What started as an online auction has grown into a diverse and expansive traveling and virtual event with over 104 visual and performing artists and an online auction. Learn more and check out the schedule for this amazing celebration of art, music, community, racial justice, kindness and inclusion. LBA will be one of the organizations that benefit from donations raised.

Energy Smart is a local non-profit energy efficiency consulting organization funded by Xcel Energy – all services are provided free of charge. They offer a holistic approach to energy conservation in order to help commercial accounts identify energy cost savings opportunities and navigate utility rebate programs. Learn more about the Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program. Please complete and submit this survey to request free assistance from Energy Smart.

Check out this Locals Share Green Podcast featuring Anna Tsantir of Two Bettys Green Cleaning. This podcast is a sharing platform that honors and celebrates individuals from all walks of life, that are contributing to green local projects, groups, non-profits, businesses and more, with their time and energy. If you're a green business, learn more about listing through gogreenlocally.org . 

On July 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor issued additional guidance on return-to-work issues under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Enacted at the end of March, the FFCRA provides emergency paid sick leave, and paid family leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for certain workers affected by COVID-19. Read more here to get clarification on Paid Leave, Return to Work Positions and No Retaliation. 

Okome House is set to open August 1 at 4457 42nd Ave S. Headed by Chef Hide Tozawa of Kyatchi restaurant, Okome House will be offering beloved Japanese classics such as Donburi and Onigiri. These staples will feature cherished Japanese flavors alongside seasonal locally sourced ingredients to offer a spectacular dine-in and take-out experience. Okome House’s mission is to give diners an exceptionally authentic dining experienced while focusing on sustainable local ingredients and ethically sourced fish and seafood.

Apply for grants of up to $15k if your business has under 50 employees. If your business has yet to receive any relief funds, your application is highly prioritized! If your business has already received Hennepin County funds, you may still be eligible. Applications open July 30 and close August 12. Learn more and Apply. 

The new round of LISC Small Business Relief Grants for small businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of Covid-19. is now open with a deadline of Monday, August 3rd. Click here to apply. Before completing the application, please review the Grant Information and FAQ. 

For Lake Street Businesses: Lake Street Council currently has "Face Mask Required" window clings and social distancing posters for free in English and Spanish. They also have indoor/outdoor floor stickers - the first two stickers for free and a $5 donation for each additional sticker. You can order them via the LSC website and have them delivered or download the images from the website. 

For Minnehaha and Neighborhood Businesses: The City also has signage available in multiple languages, please contact kim@longfellowbusinessassociation.org for a pdf.