WE’RE OPENING UP OUR PLATFORM
Minneapolis-Saint Paul and the entire state of Minnesota is home to incredible problem solvers. Many of them across the MSP region built the Forge North initiative to better connect and work collaboratively in their pursuit of supporting entrepreneurs and advancing our local ecosystem.
We are all committed to helping this region stay connected and supported during this time of rapid change. Our team is in active listening mode. We want to hear from the community and will direct resources as needed to help you work together to solve new challenges.
Below, you can discover resources, share and vote ideas, find virtual opportunities to connect, and learn more about the partner organizations who are in regular communication to respond to your ideas.
SHARE & VOTE ON IDEAS TO SUPPORT LOCAL STARTUPS
Showing ideas that are
- 5Centralized COVID-19 Resource ListingThings are developing rapidly to support startups. Having a central place to list offerings will be critical for startups to understand what is available and how to access.
- 4FN Grants to StartupsForge North could apply for an emergency grant from a foundation, or seek crowdfunded donations from the community, and disperse the funds out to startups and small businesses who need the funds to st... Read more...
- 4Use MNvest or REG-CF to Raise Emergency CapitalThe MNvest law passed in 2015 and made effective in 2016 allows any MN based business the opportunity to publicly solicit for investment from both accredited and non-accredited investors AFTER it has ... Read more...
- 1CAN YOUR BUSINESS TALK TO THE MEDIA ABOUT COVID-19?Global businesses are in the midst of creating and deploying organization-wide, multi-region communications strategies to update employees, customers and stakeholders on safety protocols and any busin... Read more...
- 1Government-Startup ConnectionsAt the best of times, governments (neighborhood, city, county, state) and startups don't have clear channels of communication. How might Forge North and its members streamline connections between the ... Read more...
- 1SBA Micro Loans (up to $50K)MN, in partnership with the SBA, is increasing the amount of funding available to new entrepreneurs through very low interest loans & some grants to address needs in this time of crisis. There are... Read more...
- 1Affordable Refurbished Computers and Monitors at Tech DiscountsTech Discounts is a nonprofit organization in Minnesota selling affordable refurbished technology. All shipping fees are waived at least though the end of the month and every computer comes with a 1-Y... Read more...
- 1PHRAZER-KITSUNE COVID-19 TRIAGE MANAGEMENTI call your attention to Phrazer/Kitsune, a breakthrough medical technology that is a proven, automated medical device produced by GeaCom, Inc., a Minnesota company, that will significantly transform ... Read more...
- 1PPE Equipment At Home Manufacturing Discussion ForumI set up a discussion forum on Discord https://discord.gg/EMPPyJ9 for anyone interested in manufacturing PPE equipment for hospitals from home, whether 3d printing or cutting or otherwise. Please join... Read more...
DISCOVER RESOURCES AND LINKS FOR LOCAL STARTUPS
Local Offerings + Assistance
- 5-step COVID-19 Analysis Worksheet: A battle-tested process that takes the drama out of decision making created by Amanda Heyman.
- Startups Amid COVID-19: An AMA with Techstars Minnesota on March 19 at 1pm.
- Fix It Fridays: The Coven and Lunar Startups are offering support to three founders each Friday to solve a problem they are facing.
- MinneAMAs: 3/26 Working Remote 101, 4/8 So You’re Thinking of Joining an Accelerator, 4/22: How to Rock Pair Programming
- Demystifying Venture Capital on March 25 with Brett Brohl and Mary Grove.
- Digital Pay-What-You-Can Memberships at The Coven.
Basic Business Guidance
- Is Your Business Ready for COVID-19?: A webinar by the MN Chamber of Commerce.
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Steps for BIPOC-Owned Businesses During COVID-19 from Meda.
- Startup Resources and Advice Amidst Covid-19 from the MN Techstars Team.
- Coronavirus Small Business Guide from the US Chamber of Commerce.
Funding + Legal
- Shared Work Program: A program offered by the MN Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program to help employers avoid a layoff.
- FAQs and Tips for MN Businesses on COVID-19: A list compiled by Davis Law Office.
- Facebook Small Business Grant Program: $100M in cash grants available.
- Expanded Kiva Offerings in US: Leverage your network to raise $10-15k in 0% interest loans.
- 30-day Sales and Use Tax Grace Period: Through the Minnesota Department of Revenue for qualified business who have payment due March 20.
- Minnesota Disaster Recover Fund is being raised and will be funneled through community foundations + intermediaries.
- SBA Disaster Relief Fund – Funds are availble for eligible Minnesota small busiensses and nonprofits. You can review this document for information on the application process and who is eligle.
- The SBA application portal may crash due to a large increase in web traffic. These forms will be required and can be completed prior to submitting online: Disaster Loan Application Form, Tax Information Authorization, SBA Form 2202 – Schedule of Liabilities, SBA Form 413 – Personal Financial Statement, SBA Form 1368 – Monthly sales figure.
- They are hosting daily webinars at 9am and 1pm CST. Check here under “Events” to get registered.
- DEED Smal Business Grants are being made available to Minnesota businesses. Click here to learn more about eligibility and applications.
For The Creative Economy
- Springboard for the Arts: resources for artists, including a Personal Emergency Relief Fund.
- COVID Freelance Artist Resource List: an aggregated list of free resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines.
For Nonprofits
- Minnesota Council on Foundations: resources including legal FAQs and a webinar in partnerhsip with the State of Minnesota and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
- What Nonprofits Need to Know: a list by Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Community Innovation Grant applications related to COVID-19 will be expedited by The Bush Foundation.
For Working Remotely
- Tips for working from home from a remote-first company from Minnesota’s own Civic Eagle.
- A Guide to Remote Work During COVID-19 created by Move Minneapolis.
- Webex FREE for 90 days with explanded capabilities offered by Cisco.
For Mental Health + Well-Being
- Are you OK?: A Pollen series of stories, art, and connection to bolster our community of care during the COVID-19 crisis.
- MN Department of Health: Resources for Mental Health and Wellbeing Associated with Covid-19
- Just For Kids: A Comic from NPR Exploring The New Coronavirus
SUPPORTING STARTUPS
- Consider buying giftcards to help your favorite local restaurants. Local startup Giftbomb makes it easy!
- Order take out. WCCO is helping you find local places with this map.
- Shop locally, online! Consider shopping digitally with local businesses you normally frequent in-person.
- Support local artists with this great playlist put together by Meet Minneapolis.
- Raise awareness of startups and their offerings/needs by posting on social media.
- Make a monetary contribution directly or to funds like MN Disaster Revcovery Fund via GiveMN.
Other Resources
Our Startup Compass allows you to access 500+ local resources anytime, anywhere!
What are we missing?
If you know of other resources available to MN-based startups in response to COVID-19, please let us know here or email hello@forgenorth.com.
OUR PARTNERS IN THIS EFFORT
