Small Businesses Benefit from Hennepin County Grants
Hennepin County redirected funds from its budget and used federal CARES Act funding to distribute to small businesses like Burn Boot Camp in Maple Grove and Nonna Rosa’s Italian Ristorante in Robbinsdale.
“We really see our businesses, especially our small businesses, as the backbone of our economy,” said Mary Matze, Hennepin County principal economic development analyst.
Nonna Rosa’s Italian Restaurant in Robbinsdale remains open but the pandemic has put a dent in profits.
“At the end of the day working harder for less proceeds is a challenge for any small business,” said Tina Suglia, who runs Nonna Rosa’s.
Nonna Rosa’s restaurant in Robbinsdale
Like Nonna Rosa’s, Burn Boot Camp has had to navigate through these turbulent times. Both businesses are grateful for the money. Nonna Rosa’s received $10,000.
“We received it last week,” Suglia said. “Yeah it was really exciting because every little bit helps and we want to stay around. We want to keep taking care of our customers. It’s a lot easier to do that if we can buy our groceries and also keep our staff safe.”
COVID-19 Grants Provide Gap Coverage
Burn Boot Camp in Maple Grove
The COVID 19 grants provide gap coverage that federal Paycheck Protection Program loans do not. Hennepin County allocated almost $28 million for COVID relief and post-pandemic recovery.
“This is our No. 1 priority right now,” Matze said.
County officials say some small businesses have been crushed by COVID-19.
“A knock out blow that’s right,” Matze said. ” I mean it is devastating.”
