 Elevate Hennepin is Hennepin County's initiative to help businesses start and grow.
The Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) is making approximately $2 million available in the form of grants to help businesses impacted by the recent federal immigration enforcement surge overcome short-term financial hurdles, enabling them to remain in business in their communities and to prevent widespread blight in Hennepin County.
Eligible small businesses may receive one-time grants between $3,000 and $10,000 to help cover two months’ business rent or commercial mortgage payments as they navigate reduced foot traffic, temporary closures due to safety concerns, workforce disruptions, and other impacts.
The HCHRA has engaged NextStage, a nonprofit community-based lender that provides business advising and small business financing, to provide grant administration services.
Key dates
- Application opened at 4 p.m. today, Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- Application closes: 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026
 Elevate Hennepin financial management advisors share some of their best practices to prepare for relief funding or grants in a crisis.
Advisors Lee Hall and Hiromi Yokoi, from NextStage, and Kathy Pyle, from Clear Talk Accounting, say the most important things are preparedness, responsiveness, and clarity.
Read their best practices and how to get support with the Hennepin County Small Business Recovery Fund or other opportunities.
Join an information session to learn about these recovery grants from Hennepin County staff including eligibility, how to prepare for an application, and opportunity to ask questions.
Information session one
Online event, March 20, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Register today
Information session two
Online event, March 23, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Register today
In-person support will be available through the grant application period. This is your opportunity to work with Elevate Hennepin staff, ask questions, get assistance completing the application form, or identify an advisor for further support. Translation services will be available at multiple events, noted below, walk-ins welcome.
Thursday, March 19
Brooklyn Park Small Business Center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
7970 Brooklyn Park Boulevard, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 55445
Augsburg Park Library in Richfield, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
7100 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield, Minnesota, 55423
Mercado Central, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
1515 Lake Street East, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55407
Spanish translation support available
Friday, March 20
Ridgedale Library, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, Minnesota, 55305
Monday, March 23
Bloomington Zawadi Center, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
1701 American Boulevard East, Suite 15, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55425
Somali translation support available
Plaza Mexico, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
417 Lake Street East, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55408
Spanish translation support available
Star Tribune | Hennepin County grants $2M to small business for rent, mortgage
WCCO Radio News | Hennepin County launches small business recovery fund
KARE 11 | Applications open for Small Business Recovery Funds in Hennepin County
Businesses can also apply for the following grant opportunities:
Bloomington Small Business Assistance Grant: Businesses located in Bloomington, with a brick-n-motor location, that have experienced financial and operational disruptions due to federal immigration enforcement may be eligible to receive one-time grants up to $10,000 to help cover two months of business rent or mortgage. Applications will remain open until April 20, 2026, or until funds have been awarded.
Check your eligibility and apply
Minnetonka Emergency Business Fund: Businesses located in Minnetonka can apply now for up to $2,500. This fund offers one-time assistance to local businesses that have experienced an emergency or unforeseen circumstances that threaten the business operation and jeopardize job retention for employees.
Check your eligibility and apply
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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