The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is offering $64.2 million in relief grants to Minnesotan-owned and operated businesses and nonprofits that have suffered economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The application window closes at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29.

Grant recipients of the Main Street COVID Relief Grants Program are chosen by DEED. Eligible businesses and nonprofits can apply for grant amounts as follows:

• $10,000 – 6 FTEs or less.
• $15,000 – Between 7 and 49 FTEs
• $20,000 – Between 50 and 99 FTEs
• $25,000 – Between 100 and 200 FTEs

Businesses that are majority-owned by military veterans, women, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color individuals; employ 6 people or fewer; and/or did not receive previous assistance from other state relief programs will be prioritized.

To qualify, an applicant must:

• Be private for-profit business or non-profit organization (that earns revenue in ways similar to a business) with primary operations located in the state of Minnesota.
• Be at least 50% owned by one or more resident(s) of Minnesota.
• Employee the equivalent of 200 full-time workers or less.
• Be able to demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Minimum total sales or revenue of at least $10,000 for the 2020 or 2019 tax year.

Grant funds received by individual businesses shall be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, and other similar expenses that occur or have occurred since March 12, 2020, in the regular course of business. These are grants and no repayment will be required.

The application window closes at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29.

Visit DEED’s website for more information and to apply.

Businesses with questions should contact DEED at MSCRG.DEED@state.mn.us.