Editor's Note: This is a developing story. We will continue to update it as more information becomes available.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many business owners and employees into a realm of uncertainty. Although Minnesota finds itself in strange times, there are many in the community looking to help and support entrepreneurs and their comapnies.
Below, Minne Inno has compiled some business events, resources and news that Minnesotans can use to help navigate the crisis. If there's something you would like to add, reach out.
Minne Inno will continually provide updates on how COVID-19 is affecting Minnesota. For the latest news, sign up for The Beat.
Last updated March 20 at 11:15 a.m.
NEWS
- Fri., March 20: Several private schools, including Macalester College and the University of St. Thomas, decided this week to offer refunds to students who will vacate campus housing and finish the semester remotely.
- Confirmed cases in Minnesota: 115
Fri., March 20: Mayo Clinic announced thiat it has expanded its ability to test patients for the coronavirus. The health system can now process up to 4,000 tests each day. By comparison, the Minnesota Department of Health lab has tested just over 3,000 people in total. Thurs., March 19: The Minneapolis City Council decided to extend its public health emergency indefinitely. The status gives Mayor Jacob Frey the power to enact emergency regulations to help protech the public health, the Star Tribune reports. Thurs., March 19: The list of businesses asked to cease operations expands. State regulators say that nail salons and other personal services like tattoo shops must also close.
- Confirmed cases in Minnesota: 89
Tues., March 17: Fueled Collective tells members that it will close at 5 p.m. and reopen at the end of the month. WeWork and The Riveter will not close, but will switch to a reduced-staffing model. Tues., March 17: Some local coworking companies, including Impact Hub and The Coven, announce that they're temporarily closing their doors. The Coven said that this will be in effect for their business at least until March 28. Impact Hub did not provide further details.
- Confirmed number of cases in Minnesota: 60
Mon., March 16: Tech Dump said that it is temporarily closing its brick-and-mortar store and slowing down the amount of items it's accepting from customers. The company's e-commerce store, Tech Discounts, is still operational. CEO Amanda LaGrange told Minne Inno that she expects laptops and monitors to be increasingly popular as people navigate working and staying at home. Tech Dump is offering free shipping until the end of March to support those in need of affordable technology. Mon., March 16: On Monday evening, Gov. Tim Walz announced that dine-in restaurants would temporarily shut down along with bars, theaters, museums and other large gathering spaces. Restaurants must close by 5 p.m. Tuesday. Mon., March 16: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared a local public health emergency, ordering all restaurants and bars in the city to close by Tuesday afternoon. St. Paul instituted similar measures the day prior. Mayor Frey's declaration also gives the city power to limit large gatherings, the Star Tribune reports, quickly purchase emergency supplies and more easily apply for assistance.
- Confirmed cases in Minnesota: 54
Sun., March 15: The CDC recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events of 50 people or more. Thurs., March 12: Minnestar announced Thursday that it decided to postpone its annual Minnebar conference. The organization said in an emailed statement that hopes to reschedule to later this year, and is working with Best Buy and other partners to determine "what the event will look like and when it will take place." More than a decade old, Minnebar is one of the Minnesota startup scene's most popular events, often drawing 1,000 or more people to Best Buy's Richfield headquarters each spring. Wed., March 11: The University of Minnesota announced that it’s canceling all in-person classes across all five campuses, moving to online classes starting Monday. The news came just under a week after Minnesota reported its first case of the coronavirus. Tues., March 10: Minneapolis health insurance startup Bright Health announced that it developed an updated COVID-19 coverage policy that includes free diagnostic testing and early prescription refills. Under this policy, members whose care providers have ordered testing will have COVID-19 diagnostic tests covered at no cost.
MINNE INNO STORIES
RESOURCES
- Is Your Business Ready for COVID-19? – Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
- Minnesota's Chamber of Commerce compiled resources from community leaders to create a webinar that will help businesses prepare.
5 Steps to Smarter Business Decisions in the COVID-19 Era – Amanda Heyman, Lunar Startups
- Amanda Heyman, head of Lunar Startups' Lunar Everywhere program, shares her analysis worksheet to help founders manage their businesses during crisis.
Remote Work During COVID-19 – Move Minneapolis
- Move Minneapolis is providing guides, webinars and workshops to help business owners improve work-from-home practices.
COVID-19 Information for Minnesotans – Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
- Updated Daily, DEED is answering questions and providing resources to businesses and employers affected by COVID-19.
Mental Health and Emergency Preparedness – Minnesota Department of Health
- Resources include tips on managing stress and the threat of COVID-19 and providing psychological first aid.
Tips for Working From Home From a Remote-First Company – Civic Eagle
- Political-tech company Civic Eagle has always been a remote-first business. In this post, CEO Damola Ogundipe shares tips to run a team efficiently without a central office.
COVID-19 Hotline – Minnesota Department of Health
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has a hotline to field questions about issues related to community mitigation, including schools and business impacts. That line is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. For information, call (651) 297-1304.
Steps for Business Owners During COVID-19 – MEDA
- Nancy Nichols, Business Consultant of Meda, Patrick Pariseau, Director of Financial Solutions at Meda and Uri Camarena, Director of Business Consulting at Meda, recommend offer several suggestions for businesses during coronavirus.
Startups Amid COVID-19 (video) – Techstars Minnesota
DIGITAL EVENTS
- (3/20) Fix-It Friday Lunch Hour: "Lunar Startups and The Coven will take three founders through a brainstorm/whiteboarding session to help solve a marketing, financial, operation or staffing challenge. It can be related to these turbulent times or just a general business issue. We’ll have business experts available to help facilitate the conversation and we’ll solicit support, advice and resources from the viewers." Details here.
- (3/23) How to Be a Side-Hustler:"Enter the side hustle! Join our lineup of speakers as they deliver tactical tips and tricks on how to start a successful side hustle while keeping your day job." Details here.
- (3/25) Demystifying Venture Capital: "Join us remotely for the first in a series hosted by local Minnesota-based investors to better understand venture capital." Details here.
- (4/17-18) Seed Spot 2-Day Launch Camp: "The 2-Day Launch Camp provides entrepreneurs and individuals that are exploring starting a venture a safe space to explore and launch their idea." Details here.
- (5/28) Product Launch 101: "Why does launching your product or service feel so daunting? We’re here to say it doesn’t have to be." Details here.
- (6/9) Backstage Capital 2020 Tour: Working with Lunar Startups, Backstage Capital will bring its digital tour to Minneapolis. Startups can apply to receive $25,000 from investors. Applications are due March 31.
- (Thursdays) Are You OK? A Virtual Gathering: Stories, art, and connection to bolster our community of care during the COVID-19 crisis. Details here.
- (Ongoing) Minnestar's Top Hits: In lieu of Minnebar, Minnestar will be posting a video on its YouTube channel each day of a previous pitch at Minnedemo or other events.
