We spoke at City Council last night who had on their agenda consideration for small business loans. We are thrilled for our businesses that Mayor Mary and the entire City Council had a spirited discussion and approved Phase 1 of helping Apple Valley businesses with 25 employees (or full time equivalent) or less. Mayor Mary spoke very highly of our Chamber and the business community. Everyone agreed but they stated they created a subcommittee to discuss doing more and maybe even going up to a million. We will keep you posted as to if more money is later added and/or other forms of assisting our small businesses are created as well as when and how to apply.
Other cities who also received CARES ACT federal money on our border just approved similar amounts. Apple Valley received $4,000,025 for COVID related relief for all aspects of the city including business grants. Burnsville on Monday approved $1 million and $20,000 small business grants and Lakeville last week approved $10K grants from a total pool of $484,000 and close to Apple Valley’s action last night. Burnsville separately approved a block grant of $50,000 for their Chamber, $50,000 for their CVB and $50,000 for 360 Communities. Similar assistance was discussed last night with our Mayor and City Council approving $10,000 for our Chamber in light of us having to last week cancelling our planned Sept. 19th outdoor Home & Garden Expo. We are very grateful, especially entering our 50th Anniversary as a Chamber in a few months.
