North Star Global: A Minneapolis-based technology startup creating high-wage jobs, advancing innovation, and empowering Minnesota businesses. We're actively seeking micro-grants ($2k-$10k) for immediate deployment. Every dollar counts and is put to work within 30 days. Visit us at nsg.mn to learn more.
We're actively seeking micro-grants of $2,000 - $10,000 for immediate use. Every contribution accelerates our ability to create jobs and serve Minnesota businesses. No amount is too small.
Funds received will be used within 30 days for immediate business needs: development tools, infrastructure, or partial hiring. We provide transparent reporting on every dollar spent.
Flexible Terms: We accept grants of any size, from $500 to $30,000+. Multiple micro-grants can be combined for larger initiatives.Contact us to discuss →
We're also pursuing larger grants to hire 1 Minnesota-based developer and build the commercial licensing SDK for GenPBR, delivering measurable impact within 6 months.
Key Deliverable: Commercial licensing SDK module for GenPBR, enabling Minnesota businesses to access enterprise-grade technology.Learn more →
A public-facing overview of our mission, impact, and growth plans
Our mission is to make enterprise-grade technology accessible to organizations of all sizes, empowering Minnesota businesses to compete globally through innovative software solutions, strategic consulting, and cutting-edge AI-powered tools.
Small and medium-sized businesses in Minnesota face significant barriers to accessing enterprise-grade technology solutions. High costs, complex implementations, and lack of technical expertise prevent many organizations from leveraging digital tools that could drive growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
Additionally, creative professionals in architecture, design, and game development struggle with time-consuming, expensive workflows for creating high-quality digital materials—limiting their ability to compete and innovate.
North Star Global provides affordable, accessible technology solutions through strategic consulting, custom software development, and innovative products. We combine modern technologies with practical business expertise to deliver solutions that drive measurable results.
GenPBR — Our flagship product demonstrates our approach: a free, client-side PBR texture generator that makes professional-quality material creation accessible to arch-viz studios, 3D artists, and game developers worldwide. Built with WebGL and Canvas API, it processes everything locally in the browser—no AI, no datasets, just pure procedural generation that empowers creators.
We're developing commercial licensing opportunities, with several arch-viz software firms interested in integrating GenPBR directly into their designer and client-facing products, creating new revenue streams and expanding our impact.
The global 3D asset and digital material market is projected to exceed $6 billion by 2026, with procedural tools rapidly growing in adoption. The demand for accessible, high-quality digital creation tools continues to expand as more professionals enter the creative technology space.
In Minnesota, there's a significant opportunity to support small businesses' digital transformation while positioning the state as a hub for technology innovation. Our lean, remote-first approach allows us to serve global markets while maintaining strong local economic impact.
We aim to support open digital artistry, reduce barriers to professional technology tools, and empower small studios and businesses. Our specific goals include:
Create 3-5 high-wage technology jobs (remote-first, Minnesota-based preferred) over the next 18-24 months
Enable Minnesota small businesses to compete globally through affordable technology solutions
Position Minneapolis as a recognized technology innovation hub through product development and thought leadership
Build platforms for mission-driven organizations, amplifying their ability to serve Minnesota communities
North Star Global was founded by a developer and artist dedicated to making next-generation digital tools accessible. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, our team combines deep technical expertise with a passion for empowering businesses and creators.
We operate as a lean, remote-first company while maintaining strong local presence in Minneapolis. This approach allows us to maximize efficiency, reduce overhead costs, and attract top talent regardless of location, while still contributing to Minnesota's economy through local hiring, partnerships, and business development activities.
We're actively seeking funding at all levels—from micro-grants ($2k-$10k) for immediate needs to larger grants ($30k+) for comprehensive initiatives. We welcome grants of any size and can combine multiple micro-grants to achieve larger goals. This flexible approach ensures we can start making impact immediately, regardless of grant size.
Innovation Grant (2:1 match)
Federal R&D Grant
Minnesota Economic Dev
Strategic Approach: This phased, grant-stacking strategy allows us to pursue multiple funding sources in parallel, reducing dependency on any single award while demonstrating our commitment to sustainable, incremental growth. Each phase builds upon the previous, creating a clear path from early R&D through full commercialization and job creation. Learn more about our mission and track record at nsg.mn.
Empowering businesses through innovative technology
North Star Global exists to make enterprise-grade technology accessible to businesses of all sizes. We believe that every organization, regardless of size or budget, should have access to the tools and expertise needed to compete in today's digital economy.
Minnesota as a technology innovation leader
We envision Minneapolis and Minnesota as recognized leaders in technology innovation, where businesses of all sizes have access to world-class digital solutions, and where technology jobs drive economic prosperity for our communities.
Digital transformation, growth optimization, and technology strategy
Custom SaaS platforms, enterprise applications, scalable solutions
High-performance websites, e-commerce, responsive applications
AI-powered automation, SEO optimization, analytics & performance marketing
Dynamic SEO landing pages, intelligent routing, conversion optimization
Community engagement tools, philanthropy platforms, impact measurement
Our flagship product demonstrates our ability to build, launch, and scale innovative technology solutions that serve global creative communities.
GenPBR is a free, client-side PBR (Physically Based Rendering) texture generator that transforms flat textures into dynamic, lifelike surfaces for arch-viz professionals, CAD artists, cinematic creators, and game developers. Built entirely in the browser with WebGL and Canvas API, it processes all data locally, ensuring complete privacy and security.
This product exemplifies our commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and serving creative communities worldwide—all while maintaining our Minneapolis headquarters and contributing to Minnesota's technology ecosystem.
Several software firms in the arch-viz space have expressed interest in commercial licensing, integrating GenPBR directly into their designer, interior design, and client-facing products. We will begin developing these commercial integrations in late 2025, continuing into 2026, creating new revenue streams and expanding our impact within the professional architecture and design software ecosystem.
Serving arch-viz studios, 3D artists, and game developers worldwide, demonstrating our ability to build products that resonate with professional creative communities.
Client-side processing with WebGL acceleration, demonstrating advanced browser-based technology and privacy-first architecture.
Successful monetization launch with strong early adoption, validating product-market fit and sustainable revenue model.
GenPBR demonstrates our capability to build innovative, scalable products that attract global users while maintaining our Minneapolis headquarters. This success story proves our ability to execute on ambitious technology projects, validate product-market fit, and generate sustainable revenue—all key indicators that grant funding will be effectively utilized to create jobs and drive economic growth in Minnesota.
Our business model and growth plans directly align with key Minnesota grant programs and economic development initiatives for 2025-2026.
Program Focus: Supporting innovative startups and technology companies that drive economic growth and create high-wage jobs in Minnesota. Maximum award: ~$35,000 (2:1 match reimbursement).
Specific Milestone: Hire 1 Minnesota-based developer + implement the commercial licensing SDK module for GenPBR by Month 6.
Matching Requirement: We understand the 2:1 match requirement (we spend $2, receive $1 reimbursement) and have budgeted accordingly for upfront spending.
Program Focus: Federal Small Business Innovation Research program supporting R&D and commercialization. Typical Phase I awards: $50,000-$250,000.
Specific Milestone: Develop and test the AI/automation module which supports GenPBR commercial licensing and integrate into partner tool-chains by Month 12.
Program Focus: Provides financial incentives up to $2 million to new and expanding businesses that meet job creation and capital investment targets. Requires documented hiring plan, salary benchmarks, and Minnesota location/impact.
Specific Milestone: Create 5 full-time Minnesota-based positions by end of Month 24, each with salary > $75k.
Documentation Ready: We have prepared detailed hiring timeline, salary budget, Minnesota-based operations plan, commercialization path, and metrics for small business/SME customer growth in Minnesota.
We're actively seeking micro-grants ($2,000 - $10,000) for immediate deployment. These smaller grants allow us to start making impact right away while pursuing larger funding opportunities. Every dollar is put to work within 30 days.
Why Micro-Grants Matter:
Strategic Approach: We're applying to multiple grant programs in parallel—from micro-grants ($2k-$10k) to larger programs ($30k+). This diversification strategy reduces risk, demonstrates resourcefulness, and shows grant providers we're committed to sustainable growth regardless of any single award outcome.
Flexibility: We welcome grants of any size. Multiple micro-grants can be combined for larger initiatives, and we can start making impact immediately with any amount received.
Creating high-wage technology jobs that contribute to Minneapolis's growing tech sector and attract talent to the region.
Enabling Minnesota small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to compete globally through affordable, enterprise-grade technology solutions. Our mission of making technology accessible to Minnesota businesses directly aligns with state priorities for digital transformation and economic development. Visit nsg.mn to learn more about our services.
Positioning Minneapolis as a technology innovation hub, attracting investment and establishing the region as a leader in AI and automation.
Building platforms for mission-driven organizations, amplifying their ability to serve Minnesota communities.
Grant funding will be strategically allocated with lean operations principles, maximizing impact per dollar while creating high-wage jobs and developing commercial licensing opportunities. Our remote-first approach allows us to operate efficiently while maintaining strong Minnesota presence.
North Star Global operates as a lean, remote-first company while maintaining strong local presence in Minneapolis. This approach allows us to maximize efficiency, reduce overhead costs, and attract top talent regardless of location, while still contributing to Minnesota's economy through local hiring, partnerships, and business development activities.
Hiring 3-5 key technology professionals to support growth, including developers for commercial licensing integrations and product expansion. Remote-first with local Minnesota presence.
Essential development tools, cloud infrastructure, security systems, and commercial licensing platform development
Development of commercial licensing integrations for arch-viz software firms, product enhancements, and R&D
Across three strategic phases, we're pursuing diversified funding to create 3-5 high-wage Minnesota jobs, develop commercial licensing opportunities, and accelerate product growth—all while maintaining our efficient, remote-first operations with strong Minneapolis headquarters presence. Learn more at nsg.mn.
Months 1-6
Launch Minnesota ($30k)
Months 7-12
SBIR Phase I ($150k)
Months 13-24
Job Creation Fund ($200k)
Successfully delivered with proven results
Strong momentum and expanding client base
Cutting-edge technology and modern solutions
Committed to local economic development
We leverage the latest AI, automation, and cloud technologies to deliver innovative solutions. Our flagship product GenPBR demonstrates our ability to build advanced browser-based applications with WebGL and client-side processing.
Our solutions are built with security, scalability, and reliability as core principles, ensuring long-term success for our clients.
We're committed to making a positive impact, both through our work with clients and our support for social impact organizations.
Deeply connected to Minnesota's business community while maintaining the expertise to serve clients worldwide.
Together, we can drive Minnesota's digital future, create high-wage jobs, and establish Minneapolis as a recognized technology innovation hub. Let's discuss how grant funding can accelerate our shared vision. Visit nsg.mn to learn more about our mission, services, and impact.