NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Matthew Johnson
Director, Planning & Community Development Department
218-725-5008
County receives 900 applications requesting $16.4 million in small business relief grants
The application period has closed for Phase 3 of St. Louis County's Small Business Relief Grants, and it is clear that the need is far greater than the funds that are available. During the 15-day application period, 900 businesses submitted requests totaling $16.4 million. The county has $3.8 million in funding from the state to offer in grants.
The St. Louis County Planning and Community Development Department is now sorting through the applications, removing those that are ineligible, and ranking others based upon the demonstrated need and the nature and importance of services the business provides in its community.
"We knew the need was great and I’m happy the county can provide some assistance," said Matthew Johnson, St. Louis County Planning and Community Development Director. "We need businesses to recognize that most will receive only a portion of what they requested, and some may not end up receiving a grant at this time. We certainly can appreciate the difficult position they are in, but we have less than a quarter of the funding needed to satisfy all of these requests.
"At the same time, I hope this serves as a reminder to all of our citizens to support the small businesses in their community," Johnson said, "and is evidence for our federal and state partners that more funding assistance is needed to help our business community weather these difficult times."
All Phase 3 Small Business Relief Grants will be awarded by March 15, although funding notifications will begin within the next few weeks.
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