In response to the escalating toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken and will continue to take on Rethos Main Street districts throughout Minnesota, Rethos is announcing a Fall renewal of the Rethos Main Streets Support Fund for small businesses located in designated Rethos Main Streets Minnesota communities. In the Spring of 2020, Rethos and its partner communities were able to distribute $40,000 to over 50 small businesses through the Rethos Main Streets Support Fund. The injection of funding allowed selected small businesses to focus on projects that enhanced their operations during pandemic closures or allowed them to have a more robust re-opening. Funding was principally given to businesses that submitted short-term projects that would create long-term structural or operational benefits for their business.
On July 31st, 2020, Rethos renewed its fundraising to support our partner communities’ vital small businesses. Rethos’ Board of Directors has generously offered to match the first $10,000 raised. As this crisis continues to deepen and its consequences become more evident, Rethos will be asking our supporters and partners to join us in showing Main Street businesses the support they need during these difficult times.
“Broad business closures in a community are devastating for a downtown, both short and long term. Our goal at Rethos is to provide capital for Main Street businesses to have an opportunity to institute positive energy for their business.” Sarina Otaibi, Rethos Rural Programs Manager
The funds are offered in partnership with and are available to businesses located in designated Rethos Main Street Minnesota’s districts of Albert Lea, Faribault, Mankato, Northfield, Olivia, Owatonna, Red Wing, Shakopee, Wabasha, Willmar, and Winona. Businesses may apply for non-repayable funds of up to $1,000 for operational reinvestment projects.
The donation page can be found here: https://www.rethos.org/rmssfdonationpage
The fund application page can be found here: https://www.rethos.org/mainstreetsupportfund