WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020 Hennepin County declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on March 25, 2020 Governor Walz issued an order requiring Minnesota residents to shelter-in-place in order to contain the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, this shelter-in place order has caused the widespread closure of businesses throughout Minnesota and Hennepin County, producing profound economic disruption, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and widespread and persistent economic uncertainty; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County’s large, robust and diverse business community accounts for 30% of all jobs in Minnesota, 56% of Fortune 500 companies in Minnesota, and encompasses mid-size companies, a thriving small business community including numerous home-based enterprises, and businesses owned by and serving communities of color and other diverse communities; and
WHEREAS, the recovery of the Hennepin County business community from the effects of COVID-19 is crucial to the long-term future of Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, on April 21, 2020 the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved the creation of the Small Business Relief Program recognizing the significance of small businesses in Hennepin County and addressing initial gaps in federal and state aid to this portion of the business community; and
WHEREAS, the challenges facing the business community are profound, are likely to extend over a long period of time and are likely to vary at different points in the recovery; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County recognizes the importance of including the expertise of the business community in trying to design programs and initiatives that will promote business recovery;