Businesses negatively impacted by this year’s warm and snowless winter may be eligible for loans through the Small Business Administration.
Eighty-one counties in the state are currently covered by federal disaster declarations for drought conditions, exacerbated by the lack of snowfall in Minnesota. From December to February, Minnesota experienced the warmest meteorological winter on record.
Under the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program, businesses can borrow up to $2 million to cover their actual losses. They pay no interest on the loan for the first year and no more than 4% for the rest of the loan period.
A webinar hosted by the SBA will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 15, to provide information about the disaster declaration, how to apply for a loan, and the use of loan proceeds. Business owners can learn more about eligibility, find an application and learn more about application deadlines for their county at the SBA's disaster assistance page.
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Contributed/EARLY EDge Facebook pageThe Itasca County early childhood program was long supported by the Blandin Foundation. A new model may be on the horizon, but for now, cuts are needed. -
Contributed/USDA Forest Service - Superior National ForestLegislation would end mining moratorium on Superior National Forest and reinstate canceled Twin Metals leases. -
Contributed/U.S. Forest ServiceFishing Opener, Mother's Day and unseasonably warm weather mean the Northland will be busy this weekend. But folks should be aware of near-critical fire weather conditions. -
Contributed/Adobe Stock via Minnesota News ConnectionMinnesota almost exhausted all its current federal aid for energy bill assistance, but an overdue payment from the federal government came through. The future of the program still faces budget hurdles. -
This week, News Director Chelsey Perkins talks about the controversy over the summertime closure of Bridge on 7th, a homeless shelter in Brainerd, and why community members are speaking out. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe National Weather Service said the smoke will likely linger anywhere from two to five hours in any one location on May 9, 2025. -
Contributed/Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School via FacebookThe Minnesota State High School League's art showcase is a celebration of artists who received Spotlight on the Arts recognition at the section level. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXETownship officials estimate more than 300 people attended the informational meeting on incorporation into a new city on May 7, 2025. -
Plus: The National Association of Letter Carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger" campaign to benefit area food shelves is May 10, 2025; and 32 students from Northern Minnesota will display their art at the Minnesota State High School League's Visual Art State Festival in Golden Valley.
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Contributed/Bemidji Community Food ShelfThe National Association of Letter Carriers sponsors the one-day food drive, and postal carriers across Northern Minnesota will participate on May 10.
