Preston, Minnesota, (August 25, 2020) – Fillmore County businesses affected by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for Small Business Relief Grants of up to $10,000 beginning, Tuesday, September 1. The Fillmore County Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday, August 25, to make $500,000 of Fillmore County CARES Act funding available to assist small businesses in Fillmore County with costs associated with COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is an opportunity for our small businesses that make up the heart of so many of our Fillmore County communities to receive financial relief as they continue to adapt to the challenges of 2020, said Chris Hahn, EDA Director for Fillmore County.
In addition to demonstrating a COVID-19-related loss since March 1, 2020, businesses wishing to apply must have under 50 employees, be a for-profit business physically located in Fillmore County, MN, be registered and in good standing with the State of MN, and have applicable licenses and taxes current.
Eligible business expenses covered by these grants include rent, mortgage, or utility payments, payments to suppliers, costs associated with re-opening, such as installing buffers or barriers, and costs associated with adapting to COVID-19-related operating restrictions. Businesses that received other CARES Act funding must not use Fillmore County CARES Small Business Relief Grant money for the same purpose.
Applications will be available beginning on September 1, 2020. Applications will be available for download on the Fillmore County website and available for pick up at the Fillmore County Administrators office located at 101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965. Completed applications should be emailed to bhillery@co.fillmore.mn.us or dropped off at the Fillmore County Administrator’s Office.
A review of applications by the Fillmore County EDA board will occur on September 17, with recommendations for approval to the Fillmore County Board scheduled for September 22. The program may be reevaluated and possibly changed for a second round if funds remain. Questions should be directed to Fillmore County EDA Director, Chris Hahn via email at chris.hahn@cedausa.com or Bobbie Hillery via email bhillery@co.fillmore.mn.us or by calling 507-765-4566.
Small Businesses in Fillmore County interested in applying can learn more about the Federal and State CARES Act fund guidelines at https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares.