Fighting back against COVID-19

Our new partnership will help local businesses cope with the economic effects of the crisis

4.16.2020 — LISC Stories

LISC Twin Cities is here to provide support during times of crisis in order to help people and small businesses. Our approach is inclusive and we seek to intentionally bring resources to communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic - including our most underserved communities.

We're proud to announce that we are collaborating with U.S. Bank and Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA) to help people and small businesses in and around the Little Mekong area along the Green Line light rail transit. This new partnership will help meet the immediate needs of our local businesses, build the infrastructure needed to advance long-term recovery efforts, and ensure that our most affected neighborhoods receive help during this challenging time. It reinforces our commitment to placemaking in one of our eight partner districts across the region during this difficult time.

"Small businesses are the top job creator for immigrant communities and the economic backbone of our ethnic commercial corridors. With the support of U.S. Bank and LISC, AEDA can focus on helping businesses in Saint Paul’s Little Mekong cultural destination tap into the resources they need so they can recover, keep employees, and bring jobs back after recovery."

— Va-Megn Thoj, Executive Director, AEDA

This local grant is one of five given to various cities across the country (including Duluth) made possible by a $500,000 grant from U.S. Bank provided to LISC nationally.

We will provide funding to offer:

● Technical assistance to AEDA to develop various outreach and recovery strategies tailored to local Twin Cities conditions.

● Technical assistance to local businesses, through AEDA and expert consultants, to help businesses access public and private resources, including Small Business Administration and local resources.

● Access to small grants that businesses can apply for to help them remain open or to reopen (up to $5,000, through LISC’s Small Grants program). These businesses will also receive ongoing support from LISC and AEDA to ensure the long-term sustainability of their business.

If you own a small business in the Twin Cities and need support to stay open, or if you know any business owners that may benefit from LISC’s assistance opportunities, follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more information and future updates.

Our team at LISC Twin Cities hopes that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy.

Best regards,
Peter McLaughlin
LISC Twin Cities Executive Director

“In times of crisis, it’s crucial that we stay well-informed and connected, and that we support each other. Our collaborative effort with U.S. Bank and AEDA symbolizes our engagement philosophy, and will help ensure we help those who need it.”

— Peter McLaughlin, LISC Twin Cities Executive Director