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Elevate Hennepin is Hennepin County's initiative to help businesses start and grow.
Independent restaurants are essential to the vitality of our neighborhoods, and many are struggling to survive in the wake of the federal immigration enforcement surge. The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund, administered by the Minneapolis Foundation, is offering emergency grants to help keep these businesses open and thriving.
Applications are open now through February 23 for the first grant round. For the initial round, small, independently owned restaurants in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area will be prioritized. The grants will help cover hardships for ongoing restaurant operations and range from $2,500 to $10,000 in the first round.
Learn how to apply.
Businesses can also apply for the following grant opportunities:
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MN PROMISE Act – Round 2: Grants for working capital, payroll, rent, equipment, and other regular expenses. For-profit small businesses and some nonprofits in specific areas within Minneapolis and St. Paul with gross annual revenue of $750,000 or less and did not receive Round 1 funding are eligible. Mnpromiseact.org
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Economic Response Fund (Minneapolis Foundation): The fund includes an initial $4 million seeded by 28 Minnesota companies and individuals to support small businesses statewide. Initial distributions are expected in coming weeks. Learn more and apply
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Southeast Asian and Immigrant/Refugee Small Business Stabilization Grant: The Hmong American Partnership is offering grants of up to $5,000 to support Southeast Asian and immigrant/refugee business owners with brick-and-mortar businesses in the Greater Twin Cities area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their status by March 31, 2026. Learn more and apply
Many small businesses and nonprofits across Minnesota report significant challenges due to the federal immigration enforcement operation.
Elevate Hennepin is amplifying a metro-wide independent survey from the Lake Street Council to gather data, perspectives, and stories to help Lake Street Council and stakeholders understand these impacts and advocate for solutions. Take the survey today to report your impacts, no personal information required.
By investing in business owners, Hennepin County is building a foundation to create a more inclusive and thriving economy that strengthens communities.
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