NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 12, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Matthew Johnson
Director, Planning & Community Development Department
218-725-5008
Application period to open January 19 for Phase 3 of St. Louis County Small Business Relief Grants
The application period for Phase 3 of St. Louis County's Small Business Relief Grants will run January 19 through February 3. The Minnesota Legislature has given $3.8 million to St. Louis County for COVID relief assistance for small businesses and eligible non-profits hurt by the pandemic.
Grants will be targeted towards those businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic, as well as by closure or reduced operations resulting from the Executive Orders. Qualifying non-profits are also eligible, consistent with state legislation.
Grant awards will be structured based upon number of employees, ranging from up to $15,000 for business and non-profits with under 20 full and part-time employees, to up to $45,000 for applicants with over 300 employees. Due to an anticipated high demand for Phase 3 funds, grant amounts may be adjusted, and not all grant applications will be funded. Grants will be awarded by March 15.
An information meeting will be offered on January 15 at 9 a.m. A link to join the meeting can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/CARES, along with Phase 3 guidelines and application instructions. Video from the meeting will be posted afterward for anyone unable to join live.
To be eligible, businesses and non-profits must be physically located in St. Louis County, have no current tax liens on record with the Secretary of State at the time of application; and must have been impacted by a Minnesota Executive Order related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds can be used to cover direct COVID-19 related expenses, as well as operating expenses including, rent, mortgage, utilities, real estate taxes and insurance; and even for payroll.
"We know these are challenging times for our business community and we are thankful to our state lawmakers who pushed to offer this relief," said Matthew Johnson, St. Louis County Planning and Community Development Director. "We are working hard to ensure these funds will be distributed as quickly and fairly as possible to do the most good."
The application period begins January 19 at 9 a.m.. and concludes February 3 at 4:30 p.m. No late applications will be accepted.
During the Phase 3 Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant application period, St. Louis County staff will be available to answer questions by phone at (218) 725-5000 or by email at CARES@stlouiscountymn.gov
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