Small business relief funds guide

Many relief funds have emerged to support businesses impacted by the federal immigration enforcement surge. This guide will be continually updated to include all relief funding and note which funds are open for applications.

Eligibility for these funds varies widely, so please pay close attention to requirements. Elevate Hennepin access to capital and financial management advisors can guide business owners as they prepare for any funds, loans, or other financing.

Beyond direct funding, there are various efforts designed to help small businesses recover from the federal enforcement surge. Please find essential efforts the Elevate Hennepin Federal response resources page.

Relief funds accepting applications now

MN PROMISE Act funds: Apply now for a grant up to $50,000 from round two of the MN PROMISE Act. The MN PROMISE Act is a state-funded small business revitalization program available to disadvantaged businesses located in certain areas of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and greater Minnesota. Current eligible applicants must have annual revenue less than $750,000 and must not have received a prior Promise Act grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. A total of $3 million in grants are set to expand to the seven-county metro area, process and launch of that program to be determined. 

Check your eligibility and apply

Richfield Small Business Resiliency Program: Small businesses located in Richfield, Minnesota, with a brick-and-mortar location, that have experienced financial and operational disruptions due to recent federal immigration enforcement actions can apply for a one-time forgivable loan up to $10,000. These funds are meant to help cover two months of business rent or commercial mortgage payments. Applications open April 9, 2026, at 12 p.m. and close April 27, 2026, at 4 p.m. or until funds have been awarded, whichever is first.

Check your eligibility and apply

Bloomington Small Business Assistance Grant: Businesses located in Bloomington, with a brick-and-mortar location, that have experienced financial and operational disruptions due to federal immigration enforcement may be eligible to receive one-time grants up to $10,000 to help cover two months of business rent or mortgage. Applications will remain open until April 20, 2026, or until funds have been awarded.

Check your eligibility and apply

Minnetonka Emergency Business Fund: Businesses located in Minnetonka can apply now for up to $2,500. This fund offers one-time assistance to local businesses that have experienced an emergency or unforeseen circumstances that threaten the business operation and jeopardize job retention for employees.

Check your eligibility and apply

Show Up For Eat Street Grant: The Whittier Alliance is offering grants to support local businesses on Nicollet Avenue from 24th Street to 29th Street in south Minneapolis.

Check your eligibility and apply 

Hennepin County funding

Hennepin County Small Business Recovery Fund: The Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) is making approximately $2 million available in the form of grants between $3,000 and $10,000 to help businesses impacted by the surge overcome short-term financial hurdles, enabling them to remain in business in their communities and prevent widespread blight in Hennepin County. Applications for this fund closed on March 25, 2026, at 4 p.m.

Elevate Hennepin Small Business Loans: In 2024 Hennepin County, committed $4.22 million to create more equitable access to capital. The financing opportunities are available through a competitively selected nonprofit community-based lender NextStage.  The small business loans are low-barrier financing for startups and established businesses underserved by traditional lending.
Learn more (link: Elevate Hennepin Small Business Loans | Elevate Hennepin)

More resources and support

Elevate Hennepin legal and HR advisors are available to answer questions, assist with compliance, and help business owners plan in the face of uncertainty. Other advisors can provide thought partnership and guidance to manage disruptions, communicate with staff and customers, develop new operational strategies, and continue moving forward.

Tracking impacts

If your business has sustained financial losses, below are some steps that may be valuable. 

• Document the financial impacts. For example, keep track of:
• Days your businesses was closed, or had reduced hours.
• Sales records, with comparisons to prior years as possible.
• Inventory losses, e.g. perishables.
• Call your insurance company to check your coverage for business interruption. Not all policies will include business interruption coverage, and policies vary for eligible situations.
• Contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce if you have questions about your policy. You can email them or call 651-539-1600.
• Reach out to your lenders, suppliers, and, if you rent your space, the property owner for your location. You may be able to negotiate temporary changes to your terms of payment.
• If you expect to be late sending sales taxes, reach out to the Department of Revenue. While taxes themselves cannot be waived, you may be able to adjust your filing schedule or request a late fee abatement.

Resources from partners

• Immigration Resources - Office of Ombudsperson for Families
• Know your rights and resources - City of Minneapolis
• Personal rights for immigrants - ACLU

Xcel Energy Temporary Shutoff Moratorium

Xcel Energy has implemented temporary disconnection protections for residential and commercial customers impacted by recent events. Here's what business owners need to know. Disconnections are suspended for all 7 metro counties through the end of February. Late payment charge forgiveness is available upon request and owners can work with Xcel on flexi payment arrangements with lower than usual down payments. Contact Xcel Energy at 800-895-4999 or online at mn.my.xcelenergy.com

For immigrant-owned businesses

The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), an Elevate Hennepin advisor, has collected resources designed to support immigrant families and businesses. This list includes legal help, emergency support, food access, housing stability, mental health, and family preparedness.

For restaurants, hospitality businesses

CTUL, a worker’s rights organization, has ready-to-print signs and guidance for restaurants and hospitality businesses.

Resources from the City of Minneapolis

• Business owners in Minneapolis can contact the City of Minneapolis Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) for referrals to free legal advice from attorneys
• Minneapolis also provided the following information and resources. If you or someone you know is affected, there are resources available, including free legal clinics staffed by immigration attorneys.
• Community Clinics - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
• Clinics - Volunteer Lawyers Network
• Find resources for immigrants and refugees

This page will be updated with new developments and resources. Subscribe to the Elevate Hennepin newsletter for updates in your inbox.