Becker County Creates Three Grant Programs to Aid Businesses Affected by COVID-19

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – The Becker County Board of Commissioners in cooperation with county business owners and the Detroit Lakes Chamber of Commerce have created three grant programs to aid county businesses affected by COVID-19.

Becker County has been awarded $665,135.71 from the State of Minnesota to facilitate this program. “I would like to thank the local business owners who were on the committee for their input. They helped make these programs fair and an easier application process,” Barry Nelson, Becker County Board Chair, said.

Grant Programs

$2,000 Emergency Assistance Grants – This program provides funds to businesses that have
experienced a financial hardship by being directed to close their business or modify their
operations due to Minnesota Executive Order 20-99 or subsequent order. Primary focus is the
hospitality industry.
Block Grants – This program focuses on businesses that were not provided State of Minnesota
Block grant support. This program is based on sales tax losses and number of employees,
employed as of July 1, 2020. Grant amounts will be determined by the demonstrated business
need, number of applications, and funds available.
Round 3 – This program focuses on businesses that are negatively affected by COVID-19 and the
various Minnesota Executive Orders associated with mitigating the pandemic. Grant amounts will
be determined by the demonstrated business need, number of applications, and funds available.
Grant funds shall be used to cover costs due to the pandemic such as: payroll expense support, rent,
mortgage payments, utility bills, and other expenses that occur in the regular course of business. At no
time can the grant funds exceed eligible costs associated with the pandemic.

The application will be located on the Becker County website ( www.co.becker.mn.us ) and will will require signing an agreement, certifying the business has been financially impacted by the Executive Orders, and certifying that grant funds will be used to cover costs during the COVID-19 problem.

The deadline for the first round of grants is 11:59 pm on February 22, 2021.