St. Cloud Sun

St. Cloud might have new programs coming in that can support local businesses to withstand the current economic situation and help them thrive better.

Mayor Dave Kleis told St. Cloud Times that there could be new sources of funds or the possibility of at least reducing costs for businesses until the COVID-19 health crisis ends.

Officials are also considering creating a revolving loan program from the city’s $300,000 in funding that was given by the state before the pandemic hit. Part of the funding is allocated for some target industries or job creation. Nothing is final at this point and the mayor has not indicated any specifics of possible assistance from the City.   

"With the dollars that EDA has available for business, we want to make sure that we can fill that gap that federal and state dollars cannot, and to make sure that businesses can survive through this and can survive post-COVID and can be successful businesses retained in our community," Kleis said.

Another option is City Council might look at allowing restaurants and bars to pay pro-rate liquor license fees that could help them minimize financial losses by not paying for a license they can’t use during restriction orders.

Until such programs are in place, the mayor is keen on helping local businesses and will continue to work with the city and its officials.