Free event connects restaurant owners with grants

Homeland Security calls the surge of more than 3,000 Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Minneapolis and St. Paul over the past several weeks its largest enforcement operation ever.

The result is hurting local mom-and-pop shops and restaurants. On Lake Street in south Minneapolis, many businesses have hung “No ICE” signs in their windows. Out of fear for the safety of their employees and customers, many small businesses in the Twin Cities, especially restaurants, have reduced hours or closed entirely.

“We know there are a lot of people struggling and going through turmoil,” said Patrice Bailey, assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), which is hosting a free lunch and learn titled Growing Food & Agricultural Businesses on Monday, February 2. “This is so people don’t have to figure this out alone,” Bailey added.

According to the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press, revenue losses of 40% to 80% have been reported in immigrant-heavy areas in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

At some businesses in the Twin Cities, employees aren’t showing up for work, and customers are not coming through the doors after Operation Metro Surge began. The large-scale federal operation is targeting undocumented immigrants in the Twin Cities, but reports show citizens are being detained too. The ICE surge has led to significant protests and unrest, especially after an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in her vehicle on Jan. 7.

At Karmel Mall in South Minneapolis, home to more than a hundred small businesses and an economic hub for the local Somali population, shoppers have disappeared. One store owner told the Associated Press his business is down $20,000 a month, and he’s having to figure out how to make rent.

Bailey says MDA’s event on Feb. 2, co-sponsored by ShelettaMakesADifference.org will include information on how businesses can bridge the gap. “We have a ton of grants,” Bailey explained. “There could be something that is tailored to you.”

The event will help food entrepreneurs understand what support and resources are available through the MDA. Attendees will learn what programs and grants can help with marketing and growth. Other topics include what licenses or next steps are needed to grow a food business, how to find commercial kitchen space, the difference between selling under cottage food and selling wholesale, or even how to get product into stores.

“The whole point is to make it easy for folks to learn how they can access grants for food production, commercial kitchens, and whatever else they need to continue to stay successful entrepreneurs,” Bailey added.

Space is limited at the free lunch and learn event happening Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, located at 625 N. Robert St. in St. Paul. To sign up, go to: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/growing-black-food-agriculture-businesses