COVID-19 Information

  1. Business Resources & Support
  2. Park Updates & Rules
  3. City Services & Facilities
  4. Jobs & Employment Information
  5. Community Response Team
  6. News & Updates

City of Winona - Port Authority

The Port Authority of Winona, with partnerships with the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce, WNB Financial, Merchants Bank and others, has launched a loan program for small local businesses disrupted or facing closure due to the pandemic.

The program provides loans up to $20,000. The program has so far provided nearly $200,000 to more than 25 businesses.

All loans are interest-free, with payments delayed until January 2021. For more information and to apply, follow this link.

Winona County CARES Act small-business grants

To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Winona County small businesses and non-profit organizations, the Winona County Board of Commissioners has approved emergency financial support through the Winona County CARES Small Business Assistance Grant Program that is targeted at qualified businesses and non-profits that are negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to Stay at Home Orders. 

The program will provide one-time grants of up to $10,000 to help offset the significant, temporary loss of revenue to these qualified organizations during this pandemic.

The Winona Area Chamber of Commerce is the facilitating organization in accepting and processing applications, as well as disbursing grant funds.

Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis through October 2 or until funds are depleted. Applications and guidelines can be viewed and submitted on the Chamber's website. You may also print the attached application here and bring it to the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce (902 E. 2nd Street, Suite 120) with all documentation during business hours (M-F, 8am-4pm).

Please email info@winonachamber.com or call the Chamber office at 507-452-2272.

State of Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has a growing list of resources for businesses on its website.

Federal

Note that many businesses are eligible for multiple programs simultaneously. Please check the details on the linked websites to learn more.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA is offering a variety of resources to businesses affected by closure, cancellations and other challenges related to COVID-19. Here are the SBA's current programs and opportunities.

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program, distributed through local lenders, is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll by providing each small business a loan up to $10 million for payroll and certain other expenses.

The PPP is not active at this time. Visit the SBA's resource page on the PPP and keep up with news and updates.

Nonprofits

Note: Almost all 501c-incorporated nonprofits qualify for the SBA loans listed above, and in most cases nonprofit interest rates are lower.

Otto Bremer Trust

The Otto Bremer Trust has created a $50 million emergency fund to support community organizations. The fund provides emergency funding, loans, lines of credit and other financial resources to organizations impacted by and responded to the COVID-19 outbreak.