Businesses damaged in civil unrest eligible for federal support to help rebuild

Minnesota businesses that were damaged during the civil unrest following the death of George Floyd are now eligible for federal relief.

According to a release from Gov. Tim Walz, businesses that sustained property damage in the civil unrest following George Floyd’s death are able to apply for assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The announcement from Walz comes after the governor sent a letter to the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance requesting that Minnesota businesses be eligible for the assistance.

“These last few months, I have visited with business owners and community leaders to talk about the next steps in rebuilding. To them, rebuilding is about more than a storefront – it’s about maintaining the vibrancy and vitality of the community,” said Walz. “I am grateful that our federal partners have stepped in to help. There is a lot of work ahead, and we must continue to commit the resources needed to rebuild together.”

Almost 1,500 businesses in the Twin Cities were damaged during the unrest with cost estimates of the damage in excess of $500 million.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program can provide damaged businesses with loans of up to $2 million.

Businesses in the affected areas of Hennepin, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne and Wright counties may apply for a loan here.