Minnesota DEED provides grant to Greater Bemidji as part of start-up program The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded more than $60,000 to Greater Bemidji Economic Development to support small business creation through its Launch Minnesota program. Written By: Pioneer Staff Report | 9:23 am, Feb. 4, 2021 × BEMIDJI -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded $450,000 to six organizations across the state to continue supporting start-up businesses. The effort is part of DEED's Launch Minnesota initiative which was established to improve entrepreneurship for the state. As part of the program, DEED is working with regional organizations to assist in the work.