Small business relief for restaurants, bars, and other food service establishments
The rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 cases throughout the state of Minnesota has required new public health measures to reduce the spread of the virus, including restrictions on restaurants, bars, and other food service establishments.
To mitigate the economic impacts of these restrictions, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners allocated $8 million in CARES Act funds on Tuesday, November 17, to support restaurants, bars, and food service establishments.
- Businesses who have not previously received Hennepin County Small Business Relief funds can apply for grants up to $15,000.
- Businesses who have previously received Hennepin County Small Business Relief funds can apply for additional grant funds up to $10,000.
These guidelines may be subject to change prior to the deadline. Please review them prior to submitting an application.
Application
- An online application form will be posted to this web page Monday, November 23.
- All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, December 1 at noon.
Eligible expenses
Hennepin County restaurants, bars, and food services establishments may apply for funds to cover costs including:
- Commercial rent/mortgage payments
- Utilities and other non-payroll operating expenses
- Supplier payments
- Personal protective equipment
- Costs to comply with public health guidance (https://staysafe.mn.gov)
- Other COVID-19 related expenditures
Eligible businesses
Locally-owned restaurants, bars, and food service establishments impacted by Minnesota Emergency Executive Order 20-96 issued on November 11, 2020, and/or Executive Order 20-74 issued on June 5, 2020.
Restaurants/food service establishments – For the purposes of this application, includes full- and limited-service restaurants; cafes; cafeterias and buffets; caterers; beverage bars; doughnut shops, bagel shops, and cookie shops with on-premises baking; coffee shops; ice-cream parlors; bowling alleys or similar entertainment venues offering food or beverages for on-premises consumption.
Bars/drinking places – For the purposes of this application, includes bars, taverns, nightclubs, tap rooms, distilleries, cideries, craft wineries offering food or beverages for on-premises consumption.
- Must have a fixed, permanent commercial (non-home-based) establishment in Hennepin County
- Must have fewer than 100 employees, under $6 million in annual revenue
- Must have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in effect, and staff dedicated to its implementation.
- Must be current on property taxes, if applicable
NOTE: Business owners with multiple locations may seek funding for each location, up to a maximum of three additional awards from this application round.
Ineligible Businesses
- Home-based businesses; food trucks; those without a permanent physical establishment
- Non-profit organizations
- Corporate chains, multi-state chains
- Businesses in default conditions prior to February 29, 2020
- Businesses that derive any income from adult entertainment
Common questions about the application form and process
- I don’t see a submit button: All three required boxes on the second page must be checked. Once all three boxes are checked a submit button will appear.
- I cannot check all three boxes because I am subject to backup withholdings: Please contact development@hennepin.usfor more information.
- How do I know you received my application? You will receive a confirmation email from Hennepin County acknowledging your submission.
- I pressed the submit button but did not receive a confirmation from Hennepin County: If you do not receive a confirmation, first check your spam or junk mail. If you don’t see it there, we did not receive your submission. Please revisit the form or fill out a new form. All information must be filled out correctly on all the pages.
- I cannot sign the form: To sign the form, place your cursor in the signature box. A pop will appear. Using the paintbrush tool or your mouse, sign your name in the box, then click on the green check mark. Click to view video tutorial.
- I pressed the submit button but nothing happens: Please review the information provided on previous pages to ensure that all of the requested information is provided. Once all of the required information is provided you will be able to submit the application. You will receive a confirmation email from Hennepin County acknowledging your submission.
- I have an EIN number but file my taxes with my social security number because I file under my own name: We prefer that you use your EIN. If you have an EIN but file your business taxes with your SSN, please fill out the form using your SSN.
Translation Services Available
Hennepin County offers free interpreter services upon request. Please call 612-348-9812 / economic.development@hennepin.us.
