Today Governor Walz announced a new EO-20-81-Final implementing a statewide requirement to wear facial coverings when inside indoor businesses and indoor public settings. This requirement will be effective beginning July 25. You can find general information and FAQs on the mask mandate here. In addition, below are FAQs provided by the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development relating specifically to business questions. Continue reading “Governor Walz Announces Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate”
Author: Patrick Baker
Vice President and Director of Government & Institutional Affairs for Greater Mankato Growth and a born and raised Mankatoan
2020 School Board Elections
The Mankato Area Pubic Schools are looking for great candidates to run for School Board in this November’s election. Is that you or someone you know? Continue reading “2020 School Board Elections”
City of Mankato Publishes Mask Ordinance Details
Beginning Friday, July 10 the Mankato City Council’s emergency declaration ordinance requiring face coverings goes into effect. The City has published a website with details about the ordinance and compliance, including FAQs and optional signage businesses can utilize.
UPDATED: Mankato Passes Mandatory Mask Ordinance
The City of Mankato Council last evening passed an emergency ordinance which will require the use of a mask or face covering in places of public accommodation. The ordinance will take effect Friday, July 10, 2020 and be in effect for 60 days (starting July 6) unless modified by Council. The full ordinance can be viewed here. You can view additional information about the ordinance and compliance at the City of Mankato’s Website. The site includes FAQs as well as optional signage businesses can utilize.
Small Business Relief Grants Program to Begin Accepting Applications on June 23
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced that the Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants Program – which was approved by the Minnesota Legislature last week and signed by Governor Tim Walz on Tuesday – will begin accepting applications next week. Continue reading “Small Business Relief Grants Program to Begin Accepting Applications on June 23”
EIDL Loan Program Reopened for New Applications
The Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) is now reopened for all eligible business to apply for the $10,000 grant advance and loan. The program was previously closed for new applications for a period of time due to a funding lapse. Businesses can get more information and apply for this program here.
Legislature Passes Business Grant Program
The Minnesota Legislature on the first day of their special session passed a bill to provide $62.5 million in small business grants (not loans) of up to $10,000. Governor Walz is expected to sign.
Of the total, half will be distributed to Greater Minnesota businesses through the Initiative Foundations. Businesses with 50 or fewer FTE and who can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 will qualify. The bill also provides specific minimum funding amounts that must go to businesses with six or less employees and businesses that are minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned.
More details and applications will be forthcoming. It is anticipated that since requests will outstrip available funding, grants will be awarded on a lottery system. Stay tuned to the Greater Mankato Growth blog for further updates.
Join Greater Mankato Growth in Advocacy
As you hopefully know, Greater Mankato Growth has worked tirelessly to identify resources, answer questions, facilitate discussions and advocate on behalf of our business community to allow all businesses to open safely. Today marks another milestone in that effort as many more businesses are allowed to open their doors. In furtherance of those efforts, Greater Mankato Growth is partnering with the Minnesota Ready coalition lead by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce to call on Governor Walz to take the final step and fully and safely reopen all businesses no later than June 19. Continue reading “Join Greater Mankato Growth in Advocacy”
UPDATED: What’s My Occupancy Limit?
As businesses reopen, some are restricted to certain limitations based on a percentage of total occupancy. Below is information from experts at the City of Mankato to help you determine the occupancy capacity for your business. Once the occupant load is known, divide the occupant load by the reduction per Executive Order(s). Continue reading “UPDATED: What’s My Occupancy Limit?”
Governor Walz Announces Additional Loosening of Business Restrictions for June 10
Governor Tim Walz today announced a new executive order that would allow for additional businesses to reopen and further loosening of restrictions for others effective June 10 (Phase III).
The new order allows: Continue reading “Governor Walz Announces Additional Loosening of Business Restrictions for June 10”
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