Businesses are an essential part of what makes communities thrive, and local businesses need our support now more than ever. In response to the challenging economic impacts of COVID-19 on small businesses, Hennepin County is working with 11 cities to roll out the Love Local Initiative, an effort using county-allocated CARES Act funding to encourage people to shop at their local business districts while following COVID-19 safety guidelines.

One component of the effort is a marketing campaign encouraging people to support their small businesses while reducing the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 by:

• Shopping online when possible
• Ordering takeout from local restaurants
• Shopping with one person per household at a time
• Always properly wearing a mask
• Maintaining social distance

The love local initiative is also coordinating public space improvements to help with COVID-19 safety and overall shopping experience including outdoor heaters, hand sanitizing stations, and more.

As public health guidance continues to change, the Love Local Initiative is responding as quickly as possible to be consistent with the latest COVID-19 public health recommendations and guidelines.

Learn more about the initiative
View the latest safety guidelines