Second round of applications to be accepted through Ramsey County Small Business Relief Fund

Ramsey County continues to provide emergency assistance to small, local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Tuesday, a second round of applications will be accepted for the Small Business Relief Fund, providing grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs.

According to Ramsey County, during the second round, grants will be awarded to help sole proprietors and those contributing to the local creative economy pay for critical expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities and costs associated with reopening. Small businesses with 20 or fewer employees who missed the first round are encouraged to apply.

The application deadline for the second round is Aug. 18 at 5 p.m.

St. Paul business owners, families getting some relief during COVID-19 pandemic

In total, nearly $15 million will be awarded in 2020 through multiple grant periods to qualifying small businesses in the county. A minimum of $1.5 million will be reserved for qualifying individuals contributing to the local creative economy.

The Small Business Relief Fund is a part of the Ramsey County Investment and Support Efforts (RISE) program, which will invest $56 million of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding in the community by the end of the year.

For more information on the grant application and eligibility details, click here.