We know mentoring helps small businesses survive and thrive. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with a SCORE mentor, get free resources and information from popular companies, and participate in online peer support discussions. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 pm - Learn more and register here.

The State of Minnesota has authorized retail businesses to partially reopen so long as they offer curbside pickup and delivery and follow certain guidelines to maintain customer and employee safety. The MN Chamber has several useful guides and webinars for how to re-open safely - specific for office workplaces, customer facing business and industrial businesses. Learn more ... 

The SBA’s Minnesota District Office is hosting several training webinars to provide more general technical assistance and are a part of the Money Smart for Small Business program developed collaboratively by the FDIC and SBA.
To learn more and register today, visit the links below:

• SBA Small Business Record Keeping 
  May 4, 1:00 PM
  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/104143740732
• SBA MoneySmart Risk Management Training
  May 6, 1:00 PM
  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/104144741726

• SBA MoneySmart Financial Management Training
  May 7, 1:00 PMhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/104144825978
  

Additionally, we are participating in a training in Spanish with the City of Minneapolis and the Latino Economic Development Center.

• Informacion Sobre Recursos Para Negocios
  May 5, 5:00 PM
  https://recursosparanegocios.eventbrite.com

Are you planning to reopen your business soon and wondering what precautions you need to take? Join the Women's Business Alliance for a webinar where professionals will provide helpful tips and tools for safely reopening. Topics will include how to develop an Employer Preparedness Plan and professional guidance on cleaning and disinfecting protocols to keep your space safe for you, staff, and customers.

When: Friday, May 1, 2020 01:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) 
Topic: Preparing your Business to Reopen 
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gE-qUkCsQ7a1rAJaKKIAjw  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.The webinar will also be recorded and available to view on-demand following the webinar. Our partners will also be creating a video that will be posted on our website showing proper disinfecting and cleaning protocols. 

To support businesses impacted by COVID-19 Hennepin County’s Small Business Relief Program is designed to help small local businesses meet immediate financial needs. Emergency forgivable loans available up to $7,500. Applications are open now through noon on May 8, 2020. 
More information and application form here.

With the additional funding provided by the new COVID-19 relief package, SBA will resume processing EIDL Loan and Advance applications that are already in the queue on a first come, first-served basis.
SBA will provide further information on the availability of the EIDL portal to receive new applications as soon as possible.

As of Monday, April 27, the SBA has re-opened applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Work with your lender, or contact a lender on the list of participating lenders in Minnesota.
Program guidance and related information can be found at www.sba.gov/paycheckprotectionor www.treasury.gov/cares

The SBDC at St. Thomas University, an SBA Resource Partner, is hosting free webinars discussing topics affecting your business in uncertain times; including emergency funding, new workforce policies, employee mental health and long-term financial planning are just a few challenges confronting businesses. 

​Recently recorded topics include Cash Flow Planning, New HR Laws, Teamwork through Volatile Events and more. Check them out and sign up for new training's of interest here. 

The Entrepreneur Fund, Northland Foundation, and The Northspan Group, Inc.  are accepting grant applications for its recently-formed Small Business Relief Fund. The fund will provide direct grants up to $5,000 to small business owners in northeast Minnesota, central Minnesota, and northwest Wisconsin. For more information, follow the links: Application Process & Application.