Small businesses are critical to Carver County’s economy, and the upcoming days and weeks hold uncertainty for all of us. However, as a small business owner, there are a lot of resources out there to help you navigate some of this uncertainty. Below are some of these resources you can access now, and many contain links to other resources. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your local chamber, city, or the Carver County CDA.
Business Re-opening Resources
Department of Employment and Economic Development
Comprehensive information on reopening businesses, including what businesses are open, what cannot be open yet, and examples of what you can and cannot do.
View a sample template and checklist of guidelines for creating a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan which is required in order to open (template and checklist are located about halfway down the page)
Resources for Retailers (and other businesses)
The Minnesota Retailers Association has put together a number of different resources for all types of businesses, including best practices and free downloads of signs that can be posted.
Target has shared its lessons learned including example templates and checklists.
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Best Practices
Best practices put together based upon the feedback received by employers in numerous industries.
Resources for Small Businesses
Business District Resource Toolkit
A toolkit for businesses and business districts that offers new and creative ideas on how to address some of the barriers businesses are facing during COVID-19.
Executive Order 20-20 provides an exemption for workers who work in a Critical Sector and cannot perform their work duties at home. DEED’s website provides a list of resources to determine if your business is critical and how to go about requesting an exemption.
A special section has been established to help businesses and taxpayers who may be affected by COVID-19.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue has granted a 30 day grace period for payment of the monthly Sales and Use Tax Payment due March 20, 2020.
One-on-one assistance where business owners will be connected with experts to help develop strategies for their businesses such as operations and personnel management and help to navigate the different funding resources at the federal, state and local levels.
Information for businesses about who can be open, templates for a business preparedness plan, and other important resources to ensure the safety of employees and others.
Minnesota Small Business Guide
A summary guide of state and federal programs to help businesses figure out what be right for them.
Business Readiness for COVID-19
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has created a special page on their website with up to date information for businesses. They are also asking for businesses to participate in a short survey to help learn what Minnesota businesses are doing.
View the most up to date information from the Centers for Disease Control.
Minnesota Department of Health
The Minnesota Department of Health has several pages set up regarding COVID-19, including general materials and resources as well as specific information for businesses and employers.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has put together information for workers and employers.
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Shared Work Program
The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program Shared Work program is available to employers to help avoid a layoff. Employees work reduced hours during a temporary slowdown and are paid unemployment benefits to offset part of their reduced wages.
MinneInno is compiling resources and webinars that may be of interest to businesses, including information on remote working and five steps to take regarding businesses decisions during this time.
Explore Minnesota is providing information specific to tourism-related industries.
Business Assistance during COVID-19
Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
Offers up to an 80% guarantee for loans to businesses affected by COVID-19 to assist with machinery and equipment, moving expenses or working capital.
The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to businesses who are suffering substantial losses. Note: Minnesota is now eligible.
The SBA has developed a video to help answer questions and provide tips for applying. It is available on demand 24/7 and is the same training that is being provided daily in their live events.
DEED Small Business Relief Grants
From June 23 to July 2, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will be accepting applications for grants funds to small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19.
A listing of what individual banks are doing and programs they are offering to assist small businesses. Look here to see if your bank if offering additional programs.
Starting April 3, 2020 small businesses can apply for forgivable loan funds to help pay payroll, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities.
Workers
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program
If a worker has been affected by COVID-19, they can apply for unemployment benefits through the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program. On March 16, 2020 an executive order was issued to ensure that workers affected by COVID-19 have full access to unemployment benefits.
The Minnesota Department of Labor has put together information about worker protections and specifically as it relates to COVID-19.
CareerForce in Chaska provides support and resources for job seekers.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Unemployment benefits for those self-employed workers and independent contractors who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits.
General Business Programs
Carver County Open to Business
Open to Business is still available to small businesses and entrepreneurs; however, they are limiting their face to face contact, but are available via phone, video conference and email.
Carver County Advisor: Tyler Hilsabeck
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-789-8838
Other Resources
Minnesota Retailers Association
The Minnesota Retailers Association has put together resources specifically for retailers
Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline
Resources for farmers including helplines for stress, daily living and financial matters.
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