Federal response resources

The federal immigration enforcement surge is causing tremendous suffering, disruption and fear across the county, including our small business community.

We stand with local businesses, and all the business owners and workers that sustain our economy.

We are here for you to offer support, timely information, and resources as we navigate these unprecedented times. We can find strength in the courage, determination and resilience we see in communities throughout the county in the face of this crisis.

For help finding emergency resources and Elevate Hennepin advising, schedule a consultation with our Business Navigators -- no detailed questions, no forms, just schedule a time. 

Share your business impacts in a metro-wide independent survey from the Lake Street Council. No personal information required. 

County response 

Hennepin County is providing responsive services for individuals, families and communities. This support includes legal, housing, well-being, and food security resources. Learn more about county resources. 

Resources from partners

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

How to access legal advice and other 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.

Key actions to be aware of

Small businesses and other places of employment may encounter specific actions to be aware of and prepared for:

• I-9 inspections, also called I-9 audits, are an administrative inspection process conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During this process, a DHS agent may request specific business records to confirm that the business's employees have appropriate work authorization. More on I-9 Inspections
• Officials from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may come to a business with a warrant to locate or detain specific individuals or search a location. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) offers a helpful guide for steps that employers can take if immigration officials come to your workplace. NILC Guide for Employers

Other resources and guidance

Reporting impacts

Elevate Hennepin is amplifying a metro-wide independent survey from the Lake Street Council to gather data, perspectives, and stories to help Lake Street Council and stakeholders understand these impacts and advocate for solutions. Take the survey today to report your impacts, no personal information required.

 

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. 

Grants

• PROMISE Act funds still available: Round 2 MN PROMISE Act grant applications are still open. The MN PROMISE Act is a state-funded small business revitalization program that provides grants and loans to disadvantaged businesses in certain areas of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and greater Minnesota.
  • Eligible businesses must meet the following criteria:
    • Have annual revenue less than $750,000
    • Be located in select geographies
    • Did not receive a MN PROMISE Act grant in round one 
    • Check your eligibility and apply.

• The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for equipment and infrastructure grants for food retailers including grocery stores, convenience stores, and emergency food hubs.

A wide range of new business-support funds have also been started and are accepting donations. We will add funds open for applications to this page as they become available. 

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.

Restaurants, hospitality businesses

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

City of Minneapolis resources

• 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 announcement will be updated with new developments and resources. Bookmark to track updates or subscribe to the Elevate Hennepin newsletter for updates in your inbox.