Resources for Businesses & Workers

Resources for Businesses

Local businesses are critical to the economy, vitality and hometown feel of Hopkins. COVID-19 has created a lot of uncertainty and challenges for many business owners and workers. 

The City has put together a list of information and links to resources to help you navigate through this unprecedented time.

• Financial Resources for Small Businesses (PDF)
• Hennepin County
  Hennepin County has established a Small Business Relief Program to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Emergency loans for up to $7,500 can be used for operating expenses and may be forgivable. Applications will be accepted from April 27 to noon on May 8.
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  The IRS has established a web page to assist taxpayers, businesses, and others affected by COVID-19. The page will be updated as new information becomes available.
• MinneInno
  MinneInno is compiling resources and webinars that may be of interest to businesses, including information on remote working and five steps to take regarding business decisions during this time.
• Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
  The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has created a special webpage with information for businesses. They are also asking businesses to participate in a short survey to understand how businesses are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak and identify areas where assistance is needed.  Click here to take the survey.
• Minnesota Department of Health
  The Minnesota Department of Health has several pages set up regarding COVID-19, including general materials and resources, as well as specific information for businesses and employers.
• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
  The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has put together information including responses to common questions for employers.
• Minnesota Retailers Association
  The Minnesota Retailers Association has put together resources specifically for retailers.
• Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Shared Work Program
  The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program Shared Work program is available to employers to help avoid a layoff. Employees work reduced hours during a temporary slowdown and are paid unemployment benefits to offset part of their reduced wages.
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
  The SBA will be providing small business assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This program can provide loans up to $2 million to businesses and non-profits.
  
  For more on SBA programs related to COVID-19:
  • Disaster Assistance
  • Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

Resources for Workers

• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
  The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has put together information including responses to common questions for workers.
• Minnesota Department of Labor
  The Minnesota Department of Labor has put together information about worker protections specifically related to COVID-19.
• Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program
  Workers affected by COVID-19 can apply for unemployment benefits through the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program. On March 16, 2020 an executive order was issued to ensure that workers affected by COVID-19 have full access to unemployment benefits.