Greater MSP

What Greater MSP does

GREATER MSP Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit economic development partnership founded in 2011 that serves as the convening body for the 15-county Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. The organization operates as a coalition of more than 4,500 individuals drawn from over 300 leading businesses, universities, cities, counties, and philanthropic organizations, functioning as the de facto regional brand and economic strategy coordinator for the $356.4 billion MSA. Its revenue model is funded primarily through annual investor contributions from these partner organizations, supplemented by federal and state grants (including a $500,000 EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge award).

The partnership delivers value through a portfolio of strategic initiatives rather than a single product. Core operating programs include MBOLD (food and agriculture innovation), Minnesota MedTech 3.0 (designated the U.S. Tech Hub for medical technology in 2023), ConnextMSP (talent network for young professionals of color), Business Bridge (supplier diversity accelerator), Forge North (startup ecosystem coalition of 150+ partners), the Minnesota SAF Hub (sustainable aviation fuel), and the Make It. MSP. talent attraction program. Underlying technology assets include the Regional Indicators Dashboard (tracking economic, environmental, and social metrics against peer metros) and the MSP ARPA Tracker (monitoring $1.2 billion in American Rescue Plan Act spending across 12 counties and 17 cities). The partnership also facilitated the launch of the MSP Equity Fund, a $50 million venture capital fund of funds managed with gener8tor.

Greater MSP operates as a community-led, event-driven convening organization. Its go-to-market centers on coalition membership and direct enterprise engagement, with board and PAC portals serving as member-only engagement channels. Strategic anchors include Fortune 500 companies such as Medtronic, Mayo Clinic, General Mills, Target, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, and Ecolab, alongside government partners at the city, county, state, and federal level. Recent project wins include the North Wind $1.1 billion Minnesota Aerospace Complex (with U.S. Department of Defense sponsorship) and Philips' expanded R&D and manufacturing presence in Plymouth. The organization is led by President and CEO Peter Frosch and is governed independently without a parent company.

Name

Greater MSP

Legal name

GREATER MSP Partnership

Website

https://greatermsp.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Economic Development Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Business Service Centers (56143), Employment Placement Agencies (561311)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Facilities Operations Outsourcing (Integrated FM, Work Orders, Asset Mgmt) (EDAEALAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Network Management (LAN/WAN/Wi‑Fi) Services (BPAEABAD)

Keywords

• Regional economic development
• Business investment services
• Talent attraction programs
• Startup ecosystem support
• Supplier diversity programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint Paul

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Investor Contributions: GREATER MSP is funded by over 300 leading businesses, universities, cities, counties, and philanthropic organizations that invest in the partnership to accelerate regional economic competitiveness and inclusive growth.
2. Federal & State Grants: The organization secures federal funding through programs like the EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge and collaborates with state agencies for economic development initiatives.

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Greater MSP is the regional economic development partnership for the 15-county Minneapolis-Saint Paul region, coordinating job creation, capital investment, and inclusive growth by connecting businesses with data, partners, sites, and incentives. It delivers this through strategic industry coalitions (MBOLD, Minnesota MedTech 3.0, Minnesota SAF Hub, Forge North, Business Bridge), talent programs (ConnextMSP, Make It. MSP.), the MSP Equity Fund, and data platforms including the Regional Indicators Dashboard and MSP ARPA Tracker.

Product overview

Greater MSP is a 501(c)(3) regional economic development partnership for the 15-county Minneapolis-Saint Paul region. Rather than a unified software product, it offers a portfolio of strategic initiatives and services including Business Investment Services (connecting companies with data, sites, and incentives), data platforms (Regional Indicators Dashboard, MSP ARPA Tracker), talent programs (ConnextMSP, Make It. MSP.), and strategic coalitions (MBOLD for food and agriculture, Minnesota MedTech 3.0 for medical technology, Minnesota SAF Hub for sustainable aviation fuel, Forge North for startups). The organization also manages the MSP Equity Fund, a $50 million venture capital fund of funds, and Business Bridge initiative for supplier diversity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Business Investment Services Core service that helps companies expand and invest in the Greater MSP region by connecting them with curated data, partner introductions, site options, and incentive packages, and by coordinating across local and state agencies to support business growth.
• MBOLD Coalition of leading food and agriculture companies, researchers, and producers working together to accelerate solutions for a sustainable global food system through pre-competitive collaboration on protein innovation, sustainable packaging, and circular economy.
• Minnesota MedTech 3.0 U.S. Tech Hub for medical technology that mobilizes the region's world-leading medical technology ecosystem to define the next era of healthcare innovation through industry, research, and clinical collaboration, with Medtronic, Mayo Clinic, and Boston Scientific as anchor partners.
• Minnesota SAF Hub Convening initiative advancing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce aviation emissions and grow a clean energy industry by coordinating partners across agriculture, energy, aviation, and government.
• ConnextMSP Inclusive talent network ensuring young professionals of color in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region are recruited, hired, and supported by local employers as they launch their careers, delivered through a coalition of 40+ partner organizations.
• Business Bridge Supplier-diversity accelerator where 20 of Minnesota's largest headquarters companies work together to spend $1 billion more with minority-owned companies over a decade.
• Make It. MSP. Regional talent attraction and retention initiative that helps position the Greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul region as a top destination for new graduates and young professionals.
• Regional Indicators Dashboard Public-facing data platform tracking the 15-county region's economic, environmental, and social outcomes against peer metropolitan areas on indicators such as Gross Regional Product growth, venture capital, and talent migration.
• MSP ARPA Tracker Searchable digital resource tracking the spending plans of 12 counties and 17 cities in the Greater MSP region for American Rescue Plan Act funds, monitoring approximately $1.2 billion in ARPA allocations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 27,000 projected additional jobs from bio-innovation sector growth over 10 years
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Bansk GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 March 2026Consumer-focused private investment firm that acquired So Good So You, a Bold Growth program alumnus. Demonstrates mentorship program's success in scaling food and beverage innovation.
• North WindcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 January 2026St. Paul-based aerospace engineering firm investing $1.1B to build Minnesota Aerospace Complex in Rosemount. Public-private partnership with U.S. Department of Defense sponsorship. Primary sponsor and operator of the nation's most advanced aerospace testing facility.
• U.S. Department of DefensecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 January 2026Primary sponsor of the Minnesota Aerospace Complex through Office of Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering and Test Resource Management Center. Supports development of hypersonic flight capabilities for national defense.
• Protein Catalyst PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2025MBOLD's Protein Catalyst initiative bringing together world's leading food and agriculture companies to expand private sector role in creating and producing protein products through research and mentorship.
• NLC Health VenturescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2025Strategic partnership between Minnesota MedTech 3.0 and NLC Health Ventures (world-leading venture builder in health and medtech based in Netherlands) to connect European medtech startups to Minnesota. NLC will integrate into MMT3.0 ecosystem and explore establishing a U.S. platform office in Minnesota. Joint investment fund exploration also underway.
• Mayo CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023World's best hospital and key research partner in MedTech 3.0 coalition. Collaborating on medical technology innovation, clinical research, and technology adoption.
• MedtroniccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Global MedTech leader and anchor company in Minnesota's medical technology ecosystem. CEO Geoff Martha serves as champion for MedTech 3.0 strategy.
• Boston ScientificcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Major MedTech company in MedTech 3.0 coalition, working to consolidate and expand Minnesota presence while advancing next-generation medical technology.
• Destination Medical Center (DMC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Largest public-private economic initiative in Minnesota's history (Rochester). $8M investment in Biolabs facility at Discovery Square. Partners with GREATER MSP on MedTech innovation infrastructure.
• Medical Alley AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Association representing Minnesota's Medical Alley ecosystem. President & CEO Roberta Antoine Dressen collaborates on healthcare innovation and economic development.
• U.S. Department of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Designated Minnesota as the official U.S. Tech Hub for MedTech in 2023, recognizing the region's global leadership and 3.0 strategy to build the sector's next frontier.
• Itasca ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 July 2022Formal integration of Itasca Project into GREATER MSP Partnership. Itasca, a 70+ participant employer-led alliance founded in 2004, continues its brand while gaining access to GREATER MSP's operational support and broader network.
• General MillscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2022Lead investor in Myplas USA ($9.2M equity investment) through MBOLD coalition. General Mills, as MBOLD co-chair, collaborates on sustainable packaging, circular economy initiatives, and protein innovation across the food and agriculture sector.
• CargillcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2022MBOLD member collaborating on circular economy for flexible films. Cargill evaluates potential product applications using recycled resin and explores directing film waste to Myplas USA for recycling.
• TargetcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2022MBOLD member and supporting investor in Myplas USA ($9.2M equity investment). Target collaborates across sustainability initiatives and is anchor investor in MSP Equity Fund.
• Schwan's CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2022MBOLD member and lead investor in Myplas USA ($9.2M equity investment). Schwan's Company collaborates on sustainable packaging and circular economy initiatives.
• EcolabcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2022MBOLD member and supporting investor in Myplas USA. Ecolab participates in sustainable packaging and circular economy initiatives.
• Land O'LakescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2022MBOLD member collaborating on circular economy for flexible films. Land O'Lakes evaluates recycled resin applications and explores directing film waste to Myplas for recycling.
• University of MinnesotacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2022MBOLD member and research partner. Evaluating recycled resin product applications and exploring film waste redirection to Myplas USA. Key research partner in Minnesota Aerospace Complex.
• Myplas USAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2022South Africa-based plastic recycler establishing first U.S. facility in Rogers, MN through MBOLD coalition investment. Will recycle nearly 90M pounds of flexible film annually, creating ~270-300 jobs.
• Charter Next GenerationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2022Wisconsin-based film manufacturer, lead investor in Myplas USA ($9.2M equity). Will purchase recycled resin from Myplas for food, industrial, and healthcare film products.
• Center for Economic InclusioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 April 2022Led by Tawanna Black, partnering to shape 2030 regional ambition for racial inclusion and inclusive economic growth strategy.
• gener8torcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2022Venture capital fund and startup accelerator powering MSP Equity Fund ($50M fund of funds) and Forge North coalition. Operates gBETA Medtech accelerator with cohorts focused on Black founders.
• Forge North CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2022Coalition of 100+ startups, investment firms, corporations, and support organizations working to make MSP the best place for everyone to start and scale ventures. Powered by GREATER MSP.
• ConnextMSP Partners (40+ organizations)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 September 2021Growing coalition of 40+ organizations shaping the ConnextMSP talent network for young professionals of color. Includes colleges, universities, career readiness programs, and employers committed to inclusive hiring.
• First Independence BankcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 August 20217th largest Black-owned commercial bank in the U.S., opening first Twin Cities branch at 3430 University Ave. SE in Minneapolis. Supported by coordinated effort from five major Twin Cities banks.
• OneTencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 June 2021National coalition of leading executives upskilling, hiring, and promoting 1 million Black individuals without four-year degrees into family-sustaining jobs. Partner in Minnesota Apprentice Network.
• AoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 June 2021Global professional services firm co-launching Minnesota Apprentice Network. Apprenticeship model with community colleges to hire students in full-time roles while they study.
• AccenturecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 June 2021Global professional services company pioneering professional apprenticeships since 2016. Pioneered earn-and-learn program through community colleges, non-profits, and tech academies in 35+ cities.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• World Business Chicago: Chicago's public-private economic development partnership driving corporate attraction, inclusive growth, and industry cluster strategy — directly comparable in scale, governance model, and corporate member base.
• Greater Houston Partnership: Houston's regional economic development organization convening 1,000+ member companies to drive job growth, capital investment, and industry cluster development — directly comparable to Greater MSP's coalition model and member-funded structure.
• Metro Atlanta Chamber: Atlanta's regional chamber driving economic development, talent attraction, and industry cluster growth across metro counties — comparable scope of corporate member engagement and regional brand promotion.
• Detroit Regional Partnership: Public-private economic development organization marketing Southeast Michigan and leading site-selection and business attraction — comparable member-funded, regional-promotion mission.
• Bay Area Council: San Francisco Bay Area business-led public-policy and economic development organization — comparable coalition model of major employers advocating and executing on regional competitiveness initiatives.
• Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce: Philadelphia region's primary business and economic development organization advancing job growth, business attraction, and inclusive economic strategy — comparable member-funded model and regional focus.
• Greater Washington Partnership: Regional business coalition for the DC-Virginia-Maryland corridor focused on talent, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness — analogous coalition-driven model targeting multi-county regional growth.
• Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce: Middle Tennessee's leading business and economic development organization coordinating talent, business attraction, and inclusion initiatives — similar regional coalition and corporate-investor model.
• Greater Cleveland Partnership: Cleveland's regional chamber and economic development partnership combining business attraction, talent, and inclusive growth programs — closely mirrors Greater MSP's integrated approach across economic, talent, and equity priorities.
• St. Louis Regional Business Council: St. Louis regional business leadership organization focused on economic competitiveness and cross-sector collaboration — directly comparable multi-county regional partnership structure and member base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GreaterMSP
• Facebookfacebook.com/greatermsp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/minneapolis---saint-paul-regional-economic-development-partnership

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Greater MSP