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DEED Launches the Minnesota Cultural Mall Operator Grant Program

Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released applications for the Cultural Mall Operator COVID Relief Grant Program as part of the Main Street COVID Relief Grant program approved by the Minnesota State Legislature and signed by Gov. Tim Walz on June 30, 2021.

This program will make grants up to $300,000 to Minnesota-based operators (not tenants) of privately owned, permanent indoor retail space and food markets that have an ethnic cultural emphasis. A total of $3 million is available for grant awards.

DEED will accept applications from eligible Cultural Mall operators/owners starting October 18th. The deadline to submit an application is November 5th 4:00 p.m.

On Thursday, October 21st at 11:00 a.m. DEED will host an informational session to answer questions about the application and the program.

“I am thrilled that this program will help cultural malls recover from the economic impacts they are still experiencing from COVID-19,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “This program will help make sure that cultural malls across Minnesota remain vibrant cornerstones of our communities.”

Awards will be disbursed and administered by qualified local and regional nonprofit organizations. Up to $25,000 of grant funds received by cultural mall operators can be used for the operator's own working capital expenses. The remainder of grant funds must be used to maintain existing tenants of the operator through the issuing of credits or forgiveness of rent.

In order to receive benefits through the operator grant, a tenant must meet the same eligibility requirements as applicants for the COVID Relief Grant Program. The maximum amount of benefits a tenant can receive is $25,000 in rent credit or rent forgiveness.

DEED is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website or follow us on Twitter.

 

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