By Bruce Karnick

[email protected]

December 28th, Washington County Commissioner Wayne Johnson shared an update to his Facebook page regarding the work the county is doing to help small businesses. With the meeting scheduled to take place after press time, The Journal will share an update as soon as further details are available.

Below is an update for the Business Assistance Program that Washington County will be responsible for implementing.

We do not expect to get the state funding until the first week of January We are also waiting to find out what requirements the State of Minnesota is placing on the County for eligibility and documentation prior to adopting our program We are moving as quickly as we can and anticipate approving a program at our next meeting on January 5, 2021. (Not locked in yet.) Our program is likely to include some or all of the following components: A priority for businesses like bars, restaurants, gyms, fitness centers and other who have been partially or fully closed by the most recent executive orders. We will try to get these grants out as soon as possible.

Allow other businesses impacted by executive orders to be eligible, along with certain non-profits Grant awards are likely to be similar to our program earlier in 2020 ($15,000 grants, less for home-based businesses) Application period will start as soon after January 5, 2021 as possible and be open for about a month; applications will continue to be accepted after that if funding remains available.

I will continue to post updates when available. I can assure you we will keep pressing forward to get assistance to those that are eligible and in need as soon as possible.