COVID 19 Resources

 
The following information is from DEED:

Executive Orders, issued by Governor Walz, provide information on the Governor's orders on which businesses are able to operate.  The full list of executive orders can be found here. The most recent executive order allows for additional industries to be open if the business has a COVID response plan in place and shares the plan with employees. The State of MN has a resource page (click here) dedicated to businesses reopening and how to achieve a safe environment. 

At this time, the Governor's order still mandates any employees that can work from home shall continue to do so.

Full list of executive orders: click here. 

Resource Links:

 
• Multiple loan options are available. Check out DEED's Guide for small businesses that need assistance. This guise is easy to follow to understand which programs may best fit your business needs. 
• The Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (GSDC) has been tracking relevant business resource information on their website: https://www.greaterstcloud.com/covid-19-information Information includes Executive Orders and recent news releases regarding financial programs that are available for effected businesses including the following:
  • MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small Business Emergency Loan Program
  • SBA Disaster Loans 
    • The SBA Disaster Loan Training is available as a video here.
• The Minnesota Department of Revenue has altered deadlines for business and individual tax filings. Visit their website for the full list of changes. 
• New COVID-19 Employer Tax Credits - generally available to all employers regardless of size. 
• Unemployment Benefits:
  • The most efficient way to sign up for benefits is by visiting www.uimn.org and completing the self-service form. 
  • Find answers to your questions without calling. Start by clicking on the word “Applicants” in the upper left corner of the Unemployment Insurance website – and select from the menu options: What do I need to know? How do I apply? How do I get paid? What affects my benefits? These are designed to answer the questions most people have. 
  • If you call, you may have a long wait. The state is trying to free up those lines to help people who do not have any online access and to help those who need translators in order to apply for benefits.
• MN Department of Labor and Industry:
  • The Department has suspended license examinations. 
  • The Department has been able to keep up with renewing licensing but are providing a 90-day extension for CEU’s.
  • The Department is asking that businesses who have an inventory of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), to please identify yourselves as there is a major shortage of equipment for medical workers.