Cars drive past the Hennepin County Government Center, the county seat of Minnesota's largest county, on November 21, 2024. | Mshale Staff Photo by Tom Gitaa
Cars drive past the Hennepin County Government Center, the county seat of Minnesota's largest county, on November 21, 2024. | Mshale Staff Photo by Tom Gitaa

Hennepin County on Wednesday announced a new grant program to support small businesses financially strained by intensified federal immigration enforcement. The Hennepin County Small Business Recovery Fund will provide roughly $2 million in one-time grants to help cover rent and mortgage payments, officials said.

The fund, administered by the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority with assistance from NextStage, opens for applications at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, and closes at 4 p.m. on March 25. The county said the program is designed to prevent widespread commercial closures and maintain vibrant neighborhood business corridors.

Many expected beneficiaries are immigrant-owned businesses experiencing reduced foot traffic, temporary closures, or workforce disruption. “Our goal is to help businesses stay open and maintain the cultural and economic fabric of our neighborhoods,” a county spokesperson said.

Grants will range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on business size and financial need, and can cover up to two months of rent or mortgage payments.

Online-only and home-based businesses are not eligible.

Who Can Apply

  • Locally owned, for-profit business with a physical location in Hennepin County
  • Revenue loss ≥30% from Dec. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 due to immigration enforcement
  • Annual revenue: $25,000–$4 million
  • Must be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State
  • Must be current on property taxes
  • Online-only and home-based businesses not eligible
  • Grants range $3,000–$10,000, prioritizing smaller businesses with fewer employees

To apply and receive support putting together documentation for your application, visit the Elevate Hennepin website.

Author

  • Born and raised in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa, Tom is the Founder, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Mshale which has been reporting on the news and culture of African immigrants in the United States since 1995. He has a BA in Business from Metro State University and a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

    He was the original host of Talking Drum, the signature current affairs show on the African Broadcasting Network (ABN-America), which was available nationwide in the United States via the Dish Network satellite service. On the show, he interviewed Nobel laureates such as 2004 Nobel Peace prize winner, Professor Wangari Maathai, the first woman from Africa to win the peace prize and heads of states. Tom has served and chaired various boards including Global Minnesota (formerly Minnesota International Center), the sixth largest World Affairs Council in the United States. He has previously served as the first Black President of the Board of Directors at Books for Africa. He also serves on the board of the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium. He has previously served two terms on the board of the United Nations Association.

    An avid runner, he retired from running full marathons after turning 50 and now only focuses on training for half marathons.

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About Tom Gitaa, Editor-in-Chief

Born and raised in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa, Tom is the Founder, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Mshale which has been reporting on the news and culture of African immigrants in the United States since 1995. He has a BA in Business from Metro State University and a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He was the original host of Talking Drum, the signature current affairs show on the African Broadcasting Network (ABN-America), which was available nationwide in the United States via the Dish Network satellite service. On the show, he interviewed Nobel laureates such as 2004 Nobel Peace prize winner, Professor Wangari Maathai, the first woman from Africa to win the peace prize and heads of states. Tom has served and chaired various boards including Global Minnesota (formerly Minnesota International Center), the sixth largest World Affairs Council in the United States. He has previously served as the first Black President of the Board of Directors at Books for Africa. He also serves on the board of the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium. He has previously served two terms on the board of the United Nations Association. An avid runner, he retired from running full marathons after turning 50 and now only focuses on training for half marathons.

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