COVID-19 Updates

April 6, 2020 Economic Development Update:

The MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) scheduled calls for today (4/6) and Thursday (4/9). I will continue to send updates afterwards and as I receive more relevant information. DEED created a Guide for MN Small Businesses Who Need Help – I encourage everyone to read the guide!

Steps for businesses looking to apply for relief loans:

  1. Contact your insurance company – You may have access to some benefits that you have paid into through your policy.
  2. Visit with your own financial institution to seek flexibility within your current lines of credit.
  3. Apply for a SBA Economic injury Disaster Loan by clicking here.
    1. Click here for a helpful video regarding the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.
    2. If you applied earlier than March 30, 2020, you can go back in and apply again for a $10,000 advanced grant. You will not lose your place in the application review process.
  4. Apply for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
  5. Apply for the Small Business Emergency Loan Program (bridge loan).
  6. Work with an approved Lender to apply for a loan through the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program.

NEW SINCE FRIDAY (4/3) UPDATE:

  • The Department of Revenue is currently exploring how they can provide additional relief for tax payers (individuals and businesses).
  • The CARE Act has expanded unemployment insurance benefits. Individuals who are eligible for unemployment benefits will receive an extra $600 weekly benefit for all weeks of unemployment from April 5, 2020 through July 31, 2020. The extra $600 per week is in addition to the amount the individual receives under State law.
  • DEED clarified that you can use Federal loans to pay back State loans.
  • DEED clarified that you can apply for both SBA loans.

OTHER UPDATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

State Commissioners continue to work on clarifications/definitions of critical industries. FAQ and additional resources tabs have been added to the DEED website.

  • Fastest way to get clarification on critical industries is to email criticalsectors@state.mn.us – We are told the responses are turned around within 24 hours.

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

  • Use their online system for an easier and more efficient service .
  • DEED is encouraging employers to look into the Shared Work Program – This program allows employers to receive UI benefits for their employees if they are reducing hours for multiple employees rather than looking into layoffs.

Additional COVID-19 resource pages:

For information on the Executive Order 20-14 Suspending Evictions and Writ of Recovery, click here.

Anyone in the private sector who can assist with the personal protection equipment/medical equipment shortage, please email hsem.ppp@state.mn.us

CareerForce Centers are providing all services virtually – those who do not have internet service can call and receive service.

If you have questions regarding virtually notarizing, please refer to the Secretary of State website.

If you have questions/comments you would like to ask the DEED office directly, please use this online form.

Please know that I, on behalf of the Big Lake EDA and City of Big Lake, am available to support you in any way I am able. The best way to connect with me is via email at hklimmek@biglakemn.org or my cell phone at 320-282-4994. I am available for you any time, Sunday through Saturday.

-Hanna Klimmek, Community Development Director

March 26, 2020 Finance Update:

Click here to view guidance on how to be financially proactive during emergencies. 

March 23, 2020 Sherburne County Update:

The COVID-19 crisis has caused uncertainty, rumors and false information to spread through our community. We want to be a resource to unite us with accurate information and to help our local economy flourish.

To that end, we are asking you to fill out the survey that can be found at this link. We want to know a little about your business and your employees and the impact COVID-19 is having on your operations. We also want to know how we can help.

We may share select information with the community if our economic development staff feel it would be beneficial to your business. If you have any questions, concerns or comments please email Dan Weber at dan.weber@co.sherburne.mn.us.

-Dan Weber, Sherburne County Administrator

March 19, 2020 General Update:

We wanted to update everyone on conducting business with the City during the COVID pandemic.

The City will continue to provide all services, but please try to conduct your business online if possible. If you need to meet with someone at City Hall, please make an appointment by calling City Hall at 763.263.2107. We will not be accepting walk-in traffic at this time.

Most City business can be conducted online. Here is a summary of common requests and how to find them electronically:

For any other questions, please contact City Hall at 763.263.2107.

Liquor Store Hours: Due to increasing demand, increased sanitation efforts, and staffing issues caused by school closures, Lake Liquors will be moving to a 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule for all days except Sunday which will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  We are also asking that customers use credit cards instead of cash when possible so that our clerks can avoid handling cash.

Community Gathering Spaces: Because of the President’s recommendation to eliminate community gatherings greater than 10 people, the Senior Center and Community room will be closed until further notice.