COVID-19 Updates from the Duluth Area Chamber
March 27, 2020
We here at the Duluth Chamber understand that our business community is facing incredible challenges amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Your Chamber staff is here to answer questions, promote your organization’s message, and provide support to you during these uncertain times. We will continue to be a resource to you by delivering up-to-date information as the situation evolves.


Business Impact Survey
APEX is collecting data with a business impact survey. Numbers are critically important to tell the collective story of the COVID-19 virus impact on our local business community. Our numbers help detail the reality for decision makers.

This survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. Your responses are absolutely confidential. Responses will only be reported in aggregate.

The aggregate results of this survey will be used to inform local and state elected officials, government agencies, and others of the economic and human impact of the COVID-19 virus to our region. This survey is part of a national effort by local economic development organizations and chambers of commerce. It will be conducted several times as things are changing quickly.

If you ask for help at the end of the survey, members of the APEX staff will reach out to you personally as soon as possible. Please follow the link below.

SBA Disaster Loan Training
Minnesota small businesses can now apply for  SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).  To help meet demand for training and assistance, and give you access to the materials 24/7, the SBA recorded a video tutorial. This video provides the same training but in a condensed form and with many of the questions we've been getting from small businesses answered in the content.  

Ordean Foundation Allocating Emergency Grants
Duluth’s Ordean Foundation has taken swift action by allocating emergency grants this week to non-profit organizations that help the community’s most vulnerable citizens.

The foundation’s board of directors took three emergency actions:
  • Created a $150,000 Emergency Grant program and, just days after the creation of the fund, checks are being sent to American Indian Community Housing Organization, CHUM, Life House, YWCA and Safe Haven.
  • Authorized immediate disbursement of $1 million of previously approved 2020 grant awards to 22 non-profit organizations addressing issues related to poverty. Historically, the Ordean Foundation has allocated funds on a quarterly basis.
  • Retroactively made the 2020 grant awards for general operating expenses. Several of the awards had been for specific purposes, but the foundation is now allowing funds to be used as organizations see fit to address this crisis.
Utilize the Chamber Membership Directory
Essential businesses as classified by the  Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)  and  Governor Walz’ Executive Order  remain open at this time. We encourage you to utilize the Chamber’s online  Business Directory  to locate members providing these crucial services, organized conveniently by category. Please also continue to review the Support Local blog as it is updated. Our health care providers, food purveyors, financial institutions, transportation services, manufacturers, public works, and many more are open and ready to serve. Let us support these businesses that continue to provide essential services and goods during this most critical time.

This week, Chamber staff members have been reaching out personally to our members to ask how we can most effectively help you at this time. Please do not hesitate to connect with us if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions. We are here, we are listening, and we want to help.
Your success is our success. We are in this together.

In solidarity,

Aubrey Hagen
Membership Coordinator
ahagen@duluthchamber.com
Business Resources

New information is published to our Business Resource page as we learn more.
  • Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
  • Small Business Relief Fund
  • Local contacts for business support
  • Employment Insurance
  • Financial Counseling
  • Health Insurance Counseling
  • Nonprofit Aid
  • COVID-19 information
  • Equipping your office
  • Supporting staff
  • Ensuring business operations
Support Local Businesses
Please check back to this page to learn of our local business operations. These businesses continue to think creatively and provide updates along the way.
Help us distribute these messages. Support one another. Frequent these businesses. Share their story. If your organization is not listed, please complete this survey . We will update our list as often as we can.

We understand needs can change daily. Please submit an updated survey should your request require updating. If you have any questions please email cjohnson@duluthchamber.com .