March 26, 2020

During these challenging times, the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation continues to provide services to businesses and communities in northeastern Minnesota.

All agency services remain available, and we are striving to operate in as normal a manner as possible. We will continue to keep you updated, and you can find the latest news on our website. 

Below are a variety of useful resources for businesses, communities and individuals. 

Stay Home, Stay Safe

Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have taken decisive action to curb the spread of COVID-19, support our health care providers and facilities and mitigate the impact on Minnesota families. Information from the Governor’s Office is especially important during this unprecedented time. The information can be helpful to schools, neighborhoods, small and large businesses, communities of all sizes across the state, families, employees and employers, people in need of assistance or services and health care and emergency workers. Governor's COVID-19 webpage for resources and news alerts to stay up-to-date during this ever-evolving situation Online newsroom with their latest press releases, statements and other information Executive Orders

Minnesota small businesses now eligible for SBA disaster loans

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in our economy, but small businesses have been particularly hard hit. That’s why Gov. Walz requested an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). 

Online applications for these loans are open to Minnesota businesses at  https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

A few more details:

• This program can provide low-interest loans of up to $2 million to small businesses and private nonprofits.
• These loans can go toward working capital to meet needs including payroll, accounts payable, and fixed debt payments that can’t be paid due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The current interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The nonprofit rate is 2.75%.
• These loans have long-term repayment options, up to a maximum of 30 years.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan webpage

DEED creates emergency loan program for Minnesota small businesses

Following Gov. Walz's Executive Order 20-15, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has established a loan program to assist small businesses directly and adversely affected and whose industry is named in Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08 following the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses are a vital part of Minnesota’s economy, and this program will provide a source of working capital to help businesses sustain operations during this challenging time.

Learn more about the program.

Latest COVID-19 information from DEED for employers, businesses and workers

Additional resources for businesses and communities

County The six counties within the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation service area have information on their websites dedicated to COVID-19 and its impact on their services to the public. Updates are available related to courthouses and other county buildings, landfill and solid waste sites, permits and licenses, and social and family services. Aitkin County Cook County St. Louis County Itasca County Lake County Koochiching County Local The Northeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center’s national office created a webpage providing up-to-date information and resources for small businesses. Check this webpage often as news and programs are changing daily and hourly. State The State of Minnesota has special COVID-19 information on its websites for businesses related to: Sales tax payment extension for eligible businesses Unemployment insurance information for employers Federal The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) established a new webpage dedicated to COVID-19 Tax Relief for taxpayers: individuals, organizations and businesses. The webpage will be continually updated. IRS COVID-19 webpage The U.S. Department of Labor developed guidelines for how businesses can prepare their workplace for COVID-19. Learn more.

The Ranger is a publication of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. Our mission is to invest resources to foster vibrant growth and economic prosperity in northeastern Minnesota.

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