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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Minneapolis Crime Plan Briefing & Conversation

Featuring Mayor Jacob Frey & Economic Development & Inclusion Policy Director Shauen Pearce
Thursday, July 2, at 1 p.m., via Zoom | Register

 All Minneapolis businesses are invited to attend a crime plan briefing & conversation addressing the recent uptick in activities impacting businesses, retailers and neighborhoods.

No cost to attend. Upon registration you will receive an e-mail with the Zoom connection information. Please register to receive the connection information.

Hosted by: Minnesota Retailers Association, Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Southwest Business Association, MetroIBA, Warehouse District Business Association, Lake Street Council, Uptown Association, Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, East Town Business Partnership, NuLoop Partners, Minnesota Service Station and Convenience Store Association, Hospitality Minnesota & others.


DEED COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Applications Deadline July 2

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has opened the application period for the Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants Program.  Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2.

This program will provide $10,000 grants to small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility requirements and application information can be found online at DEED’s Small Business Relief Grants page.


DEED COVID-19 Cultural Mall Operator Relief Grants

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has opened applications for the Cultural Mall Operator Grants Program.  This program will make grants up to $250,000 to Minnesota-based operators of privately owned, permanent indoor retail space and food markets that have an ethnic cultural emphasis. A total of $2.5 million is available for grant awards.

At least 50% of the grant must be used to forgive the rent of existing tenants. In order to receive benefits through the operator grant, a tenant subgrantee must meet the same eligibility requirements as applicants for the Small Business Relief Grants Program.

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2020.


Deadline Extended: City of Minneapolis Seeking Disaster Declaration for Areas Impacted by Civil Unrest

The City of Minneapolis, in partnership with Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota, is seeking a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for the areas impacted by the recent civil unrest in Minneapolis. A disaster declaration would make low-interest property damage and economic injury loans available through the SBA.

The City needs your help to receive this declaration. We are seeking additional information from businesses owners and property owners who:

  • sustained building damage, e.g. fire damage, or business loss, e.g. damaged inventory, and
  • do not expect losses to be fully covered by insurance (40% or more uninsured loss)

If this describes your situation, please complete this survey no later than Monday, July 6.

For questions or assistance completing the survey, contact the Small Business Team at 612-673-2499 or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.  Assistance in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong available.


COVID- 19 Preparedness Plans

Non-Critical Sector businesses and employers must develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan prior to reopening. Businesses must ensure the Plan is evaluated, monitored, executed, and updated under the supervision of a designated Plan Administrator. Employers must ensure the Plan is posted at all of the business's workplaces in readily accessible locations that will allow for the Plan to be readily reviewed by all workers, as required.

By June 29, Critical Sector businesses are also required to develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.  For COVID-19 Preparedness Plan templates, please visit dli.mn.gov/updates.

See the City’s website for additional guidance for Minneapolis businesses. 


Minneapolis Mask Ordinance Reminder

Minneapolis Mayor Frey’s emergency regulation requiring people in Minneapolis to wear cloth face masks or coverings when they are in an indoor place of public accommodation is in effect.  More information on the City’s face covering ordinance here.

Businesses can download mask requirement posters and other print materials from the City’s website

The City has also been notified that some individuals have presented cards or flyers claiming to be “Face Mask Exempt”, citing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and with the Department of Justice seal.  These are not issued or endorsed by any government entity


Hoax Voicemails to Small Business Owners

We have received reports of voicemails being left at Minneapolis businesses describing “antifa attacks” in the area in a possible hoax campaign about to increase fear in the business community. If you have received similar messages please contact your Crime Prevention Specialist.


Additional Resources

SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19.

We Love Lake Street Recovery Fund

Applications are open for the Lake Street Council’s We Love Lake Street Recovery Fund. This fund will provide grants of up to $25,000 to businesses and non-profits in the Lake Street area who sustained damage in the recent civil unrest.

Additional eligibility information and application here.

Nexus Business Legacy Program

The Business Legacy Program, through Nexus Community Partners, assists business owners who are seeking help to develop succession and exit planning strategies.

Nexus (a MN nonprofit) provides technical support to business owners interested in exploring the benefits of employee-owned business models in their succession planning. Selling all or part of a business to employees can be an important option for owners looking to exit or restructure their business. It can be an opportunity to access new capital, gain tax benefits, motivate employees, and secure the legacy of the business. Owners can have a controlled transition at their own pace.

Learn more on their website or contact btsai@nexuscp.org to schedule a free consultation to discuss succession planning for your business.


City of Minneapolis logo

For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact kelly.stacken@minneapolismn.gov

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-263-6850.

Para asistencia 612-673-2700, Yog xav tau kev pab, hu 612-673-2800, Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

minneapolismn.gov