A second round of grant funding is being offered to small businesses and non-profits in Nicollet County that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The first round of funding was offered in September.

Grant awards will be provided to businesses and non-profits that experienced interruption, closure or significant revenue loss as a result of the public health emergency.  Grant awards will be up to $10,000 based on eligibility.  Businesses and non-profits with up to 50 full-time equivalent employees can apply.  The first grant round was limited to businesses and non-profits with up to 20 full-time equivalent employees.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27, 2020.  This over $2 trillion economic relief package was established to provide economic and public health assistance to the American people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.  Through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, the CARES Act provided $150 billion of financial assistance for state, local and tribal governments who are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.   Nicollet County has received over $4.1 million through the federal CARES Act.   Part of that funding is being allocated to assist small businesses and non-profits through this grant program.

The application and program criteria can be accessed at https://www.co.nicollet.mn.us/800/Nicollet-County-CARES. The application period will be open October 16 to November 2. 

Questions about the grant program or the application should be directed to [email protected].

For a complete list of program requirements and eligibility, please see this program summary: