A $4 million small business support fund administered by the Minneapolis Foundation is now accepting applications from business owners.

The Economic Response Fund will distribute grants of $2,500 to $10,000 to eligible small businesses depending upon demonstrated needed and available funding. The goal is to support Twin Cities businesses who have suffered temporary closures, workforce challenges, reduced revenue or safety and security concerns during Operation Metro Surge, the federal immigration enforcement action.

Grants can be used to cover rent, payroll, utilities, insurance, temporary relocation, security, inventory, legal assistance or translation help. Businesses with a maximum of 40 employees may apply. Political campaigns, personal expenses, nonprofits, local governments and individuals are not eligible.

The grants will be distributed through seven nonprofit organizations, including the African Development Center, the Lake Street Council, the Latino Economic Development Center, LISC MN, Neighborhood Development Center, PFund Foundation and the West Bank Business Association.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ERFSurge2026. To contribute to the fund, visit tinyurl.com/ERFDonation.

When the Latino Economic Development Center in St. Paul surveyed its members in January, it found 44% had temporarily closed. Fewer than 20% were operating normally, and 28% were open with limitations, such as shortened hours.

With immigrant businesses in mind, Gov. Tim Walz has declared February “Shop Local” month and encouraged residents to visit neighborhood stores and restaurants for their everyday purchases.

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