DULUTH, MN (KDAL) – St. Louis County has distributed a total of $6,191,801 in federal CARES Act funds to assist small businesses throughout the county. A total of 471 businesses received funding through the county’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants.
The money was distributed in two phases. The first phase, which was completed earlier this fall, provided grant assistance to businesses and non-profits with 25 or fewer full time employees, for COVID-19 related expenses such as to purchase PPE, cleaning supplies, signage and safety barriers. St. Louis County awarded $674,613 to 220 businesses during Phase 1.
Phase 2 focused on businesses and non-profits with up to 100 employees, providing emergency grant assistance of up to $50,000. These funds could be used for PPE and other COVID-related costs, as well as broader expenses incurred during or as a result of business interruption from the Governor’s ordered shutdown. The County distributed a total of $5,517,188 to 355 businesses during Phase 2. These small businesses together employ a total of 4,980 people in St. Louis County.
In addition to the Small Business Grants, the County has distributed $1.8 million in CARES Act funds to 12 public school districts and two charter schools within the county. It has also distributed $2.8 million in funding to community organizations, and $89,000 in individual assistance.
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