A broad coalition of Twin Cities counties, chambers of commerce, community development agencies and other partners have announced Business4Business Minneapolis-Saint Paul (B4B MSP), a regional coalition that aims to build a local support network to help small businesses survive and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges facing our small business community.  In addition to regional partners, local partners of the coalition include the Carver County CDA, Norwood Young America Area Chamber of Commerce, SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce, Waconia Chamber of Commerce, and the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce

The goal of B4B MSP is to support our resilient small business community through these unprecedented times and continue to drive inclusive economic growth that strengthens our communities at home and across the state. Businesses in the Greater Minneapolis Saint Paul region account for 64.5% of jobs and 68.7% of annual revenue in the state of Minnesota. Of all businesses in the region, 83% have fewer than 20 employees.  This is true of Carver County where small businesses account for a large majority of businesses in the county. These small businesses have been the most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and have been least able to access first-come, first-served business relief funding.

This will be done by connecting small businesses impacted by recent events with local resources from public agencies and private sector partners who have historically worked together to support community and economic vitality. The coalition, through a campaign, will collect resources, including technical and financial assistance, to provide immediate relief and boost long-term recovery efforts.  Please see the FAQ sheet to learn more.

To support the effort with financial or technical assistance donations for small businesses in the Greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul region, including Carver County, visit www.Business4BusinessMSP.com.

If you are a business that has been affected by recent challenges, applications for financial and/or technical assistance will be accepted soon, so please check back.

For more information, please contact Chuck Swanson at 952-556-2778 or via email at [email protected].