• First on everyone’s minds: when will Minnesota “re-open”? Executive Order 20-33 directed DEED, DLI and MDH to work together on a plan for businesses to re-open. Just this afternoon Governor Walz issued Executive Order-38 that expands outdoor recreation opportunities such as golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking -- as long as Minnesotans follow new outdoor recreation guidelines.

• Yesterday, Wisconsin extended its SAH Order through May 26. Were I a betting person, I’d bet that Governor Walz will extend the SAH Order at least to May 13, to align with the peacetime emergency declaration through-date. The partnership with other Midwest states announced on Thursday may impact his decision. That said, I’m watching the state’s legislators – led by the Republicans – really pressure the Governor to release us sooner. Your guess is as good as mine as to how this timing will play out.

• You Can Help. As part of EO 20-33, DEED has provided an online form for individuals and business to share their experiences with and ideas for practicing social distancing in the workplace. Please submit yours: they need our help determining how best to move forward.

• Legislature has passed – and the Governor will sign (likely today) take-out alcohol at restaurants. Great news!

• On April 16, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched the Save Small Business Fund, a grant program to provide assistance to small businesses owners impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, the Foundation will distribute $5,000 grants to small employers in economically vulnerable communities in the United States and its territories. Eligibility is based on your zip code. The grant application will go live on Monday, April 20 at 2:00 PM CDT. To learn more about the Save Small Business Fund and to apply for a grant, Learn more at www.savesmallbusiness.com.

• On April 16, U.S. SBA closed applications for PPP and EIDL because all funding has been committed. Discussions continue in Congress about a potential 4^th funding package, but I have no current updates on that. How did Minnesota do? As of April 13:
• more than 33,800 PPP loans were approved
• average loan size was $225,000
• that totals approximately $7.6 billion
• Minnesota ranks 3^rd in loan dollars per capita for this program
• overall, Minnesota ranks 8^th in total loan dollars, and 9^th in number of loans.
• much of our success in getting this much for Minnesota businesses can be attributed to the tireless and collective action of our state’s lending network, resource partners, elected officials, organizations providing educational resources. We are grateful!

• On April 15, Minnesota became the first state in the country to institute the 13-week extension of UI benefits from the CARES Act. This is in addition to the $600/month bump.

• Unemployment update: although Pandemic UI program has been created, no state has yet implemented it due to the body of work required to get such a program running. DEED is working on it and payments will be retroactive to 3/20/2020. As of 4/14, 14% of the state’s labor force is receiving UI benefits.

• Saint Paul’s Bridge Fund application window closes this Sunday, April 19 at 5pm. As of April 16, 4799 families and 1794 businesses had applied. You still have time, get your applications in here.

• Past three weeks have seen steadily decreasing weekly totals applications
• Last week Minnesota was the first state in the country to issue the $600 “top off” payments for Unemployment Insurance
• Current unemployment level is at approximately 11%

• SBA Resource Partners are ready to help with no-cost, one-on-one business counseling regarding COVID-19.
• Get help from SCORE mentors via the Coronavirus Business Resource Center.
• Entrepreneur Fund has COVID-19 Updates & Resources and offering 30-minute consult with a Lender or Advisor by email or phone.
• WomenVenture is open, ready to help with its COVID 19 Update Hub.
• Minnesota DEED's Covid 19 webpage and is offering a Small Business Emergency Loan Program.
• WBDC/WBENC Covid 19 resources for Women Owned Businesses
• Minnesota COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits Info.