COVID-19 RAMSEY COUNTY BUSINESS RESOURCES

BUSINESS RECOVERY

NEW! MN Department of Employment & Economic Development: Small Business Emergency Loans. DEED will use their lender network to make loans between $2,500 and $35,000 for qualifying small businesses. The loans will be 50% forgivable and offered at a 0% interest rate. If other financing becomes available to small businesses that received an emergency loan, such as federal funding, the emergency loan must be repaid. More information on terms, eligibility and application process here. 

Open to Business is an approved lender for this program. Contact Ramsey County's Business Advisor, Noah Her for more information: nher@mccdmn.org or by phone at 612-294-1911.

Small Business Administration (SBA): Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program. This pilot program allows SBA Express Lenders authority to deliver expedited SBA-guaranteed financing on an emergency basis 

Small Business Administration (SBA): Small businesses in Minnesota are now eligible for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and can apply for a loan at SBA.gov/disaster.

Learn more at this website created for Minnesota here. 

Upcoming Loan Training for COVID-19 Related Economic Disruptions.

• Saturday, March 28, 9 am; Register or 1 pm; Register
• Monday, March 30, 1pm; Register, or 6 pm; Register
• Tuesday, March 31, 9am; Register, or 1 pm; Register
• Wednesday, April 1, 1 pm; Register, or 6 pm; Register 
• Thursday, April 2, 1 pm; Register, or 6 pm; Register
• Friday, April 3, 9 am; Register, or 1 pm; Register

Above is a 14 minute video if you have missed a webinar or are unable to join at these time. 

Saint Paul: Mayor Carter proposes $3.25 million Saint Paul Bridge Fund, which includes a $2.25 million investment to provide  $7,500 grants for immediate business expenses.

WORKFORCE

Shared Work Program:

The Shared Work program offers an alternative to layoffs for employers facing a temporary downturn in business.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Critical Sector Exemption Information: Guidance on Stay at Home Order

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: Summary of the recent Federal Legislation.

MN Department of Employment & Economic Development: Guidance to help you determine if your business is in a critical industry & Information and Resources for Employers and Businesses 

MN Department of Revenue: details on business tax changes – a 30-day Sales and Use Tax grace period for businesses required to suspend or reduce services

MN Chamber: Covid-19 Business Toolkit & Workplace Tips For Employees

Center for Disease Control: Guidance for Businesses and Employers

MN Department of Health: COVID-19 Information for Businesses and Employers

Small Business Administration (SBA): Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus

MEDA: Steps for BIPOC-Owned Businesses During COVID-19

Forge North: Resources and Links For Local Startups 

Springboard for the Arts: Resources for Artists, Creative Workers & Organizations

gener8tor: Minnesota Emergency
Response Program

American Bankers Association: Steps banks of all sizes have taken to respond to the crisis

Facebook: Small Business Grants Program

USBG National Charity Foundation: Bartender Emergency Assistance Program

Startup Space: Resources and Support for Startups and Small Businesses

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

The Unemployment Insurance program is ready to assist workers who can’t work, workers who have had their hours reduced, and workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To get more information about Unemployment Insurance or to apply for benefits, visit www.uimn.org.

Ramsey County Workforce Solutions DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM

The Dislocated Worker Program services are designed to help workers get back to work as quickly as possible and overcome difficult barriers to employment.

For more information, call 651-266-9890 or fill out this contact form.

Free employment services are available to all members of the public through Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and our service partner, CareerForce.