FRIDAY - COVID-19 Update: URGENT! Critical Sector Biz Plans Due Monday

COVID-19 Update - June 26, 2020

Burnsville Chamber Members,

We can't say it enough! The deadlines for two very important business needs we informed you about last week are quickly approaching. Please read below for more information and to make sure you have what you need to meet the due dates.

Preparedness Plans for Critical Sector Businesses - due Monday
Applications forMN Small Business Grants - due Thursday

Thanks and stay well,

Jennifer Harmening

President, Burnsville Chamber of Commerce

REQUIRED BY MONDAY, JUNE 29:

COVID-19 Preparedness Plans for Critical Sector Businesses

Critical Businesses have always been required to follow the same MDH and CDC guidelines and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards as non-Critical Sector businesses, but they had not previously been required to adopt and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.

Governor Walz and state leaders have recognized that a more consistent approach across industries and businesses in Minnesota was important – and that workers at Critical Businesses deserve the same clarity about their employers' plans to protect health and safety as those at non-Critical Sector businesses. To ensure that happens, Executive Order 20-74 requires that by June 29, 2020, all businesses – including Critical Businesses – fully adopt and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.

Details for Critical Sector Businesses

Template for Business Preparedness Plans

ALL BUSINESSES:

If you have not completed your preparedness plan - please do so now.

Plans do not need to be submitted, but need to be posted in your business and shared with all employees

OSHA and any licensing agencies can ask to see this plan - please don't be without one

These plans may also be important for liability in the future

DUE THURSDAY, JULY 2:

Applications for MN Small Business Grants

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will oversee the Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants Program approved by the Minnesota State Legislature and signed by Gov. Tim Walz on June 16, 2020. CLICK HERE for details and the application. Applications will be accepted BY LAW through Thursday, July 2.

This program will make available $10,000 grants to Minnesotan owned and operated businesses that can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of $60.3 million is available for grant awards which will be selected through a computer-generated, randomized selection process.

Awards will be disbursed and administered by qualified local and regionally based nonprofit organizations. Grant funds received by individual businesses shall be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, and other similar expenses that occur or have occurred since March 1, 2020, in the regular course of business. These are grants and no repayment will be required.

Chamber Mission: To Represent and Connect Businesses Serving Burnsville