COVID-19 Announcements and Resources

Redwood County offices have re-opened to the public with safety measures in place.

Please note, all business which can be conducted remotely will continue to do so.

We understand navigating announcements and resources regarding the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming. In an effort to consolidate reputable resources, we have developed this page for your convenience. As COVID-19 updates continue to evolve, we will strive to keep the information as current as possible. It is anticipated there will continue to be updates and the links included should lead you to the most current information as they go directly to the agency responsible. Please note this is not all resources available, but a compilation of resources which have been shared.

Department's Contact Info
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Redwood County COVID Small Business Grant

Redwood County received $1.9 million in Federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds through the State of Minnesota.  One of the eligible Fund uses is to provide financial assistance to for-profit and non-profit businesses in Redwood County negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The purpose of the Redwood County COVID Small Business Relief Grant program is to provide a one-time grant opportunity for businesses experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 health pandemic, adhering to federal rules and regulations associated with the CARES Act Funding.  The primary goal of the program is to facilitate business survival and enhance to the greatest extent possible retention of jobs throughout Redwood County.

Redwood County COVID Small Business Relief Grant Program is available to for-profit and non-profit businesses with a physical location in Redwood County.  Eligible businesses may request up to $10,000 per business.  Actual grant award will be based on the businesses economic injury, financial need and availability of grants funds.

Application will open September 1, 2020 and close at 4 pm on September 11, 2020.  Those interested are encouraged to review Redwood County COVID Small Business Relief Grant program guidelines and apply.

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Small Business Programs

  • Minnesota Small Business Relief Grant (DEED)
    • Program Summary:  Grant opportunity up to $10,000 for small businesses impacted by COVID pandemic.  Businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees are eligible.  Applications open June 23rd and closes at 5 pm on Thursday, July 2nd.  A randomized computer-generated lottery process will be used to select eligible business that will receive awards.  Funds must be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utilities and other similar business expenses.  View the full program here.
  • Small Business Administration (SBA)  Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Advance
    Please note as of 6/15/2020 SBA announced they are accepting new applications for small businesses and agricultural businesses. 
  • SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
    • Program Summary:  New federal $350 billion loan program at SBA for small businesses, self-employed people, and gig workers to help them from going under due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If employers maintain payroll, a portion of the loan will be forgiven.  Apply directly with a local lender.  
    • Flexibility Act (announced 6/12/2020): updates to the application process and terms of loan.  Review the full press release here.
  • SBA Express Bridge Loans
    • Program Summary:  Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with a SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly that can be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan.  Apply directly with your existing lender.
  • SBA Debt Relief
    • Program Summary:  For current SBA Serviced Disaster (Home and Business) Loans: If your disaster loan was in “regular servicing” status on March 1, 2020, the SBA is providing automatic deferments through December 31, 2020.
    • The SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months.
    • The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
  • Minnesota Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
    • Program Summary:  This program provides a 80% loan guarantee for loans up to $250,000 made by a qualified economic development lender within this program.  This program is intended to incent the private market to make loans to small businesses and provides the guarantee for those loan dollars.  Apply directly with a participating lender.
  • Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC) COVID Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
    • Program Summary:  For profit, non-profit and under some circumstances, local units of government who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic.  Business can be start-up, expansions or retention.  Loans up to $100,000 at 0% interest for the first 12 months, fixed interest rate as low as 1% below prime for remaining years.  Priority projects will be those to that assist  with preventing, preparing for, and responding to the pandemic.  View the program details here. Apply directly with Robin Weis, SRDC Deputy Director at [email protected] or (507) 836-1638.
  • Rapid Response
    • Program Summary for Employers Considering a Layoff:  If your organization is considering a major layoff or closing, involving DEED can help guide you through what will be a difficult process for the company and a difficult time for employees.  They will ensure you comply with federal regulations that apply to mass layoffs, bring a variety of services for your employees straight to your workplace, and even propose some useful alternatives.

View the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) guide to assistance small businesses identify which program is the right fit.

Broadband

Minnesota Office of Broadband – If you don’t have broadband or the current service does not support the necessary bandwidth to work from home or conduct elearning; a list of providers has been compiled.  Contact your provider to identify local programs being offered.

Unemployment

  • Minnesota Unemployment Insurance
    • Program Summary:  Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). That law includes several changes that may affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits. 
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program
    • Program Summary:   Congress authorized a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program that covers those who do not qualify for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits, such as independent contractors and self-employed people.  

MNSURE

MNsure – Special enrollment period for people who have lost health insurance

  • Need help navigating the system?  Contact United Community Action Partnership at (507) 637-2187 ext. 2158
  • MNsure phone number is (855) 366-7873 Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm

Tax Deadlines

U.S. Treasury, Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Department of Labor

Workplace Health and Safety

Safely Reopening MN Businesses

USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – COVID-19 Updates 

Homeland Security

U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Cyber + Infrastructure 

Nonprofits

Cares Act

Veterans

Minnesota Veterans COVID-19 Financial Assistance

  • Program Summary:  The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting applications from Minnesota Veterans who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. MDVA will be awarding one-time financial relief grants in the amount of $1,000.  View the program flyer here.

Child Care Providers

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