SAINT PAUL, MN – Applications for the Main Street COVID Relief Grants Program are open now through September 20th. Over $64 million is available in grants for Minnesota owned and operated businesses who faced demonstrable financial hardship because of COVID-19. Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, is encouraging all businesses to see if they apply for these grants.
“I am pleased that more grants will now be available to help small businesses still trying to recover from the pandemic closures,” said Robbins. “Although it is great our businesses can now be open without restrictions, many are still not able to fully open due to the labor shortage and supply chain problems. Small businesses continue to struggle and I hope this helps them be able to stay afloat until the economy improves.”
Businesses that are majority-owned by military veterans, women, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color individuals; employ 6 people or fewer; and/or did not receive previous assistance from other state relief programs will be prioritized in the selection process. Grant amounts will total between $10,000 and $25,000 based on the number of full-time equivalent (FTEs) employees on staff. To be eligible, businesses must operate in Minnesota and be majority owned by a resident of Minnesota. Additional eligibility requirements and application information can be found at https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/deed-programs/emergency-programs/main-street/.