The Small Business Spark Fund

The Small Business Spark Fund

Since we began in 2016, the MN Christmas Market has existed to be a platform for charitable giving as well as a holiday shopping event for locals supporting small businesses. In 2026, we're continuing to build on that, with 5% of all sales (concessions, shopping, and guest entry fees) at our events being invested into the "Small Business Spark Fund."

At each of our markets, one vendor is voted on by guests to be a recipient of the Small Business Spark Fund (SBSF). The SBSF consists of no-strings attached investments in them and their business in 3 simple ways:

  1. Return: Their vendor fee for the following year is covered!
  2. Re-Invest: We cover the cost of some custom merch, consulting AND a cash prize.
  3. Rest: One of our giveaway winners will receive a free stay at the Northern Goods Micro Hotel in Grand Marais.

These small businesses are the heartbeat of our state and communities. We want to use our markets to fill their buckets back up, in more ways than one, and urge them to keep on keeping on!