Midwest startup accelerator gener8tor announced Tuesday that it will run an emergency one-week virtual program for Minnesota small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Emergency Response Program will run from April 6-10 and is designed to help startups identify, understand and secure resources to withstand the current crisis. All businesses based in Minnesota that apply for the program will be included.
As part of the program, participants will be invited to daily lunchtime webinars with experts from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the Minnesota Small Business Development Centers and other organizations.
These webinars will cover topics such as determining eligibility and applying for SBA programs; civic, philanthropic and state emergency relief resources; navigating changes required by new laws; federal emergency relief programs and local support; and mental health and wellness resources.
Direct assistance will also be provided to companies that want to virtually meet with gener8tor team members to discuss specific issues with their business. Gener8tor will also work with community groups interested in providing pro bono resources to small businesses such as virtual office hours.
gener8tor was founded in Madison, Wisc. about eight years ago, and has since expanded throughout the country. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, it has rolled out emergency response programs in several states, including Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois.
"We have seen firsthand the impact that entrepreneurs have on a community and we hope to call on our network of mentor, investors and partners to support these new Emergency Response Programs," generator Co-Founder Joe Kirgues said in a statement.
Startups that wish to participate must sign up by Friday, April 3.
