Individual businesses and nonprofits affected by the Covid-19 pandemic are eligible to apply for grants up to $7,500, but time is running out to get your application in.
Applications are due at noon on Friday, January 22.
All applicants must use the following guidelines when applying:
* You must be located in the applicable county in the State of Minnesota or on adjacent tribal land.
* Have no current tax liens on file with the Secretary of State as of the time of application for a grant under this section.
* Was impacted by an executive order related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
* A county must determine grant recipients and the grant amount awarded per grant.
* Each county may use the greater of $6,250 or 2.5 percent of the amount received under this program for administration costs incurred from making grants under this program. A county may contract with a third party to administer the grant program on behalf of the county.
* Grant funds must be used by the eligible business or nonprofit for operation expenses incurred during the Covid-19 pandemic. *Acceptable uses include but are not limited to: Property taxes, insurance costs, legal fees, payroll, rent, utilities, marketing/advertising, licensing fees, accounting fees, routine maintenance, travel/vehicle expenses, office supplies, repairs to the existing building and equipment.
* A county may award a grant to a business that is owned by a tribal government and located on tribal land if the business has voluntarily complied with Executive Orders No. 20-99.
* Nonprofits, nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit museums and nonprofit fitness centers that earn revenue similar to businesses, including but not limited to ticket sales and membership fees, are eligible for grants.
* The county will periodically report expenditures from this funding source required by the State.
Grants under this program must be awarded by March 15, 2021.
The Cook County government, Cook County/Grand Marais EDA, North Eastern Minnesota small Business Center and the Cook County Chamber of Commerce is administrating the grant application program.
Application and Guidelines can be found on the EDA website: prosperitynorth.com under programs and projects tab or directly here www.prosperitynorth.com/_b_state_of_mn_business_r.
Cook County was awarded $256,250 from the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (MDEED) for Business Relief Grants to fund this program.
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