Rock County businesses get $180,00 DEED grants

Eighteen Rock County businesses received $180,000 in Small Business Relief Grants last year, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced earlier this month.
State legislators created the program last June and distributed $61.51 million statewide.
“We know that small businesses have suffered the most during this pandemic, so this program was designed to help them,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove in a March 5 press release. “These dollars helped thousands of businesses weather some of the worst months of the pandemic, and we look forward to better days ahead for the state’s business community.”
Grant distribution was completed through a randomized lottery process after the application period closed in July. Businesses had to be Minnesota owned and operated and had to demonstrate financial hardship as the result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The program ended Dec. 31 with more than 6,000 recipients.
Luverne businesses that received $10,000 each include 75 Diner, Big Top Tent Rentals, Howling Dog Saloon, Fawning Lashes, Great Planes Travel, Luverne Lanes, Luverne Power Fitness, Papik Motors, Print Express, Reborn Home Furnishings, Salon 75 Hair and Spa, Sassy Seconds, Sterling’s Cafe and Grille, The Bean and Tyana’s Boutique.
Hills grant recipients include Valocity Studios, Kristin Van Der Brink Massage Therapist and Willies Inc.
More than 27,400 businesses applied for the grants during the summer application time frame. Additional federal funding was made available in December with additional recipients selected from the waiting list.