Clay County Administrator Stephen Larson announces small business relief award recipients.

Karen Newman

78 Clay County businesses were approved to receive economic relief due to revenue losses incurred when Governor Walz imposed EO 20-99 mandating shutdowns.  County Administrator Stephen Larson informed the Clay County Commission at their February 2 meeting that the relief program received 112 initial applications.  Two-person teams, representing Clay County’s Corona Virus Relief Committee and city representatives from around the county, examined each application for guideline compliance.  Applying businesses were eligible to receive funding based on revenue losses from November 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019.

The state-funded program designated $1,243,646.85 designated for Clay County small business relief and $31,091.17 for administrative costs. The total funding package allocated to the county was $1,274,738.02.

· Losses to $3500: 6 businesses eligible for funding ranging from $500 to $2252.

· Losses to $10,000: 13 businesses eligible for $3,250.

· Losses to $15,000: 7 businesses eligible for $10,000.

· Losses to $25,000: 14 businesses eligible for $12,500.

· Losses to $50,000: 10 businesses eligible for $15,000.

· Losses to $100,000: 11 businesses eligible for $28,000.

· Losses to $500,000: 8 businesses eligible for $40,000.

The Corona Virus Relief Committee provided an additional category for businesses, new to Clay County, but not qualified for prior funding relief programs. These businesses lacked 2019 tax documentation to use for comparison purposes.  Nine businesses, new to Clay County, qualified for funding ranging from $2500 to $25,000 with a total distribution of $170,000.

Following the board’s approval, Larson said funding recipients will be notified of their awards and provided with final paperwork guidelines. Deadlines for distribution must be met.  

Commissioner Kevin Campbell said, “This has got to be helpful to them. He added,” We didn’t make anybody whole.”

Commissioner Jenny Mongeau reported that the total revenue losses for the 78 qualifying businesses totaled $3,263,345.20. She added, “There was no way to replace all of the revenue lost with this program.  I do feel that we tried to have amounts that would at least be equitable based on the business size and what revenue was lost.” She reminded those present that the funds were granted to local businesses who support community activities and added a stark reminder to shop locally, saying, “They are hanging on by a thread…be sure to patronize them.”