Ramsey County is providing emergency assistance to small local businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funds will help businesses pay for critical expenses such as rent or  mortgage payments, utilities, payments to suppliers and costs associated with reopening. Providing this support will increase the capacity of small businesses with a physical location in Ramsey County to survive the current crisis and will help prevent potential future blight scenarios.

This grant will help ensure that your business can afford to operate while maintaining the social distancing guidelines for the safety of your employees and customers.

The Relief Fund will be administered by the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers’ Open to Business program, which provides technical assistance and access to capital for businesses throughout Ramsey County. Priority outreach will be conducted in partnership with community-based organizations working in low-wealth communities, communities of color, and areas with barriers to access other small business resources.

Funding for the Small Business Relief Fund is provided through the Ramsey County Investment and Support Efforts program (RISE). For a list of eligible businesses and guidelines for application, go to the Ramsey County Small Business Relief Fund website.

The application will be available on their website at Tuesday, August 4 at 9 am.