 Many small businesses in Hennepin County have experienced significant financial and operational hardship as a result of the recent federal immigration enforcement surge.
The Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is offering grants of $3,000 to $10,000 to help businesses impacted by the surge overcome short-term financial hurdles. This investment of $2 million in total will enable businesses to remain in their communities and prevent widespread blight in Hennepin County. Grant funds can be used for up to two months of commercial rent or mortgage payments.
Read details and apply for the Small Business Recovery Fund.
Environmental education professionals from across the metro gathered virtually on March 11 to learn the ins and outs of hosting swap events from experts Emily Barker from Reuse Minnesota and Twila Singh from the City of Edina. Swap events are a fun, sustainable way to reduce waste, share resources, build community, and support local reuse efforts.
Resources
Use these resources to help you plan and host your next (or first!) swap event.
Upcoming network meetings
There will be three more network meetings in 2026. Keep an eye on this newsletter and our environmental education network Facebook group for details.
Wednesday, March 25, from 2 to 3 p.m. and Wednesday, April 15, from noon to 1 p.m.
 Wildfire smoke is becoming a more common part of summer, and children are among those most vulnerable to its health effects. Join staff from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for a webinar that gives youth program leaders practical tools to make decisions on unhealthy air quality days. Learn how air quality is monitored, how wildfire smoke affects the body, symptoms to watch for, and steps to reduce exposure.
Register for a wildfire smoke and health webinar.
The following organizations received funding through the Hennepin County Green Partners program. Organizations receive training, support, and funding to implement projects that engage residents to learn about, protect, and improve the environment.
Save the Food: save money, time, and the planet
Thursday, April 9 from 7 to 8 p.m., virtual on Zoom
The Tangletown, Kingfield, and Lyndale neighborhood organizations are hosting a free workshop series as part of their Green Partners project focused on helpful tips to reduce food waste.
Join the first workshop, Save the Food, to learn smart shopping strategies, simple kitchen habits, and storage tips that help your groceries last longer from Hennepin County Food Waste Prevention Specialist Jenny Kedward. She’ll also share how the county is expanding support to help residents make an even bigger impact.
Register to attend a Save the Food workshop.
EcoAlpha Zero Waste Youth Ambassadors
 EcoAlpha, a youth-led nonprofit, is focusing their Green Partners project on zero waste practices through the Zero Waste Youth Ambassadors project. They developed a pamphlet and podcast centered around reducing waste in daily routines.
Hijabi Thrift pop-up with Amanah Recreational Project
 Amanah Recreational Project set out to make a difference in clothing waste by creating events for Muslim women to shop for pre-loved modest clothing. These events lower the demand for new clothing, while satisfying the desire for a retail shopping experience. Watch a video to learn more about the Hijabi Thrift pop-up event.
League of Women Voters motivates organics recycling
 League of Women Voters Minneapolis member Mary and her neighbor Julie worked to get organics recycling available for everyone in their 100+ unit apartment building by working with a Hennepin County recycling specialist. Residents are now sharing tips and tricks about organics recycling with their neighbors, one banana peel and egg carton at a time!
Learn more
HennepinCounty.gov/environmentaleducation
Environmental education network Facebook group
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