Assistance with Minimum Length array function

I'm trying to find a way to discern the minimum length within an array. I need that value to preform certain search functions. The formula I'm attempting to use is: {=MIN(LEN(A1:A9))} This constantly fails me. I have tried searching around, but I'm not finding what I need to make this work. I'll attach my example workbook as a reference. As you can see the minimum length is the same formula all the way down, but each cell returns a value specific to the row number it is embedded in.

Any help with this issue would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance!