Dear Neighbors, I wanted to send a quick update on some important deadlines and events for our community. First and foremost is the upcoming submission deadline for the Main Street COVID Relief Grants. Main Street COVID Relief Grant Applications Due WednesdayThe Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is now accepting applications for the Minnesota Main Street COVID Relief Grant program. 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. In addition to the assistance for cultural malls, our work from this past session has totaled to $70 million in support for these businesses in just this new round of grants. Applicants that qualify and are selected will receive a grant amount 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 DEED's Main Street COVID Relief Grants Program page. DEED hosted an informational webinar on September 14 to go over the application process and answer questions from small business owners. You can watch a recording of that webinar on DEED's YouTube channel. If you have questions, you can email MSCRG.DEED@state.mn.us. Additionally, you will be able to find translated program information on our website in Hmong, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. You can also watch our How To Apply For The Minnesota Main Street COVID Relief Grant video in Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. Applications will close on September 29 at 11:59 p.m. Afterward, grant applications will be selected for consideration through a computer-generated, randomized selection process. Third Avenue Bridge Resident ConnectionYou’re invited to join MnDOT for an afternoon of fall outdoor family fun! The Third Ave. Bridge project team is hosting a resident connection event from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9 in the greenspace along the trail and Main Street SE between Central Ave and Hennepin Ave.  |