Retractable Security Doors

Retractable security doors are now allowed to be installed on commercial businesses (no residential uses). No building permit will be required at this time. The City Council is also considering City Ordinance changes. Building permits would be required after those changes to the ordinance. Security doors must be retracted to maintain open views through windows during open business hours. No signage or graphics are allowed on the retractable doors at this time.

The Fed is still haggling over the next package of assistance. It doesn't look like the two sides are close to coming to an agreement.

Language for Liability Protection for businesses and colleges regarding litigation due to contracting covid or having to wear a mask is in the works and has passed through one body.

The state did apply for extra FEMA funding to supplement income for people suffering low income due to the pandemic. Self-employed contractors are eligible for these funds through the unemployment insurance.

With the pandemic ongoing, there have been a number of questions about unemployment, and when an employee needs to return to work. Felhaber Larson has assembled a flow-chart to help you and your employees determine requirements.

With school starting up, you and your employees may have changing time off needs. The Federal government instituted the FFCRA (Families First Coronavirus Response Act) to clarify when an employee is entitled to paid leave.

Christianson Accounting has a great summary available. Make sure you're up to speed. https://www.christiansoncpa.com/school-ffcra/

Centerpoint Energy will be performing some under-street work on the stretch of 54th St/Diamond Lake Rd between Grand Ave and Lyndale Ave today through September 11th. This stretch of the road will remain closed during the work. You may want to notify your regulars of the need to detour if you are near this stretch of road.

Loans available for Minneapolis individuals, businesses and nonprofits affected by civil unrest

Minneapolis individuals, property owners, businesses and nonprofits can now apply for low-interest disaster loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for areas in Minnesota affected by the recent civil unrest.

Three types of SBA disaster loans

• Home disaster loans for homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property including automobiles.
• Physical disaster loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by businesses and nonprofits including real estate, inventory and equipment. Businesses and nonprofits of any size are eligible.
• Economic injury disaster loans for working capital to help small businesses and nonprofits meet their financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster.

For help preparing financial documentation, Minneapolis businesses can consult with an advisor through the City’s Business Technical Assistance Program or contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team at 612-673-2487 or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.

Apply online here by Oct. 2 for physical disaster loans and May 3, 2021, for economic injury disaster loans.

See the Small Business Administration news release and fact sheet for more information. Business and property owners with questions about the loan application can contact the SBA Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center at 571-422-6078 or 571-422-6871 or FOCE-Help@sba.gov.

Business Property Safety 

Southwest Businesses Continue to be Hit With Smash and Grabs

Break-ins overnight where windows and doors are smashed and a quick entry to grab whatever may have value continues to be a problem throughout the Southwest business community. Because of the fast nature of these attacks, police are not able to arrive before the suspects have left the scene. We urge all businesses to review your security measures and consider the following:

Join the Southwest Crime Watch Group

SECURITY ADVICE AND REMINDERS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS & MANAGERS

• Review your security plans.
• Remove all cash from the business leaving cash drawers open and empty.
• Post a sign notifying all that there is no cash on site.
• Add security window film to your windows and glass doors to prevent glass from breaking/shattering should a suspect throw rock/brick to get in. Uline and local hardware stores should carry this. It is a relatively inexpensive security improvement that would be very effective against current events.
• If you're replacing any glass windows or doors, consider a heavier glass that is less likely to smash through easily.
• Consider installing bars or roll-cages to the inside of your windows and doors.
• Remove or secure items of opportunistic theft, especially items that can be seen and then grabbed by smashing an exterior window.
• Remove/Lock up the most commonly stolen items: computers, cash registers, drugs, cash, phones, ipads, liquor, jewelry, cigarettes, and other small valuable or easy to sell items.
• Ensure your security system is operational and accessible. Arm it every time someone is not present.
• Check to make sure security cameras are working and aimed at the right locations to capture suspicious activity and suspects’ faces.

• Review your security and staffing plans to ensure a sufficient number of employees are on site.
• Review plans for limiting opportunities for crime and insure staff know your procedures for robbery and theft incidents.
• Review your policies for cash on hand.
• Control access to the establishment for customers coming in for pickups; maintain safe spacing of at least 6-feet between people.
• Lock all doors that are not being used for the operation of your limited business.
• Secure access to non-public areas, bathrooms and storage rooms.
• Train staff to be observant and report suspicious people within or around your business
• Check to make sure security cameras are working and aimed at the right locations to capture suspicious activity and suspects’ faces.
• If you are using delivery drivers, review safety plans with drivers. Remind them to be vigilant if approached by a stranger on the street.They should never leave the keys in their car and never leave the car running while making the delivery.

Social Media Content Calendar with Optional Images and Copy

Social media platforms can be the perfect place to talk with your customers... but knowing exactly what to say can be harder than it looks! Inconsistent posting, messaging, or social media strategies are common downfalls in quests for a strong social presence. If you've ever found yourself saying...

• I'm too busy to post right now

• I wish I had stronger relationships with my clients

• I'm out of ideas for posts

You're far from alone! If your efforts across your platforms aren't translating into clients or dollar signs, "refreshing" can get pretty depressing. Fortunately, there are easier ways to engage online. Imagine approaching each month with a clear posting schedule and brand strategy in mind. 

Does that sound like a dream? We're here to make it your reality. When properly managed, your social channels can be an exciting place to form real connections. With a content calendar, posts that are pre-written for you, and already sized images for Facebook and Instagram, we know that you'll soon be able to find the joy in social media while saving a ton of time.  

These social media kits come with plenty of professional expertise and a small price tag that's perfectly fit for your small business. It's time we change the face of your Facebook and make people instantly love your Instagram. Harness the true power of all of your platforms.

Contact us with any questions, or get your kit today!

• Daily ideas and prompts for posting
• Shared tips and images
• Content that's ready to connect you with clients

Voila! handles all the hard stuff for you - all that's left is to schedule your posts! Become more effective and more efficient.

Get your kit today!

Hennepin County continues rounds of Small Business Emergency Relief grants for county businesses needing help through the pandemic. The current round of applications will close at Noon this Wendesday. Use the link below for details on eligibility and to apply:

https://www.hennepin.us/economic-development/programs/Emergency-relief

Last week, police were able to track down suspects believed to be involved in the uptick in violent crimes happening in the 5th precinct. Six individuals were interviewed and two were arrested.

Unfortunately, resident reports have come in that armed robberies were attempted in the area over the weekend. This means that at least some of the individuals perpetrating these crimes are still out there and operating. 

Please be alert and cautious when arriving and leaving. Keep your personal belongings in zipped pockets or bags. If carrying a bag, wear it cross-body. Have your hands free, and your ears available to observe your surroundings. The police are also recommending to travel in company when possible. The more alert and aware you are, the less likely you are to be the victim of one of these attacks. 

SWBA will keep you posted with updates as the investigations progress.