Federal response resources

The federal immigration enforcement surge has caused 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.

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.

Small business relief funds

Our small businesses need support more than ever right now. Several relief funds for businesses impacted by the federal immigration enforcement surge have been established. Learn how to apply for funding if you are a business owner or support the local businesses in your community by donating.

Visit the relief funds guide

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.

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.

More resources and support

County response

Hennepin County provides responsive services for individuals, families and communities. This support includes legal, housing, well-being, and food security resources. Learn more about Operation Reconnect from Hennepin County.

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 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.

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