Round 4 of Dakota County Grant Program Starts Today

APPLE VALLEY CHAMBER NOTE: This latest round of grants (do not need to be paid back) began at noon today. Priority is for ANY QUALIFYING BUSINESS or NON-PROFIT WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY COUNTY FUNDING THESE LAST FEW MONTHS. Second priority will be BUSINESSES of NON-PROFIT WHO HAS BECEIVED LESS THAN $15,000 FROM THE COUNTY. If there is any money left over, they will look at applications who already received the $15,000. Chamber President Ed Kearney testified before the County Commissioners over a week ago to relay to the Commissioners all that he has heard from businesses but especially small businesses who have not received any money and so many who just didn’t know about the past two rounds of generous County Grants.

Dakota County Small Business Relief Grant Program

Dakota County has received about $8.3 million in funding from the State of Minnesota to support local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dakota County, in partnership with the Dakota County Community Development Agency, has contracted with Baker Tilly, to collect and review applications and award program grants.

The application portal will open at noon on Jan. 21, 2021. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Feb. 12, 2021.

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible:

Have a physical location in Dakota County
75 or less full-time equivalent employees
No current liens on record with the Minnesota Secretary of State at time of application
Impacted, directly or indirectly, by an Executive Order related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes being closed by an order or evidence of being impacted by sales or revenue declines.
In operation on or before Nov. 1, 2020
In good standing with Dakota County

For-profit businesses and organizations are eligible for funding. Sole proprietors, home-based businesses and franchisees are also eligible.

Additionally, nonprofits, such as arts organizations, museums, and fitness centers, that earn revenue similar to businesses (i.e. ticket sales and membership fees) are eligible.

Click here to download the Small Business Relief Guidelines >

Priority Groups

Grants will be awarded to eligible applicants in order of the following priorities.

Priority 1

Pool A – For-profit businesses that have not received any funding from Dakota County through the previous CARES-funded Small Business Relief Grant rounds (1, 2 and 3) or state funded grant programs providing COVID-19 relief in 2020 or 2021. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Pool B – Nonprofit organizations that have not received funding from Dakota County through the Nonprofit Assistance Program or state funded grant programs providing COVID-19 relief in 2020 or 2021. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Priority 2

Businesses and nonprofits that have received less than $15,000 in Rounds 1, 2 and 3 of the Small Business Relief Grant Program or Nonprofit Assistance Program, or state funded grant programs providing COVID-19 relief in 2020 or 2021. Eligible Priority 2 applicants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, if there are funds remaining after Priority 1.

Priority 3

Will provide additional funding to Priority 1 and 2 applicants and previous grant recipients (Small Business Relief Grant Rounds 1, 2 and 3 or the Nonprofit Assistance Program). Grants will only occur in Priority 3 if there are funds remaining after Priority 1 and 2 applications are completely reviewed. Previous grantees must reapply for this round of funding to be considered for eligibility.

Ineligible Applicants

Applicants without a physical establishment in Dakota County, Minnesota.
Corporate or multi-state chains.
Applicants in default conditions prior to Nov. 1, 2020.
Applicants who primarily derive income from any of the following: gambling, adult entertainment, property rentals/property management, billboards, or lobbying.

Questions?

Call 651-675-4481 or email smallbusiness@dakotacda.org.