Minnesota now has 1,336 confirmed cases in 65 counties
Member Update
April 10, 2020
What's Inside:
Federal EIDL Loans
Forest Service Provides Relief
TAKE ACTION
AHLA Looking for 200,000 Signatures
COVID-19 Housekeeping Guidebook
Bridge the Gap Benefit Concert
Minnesota now has 1,336 confirmed cases in 65 counties. 57 Minnesotans have lost their lives to COVID-19. During today’s Daily Briefing, MDH officials suggested that the number could be 100x higher. With the Stay-at-Home order extended to May 4, it’s been a week of trying to gain further clarity on what activities will be permitted and which will not. Furloughed employees are beginning to see Unemployment Benefits arrive and businesses are navigating the various loan funds that have been made available. We’ll continue to push forward on your concerns.
Federal EIDL Loans
Rumors are swirling on the Internet, including a New York Times report, that the federal SBA may be telling applicants that Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are now being capped at $15,000. The SBA has NOT made any formal announcement of any such cap. We are working with our federal partners to get clarification from the SBA and the federal administration to dispel these rumors and/or explain current policy. The program is designed to allow a $10,000 forgivable advance to small businesses and low-interest loans up to $2 million. Such a cap would be a significant divergence from the stated policy. Federal legislators are significantly upset by these rumors and are following up with the federal government as well. We will update you as soon as we gain any intel on this. If you have personal experience talking with SBA about any EIDL cap, please contact ben@hospitalitymn.com
Forest Service Provides Relief
Regional Foresters and Station Directors have been authorized to provide financial relief to special use permit holders by delaying payments and waiving service fees, interest and penalties by up to 90 days.
immediate relief in the form of tax forgiveness/abatement
direct grant payments to offset lost revenue
expansion of the low-interest (and partially forgivable) loan program through DEED for all our hospitality businesses (including resorts, campgrounds and hotels)
This industry generates over $1.3 billion in sales per month under normal conditions, but most of this revenue is currently lost these conditions threaten the existence of small hospitality businesses.
In addition, you can contact the individual members of the Taxes and Jobs Committees here:
Congressional leaders need to hear from the industry. The CARES Act is helpful, but not perfect. It needs changes and additional funding for the industries hardest hit by the pandemic, including hospitality. You can help make that case by adding your signature to a letter drafted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
COVID-19 Housekeeping Guidebook
Many folks have been asking for resources on cleaning and sanitation practices for COVID-19. Hotel Management magazine recently published guidance that is applicable to many settings.
Bridge the Gap Benefit Concert
Icehouse and Vēmos are hosting the
Bridge the Gap Benefit Concert via livestream on Monday, April 20 at 6pm. The three-hour livestreamed concert aims to raise money for local artists and hospitality workers who have been forced out of work due to the COVID-19 shutdowns.
Ticket proceeds will be donated to
The North Stands, a Sanneh Foundation fund providing financial relief to hospitality industry professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our Member Updates are generally sent to members only. In the interest of public health and the health of our industry, we encourage you to share this update widely. Additional resources can be found on our website and through our social media posts onFacebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
