Local funding opportunities to support businesses impacted by COVID-19
New application round
Hennepin County is announcing the availability of $10 million towards a new round of emergency funding for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Eligible small businesses may apply for grants of up to $15,000 to support emergency relief and costs associated with reopening under public health guidelines.
Applications will be accepted Thursday, July 30 at noon through Wednesday, August 12 at noon.
Funding may be used for:
- Commercial rent or mortgage payments
- Utility payments
- Inventory costs
- Paying other direct business-related bills
- Costs incurred to purchase supplies including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Technological improvements to online platforms essential to operations during COVID-19
View the application guidelines below for more information about eligible expenses.
Eligibility
To qualify, businesses must:
- Be a locally-owned, for-profit business with a permanent physical establishment in Hennepin County impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
- Employ at least one employee other than an owner and not more than 50 employees
- Be registered and in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State, if required
- Be able to demonstrate financial hardship due to COVID-19
- Have operated and generated revenue in Hennepin County on or before January 15, 2020
Priority will be given to businesses that have received $5,000 or less in COVID-19 related emergency relief funding from other local, county, and state sources.
Eligible businesses that have received a prior Hennepin County Small Business Relief Fund grant can apply for additional funds up to a combined total of $15,000 for eligible expenses as described below. The minimum grant amount is $2,500.
