schedule an on-site visit.

Step Six
A consulting team from Moran, Stahl & Boyer will conduct the on-site visit and discuss aspects of the site. This also is an opportunity to bring together local economic development stakeholders and have a question-and-answer session with the consulting team.

Step Seven
Within six weeks of the on-site visit, Moran, Stahl & Boyer will issue a letter either certifying the site or providing a list of what needs to be completed in order to obtain certification.