Beltrami County has announced the creation of a new grant program for small businesses to help with costs directly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding is part of the CARES Act funding, allocated to the County through directive of Governor Walz.
Walz released $841 million to towns, cities and counties throughout Minnesota through Executive Order. Greater Bemidji, the region’s economic development organization, will be administering the grants on behalf of Beltrami County.
Small businesses may apply for grants from $1,000 to $10,000 to specifically cover expenses related to COVID-19. Expenses may include, but are not limited to, the purchases of personal protective equipment or PPE, improvements/equipment to enable social distancing, signage, cleaning supplies, marketing materials and more. This may include expenses already incurred or anticipated to be incurred by November 15, 2020.
Eligible businesses are for-profit businesses located in Beltrami County, and the business owners must also reside within the county. The business should be able to prove it was current on financial obligations as of March 1, and all COVID-related expenses must be documentable.
Applications will be accepted Sept. 7 through Sept. 20 with award notifications and funding coming quickly thereafter. If funds remain, a second round of applications may be considered.
Application and grant information may be found at Greater Bemidji, Inc.’s website at www.greaterbemidji.com or stop in at the Mayflower Building at 102 1st Street West Suite 101, Bemidji. For questions please contact Greater Bemidji at 218-444-5757.
Greater Bemidji serves as the region’s economic development provider. Since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has supported over 100 companies, providing access to over $2 million in local and state support to small businesses in the area.
