|
The Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR) will administer this funding and notify eligible businesses (restaurants, bars, gyms, and bowling Centers) through their e-Services account by December 31, 2020. Eligible business owners do not need to take any action to receive this aid. Payments will be mailed in early January 2021. For more information, please review eligibility, payment amounts, and the timeline.
The mpls downtown council announced Thursday, December 17 the mpls downtown small business grant program to support small and independently owned businesses. This program will serve to support businesses who are central to the downtown experience. To date, the grant program will provide $1.6 million to small and independently owned businesses within the mpls downtown central business district starting in January. Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply now through January 15, 2021 by visiting mplsdowntown.com/grants. Recipients will be awarded the week of January 25 and funds will be immediately dispersed.
New measure will help Minneapolis restaurants keep more of their delivery profits and support workers while continuing to prioritize public health.
On Monday, December 21, 2020, Mayor Frey signed Emergency Regulation 2020-20 which effectively places a 15-percent fee cap on what food service delivery platforms can charge participating restaurants. Emergency Regulation 2020-20 goes into effect at 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020.
If a licensed food establishment finds a third-party food service delivery platform not to be in compliance they may submit a written complaint by contacting Licenses and Consumer Services at businesslicenses@minneapolismn.gov. For questions about submitting your complaint, please feel free to leave a message at 612-673-2080. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, City staff members are primarily working remotely and may be delayed in responding to voicemail.
Current COVID-19 Business Restrictions
- Bars and restaurants are allowed to have outdoor dining limited to 50% capacity, or 100 customers. Indoor dining and drinking at the establishments will not be permitted at least through Jan. 11.
-
Fitness studios and gyms are able to be open at a quarter of their capacity with a 100 person limit. People must wear masks and maintain 12 feet of social distancing. Fitness classes can resume Jan. 4.
-
Youth sports teams will be able to start practicing on Jan. 4.
-
Family gatherings are allowed with one other household, up to 10 people, and up to two other households outside.
-
Outdoor entertainment venues can be open at 25% of their capacity, with a 100-person maximum.
Elevate Business HC is a new public/private initiative from Hennepin County and The Minneapolis Chamber offering pro bono services to businesses located in Hennepin County. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest, businesses have been greatly impacted and economic recovery is a priority. The goal of the program is to provide resources to help re-build, re-establish and re-ignite local businesses.
Elevate Business HC provides expertise in three areas:
-
Technical Assistance: One-on-one consultation with professional service providers to find solutions in a variety of areas including financing, human resources, technology, and many others
-
Peer-to-Peer Roundtables: Reoccurring and facilitated small group discussions segmented by industry and areas of participant interest with a focus on sharing best practices and problem solving
-
Topic-Driven Webinars: Industry and subject matter experts will discuss issues facing employers with a focus on workforce needs in remote environments during the COVID-19 pandemic
Learn more and register your business
Funding for Elevate Business HC is provided by Hennepin County through the Federal CARES Act.
We Love Lake Street Recovery Fund
The purpose of the We Love Lake Street (WLLS) initiative is to support the recovery and rebuilding of businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Lake Street corridor after the civil uprising that followed in the wake of the death of George Floyd. Applications are currently being accepted for Acquisition Grants and Predevelopment Grants, the current grant cycle on January 4, 2012. Note that these are two separate applications.
Acquisition Grant Application
The intent of the WLLS Acquisition Fund is to incentivize community-driven redevelopment within the Lake Street area. Specifically, this fund provides forgivable loans for the acquisition of destroyed properties by local entrepreneurs and nonprofits. Small business owners who were displaced by social unrest can also use the funds to help purchase a building on the Lake Street corridor.
Predevelopment Grant Application
The intent of the WLLS Predevelopment Fund is to incentivize community-driven redevelopment within the Lake Street area. Specifically, this fund provides grants for predevelopment costs including feasibility studies, environmental review, and architecture.
| 
