TO THE EDITOR:

$10,000 in grants for Minnesotan-owned and operated small businesses with 50 or less employees and who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus will be awarded in July with funds available in August. Funds can be used for payroll expenses, rent, mortgage, utilities and similar operational expenses beginning March 1st. 

Businesses who received federal PPP funds or EIDL funds can still apply for this grant. Online applications will be accepted here for only 10 days from Tuesday, June 23 through July 2.  The $60 million in funding come from the federal CARES Act and MN Dept of Employment and Economic Security emergency loan fund.

Half of the funds will be given to Greater Minnesota. Specific funding is designated for businesses with 6 or less employees, businesses owned by minorities, veterans and women, and indoor retail and food markets with an ethnic cultural emphasis. For Greater Minnesota, DEED will manage the application and lottery-style award process, and the Minnesota Initiative Foundations will disperse the funds.

One of our members, Majestic Creations will be printing and selling blue Big Lake Proud t-shirts for $20, with 25% of the proceeds going to The Wave Youth Center.  Businesses who offer a discount for area residents wearing the t-shirt will be listed on the back. Call them at 763-261-2174 or email Laurie Pearson at laurie@majestic-creations.com. 

The deadline to participate is July 10.  Members can also make a donation to The Wave Youth Center and have their names listed on the back but please email Laurie to ensure correct spelling. You can order your t-shirts or securely make a donation here!

Gloria Vande Brake, Executive Director

Big Lake Chamber