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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn
Marinan, Communications, 612-348-5969
Small business relief investment reaches $25 million
The board authorized an additional $10 million of federal CARES Act funding to support small businesses.
The county has already authorized more than $15 million of funding to support small and self-employed businesses, bringing the total to $25 million of assistance.
The Hennepin County Small Business Relief Program received 2,290 applications representing 36 cities. A total of 1,056 applications were selected via randomized lottery for funding consideration. This additional funding is expected to support the remaining eligible businesses.
The deadline for self-employed entrepreneurs has been extended to Friday, June 5.
Culturally specific support for people experiencing homelessness
The board approved $200,000 for added crisis outreach and housing navigation services for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Support will be focus on the Native American community, which is disproportionally affected by homelessness.
The county will work with the American Indian Community Development Corp and Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center to provide services.
The added resources will help connect more people with shelter/housing more rapidly, which will also help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Job search tools for those impacted by COVID-19
The board allocated $2.5 million of federal CARES Act funding to organizations serving people who were laid off, furloughed, or unemployed due to COVID-19.
The county will partner with Twin West Chamber of Commerce to create an app that will connect job seekers, students, parents and teachers with career exploration tools and open jobs, called “Elevate Futures.”
Organizations can also use funding to provide:
- Assistance to apply for unemployment insurance
- Support services for basic needs
- Training
- Services to prepare for a return to work
- For employers – help securing the talent they need
- For youth – career exploration, employment, training, and technology to ensure successful distance learning
Remembrance, reflection or service employee leave
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, the board approved up to 16 hours of paid leave for all benefit-earning county employees for remembrance, reflection or service to the community.
Hennepin County is committed to the health and wellness of its employees. This program will give employees time to grieve, offer support to our communities most affected by the death of Floyd, and help restore communities damaged during ensuing violence.
Current and archival board meetings, agendas and minutes are available at hennepin.us/boardmeetings.
Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.
Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.
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