Rice County has received funds through the State of Minnesota for the purpose of providing business relief grants to businesses and nonprofit organizations negatively affected by COVID-19 related Executive Orders. Grants must be used by eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations for operations expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Examples of eligible expenses include but are not limited to:
• Property Taxes
• Insurance Costs
• Legal Fees
• Payroll
• Rent
• Utilities
• Marketing/Advertising
• Licensing Fees
• Routine Maintenance
• Travel/Vehicle Expense
• Repairs to existing building & equipment
• COVID-19 Public Health Mitigation Measures and PPE
 
The following State criteria must be met for eligibility:
• The business or nonprofit must have a physical establishment in Rice County
• No current tax liens with the Secretary of State
• Have been impacted by a COVID-19 related Executive Order
 
A Business must have been current on their property taxes as of March 1, 2020 or any other obligations to Rice County. A Business must submit a full application with signatures and complete the attached W-9 Form. Submittal of a completed application does not guarantee funding. A Business owner agrees that by signing and submitting the Rice County COVID-19 Business Relief Payments application they may be subject to a random audit by Rice County for accuracy of information requested. They also agree to provide additional documentation that may be requested by Rice County or their representative to determine eligibility and award amount or to complete an audit of funds awarded. If it is determined that false or misleading information is provided on the Rice County COVID-19 Business Relief Payments application, the Business will be required to repay Rice County the entire grant amount.
 
Maximum Grant amount is up to $10,000.00 based upon need and funds available. Grants will be awarded based on eligibility and need. Rice County reserves the right to prioritize applications as needed. Applications will be made available on January 15, 2021. First review of applications will occur on January 29, 2021 and on a rolling basis thereafter. Grants will continue to be awarded until all funds are expended. Final approval will be subject to approval by the Rice County Board of Commissioners.
 
Ineligible businesses and nonprofits include but are not limited to:

• Corporate/multi-state chains (except those owned by local franchisee)
• businesses in default conditions prior to March 1, 2020
• businesses with IRS debt prior to March 1, 2020
• finance, insurance and real estate businesses
• banks
• financial advisors
• property rentals or property management
• billboards
• retail/off-sale only liquor stores
• lobbyist
• government entities
• businesses that earn a majority of their income from online transactions.

 
Rice County reserves the right to determine other businesses and nonprofits as ineligible.
Grant applications will be available on the Rice County website and by request and may be submitted by mail to
Rice County Government Center
ATTN: Sara Folsted,
320 NW 3rd Street,
Faribault, MN 55021
 
or electronically to kfeldbrugge@co.rice.mn.us
 
For any questions or clarifications, please contact Sara Folsted at 507-332-6100 or sfolsted@co.rice.mn.us
Rice County reserves the right to reject or modify any application or portions thereof it feels does not meet the guidelines or application process requirements. Businesses may be prioritized based on need.

FOR ONLINE APPLICATION: https://www.co.rice.mn.us/FormCenter/HRA-11/2021-RICE-COUNTY-COVID19-Business-Relief-52