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7.2. EDSR 03-15-2021 �J etyof ElkRequest for Action River To Item Number Economic Development Authority 7.2 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by General Business March 15, 2021 Colleen Eddy, Economic Development Specialist Item Description Reviewed by COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Cal Portner, City Administrator Application Reviewed by Action Requested 1. Approve,by motion,the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Application for Mystery Chambers. 2. Approve,by motion,the resolution approving COVID Loan forgiveness. Background/Discussion At the January 26, 2021, meeting,the Joint Finance Committee recommended approval of the Mystery Chambers COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Application. Mystery Chambers is requesting $16,000 to offset costs associated with the Governor's Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08. Mystery Chambers was closed with the original order and were only able to later open with strict limitations. They are projecting to utilize the requested funds to offset lease,utilities, operating and advertising expenses. At the December 21, 2020, EDA meeting, the EDA approved forgiving four COVID loans. Staff recommends loan forgiveness for Mystery Chambers for consistency with similar actions. Financial Impact The EDA allocated funding of up to $200,000 for this program from the general microloan fund account. The total funds disbursed as of December 16, 2020,were $97,374.00, of which$37,374 is currently forgivable. The Microloan fund balance is about$828,000. Attachments ■ Mystery Chambers Application Documents ■ COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program ■ Resolution The Elk River Vision A Y�elcoming community nvith revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional P U W E H E o s r service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity ,g /` UR 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 763.635.1000 ElkRiverMN.gov COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program 2 | Page COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program Purpose The City of Elk River Economic Development Authority (EDA) has developed the small business emergency assistance microloan program to provide financial assistance to locally owned and operated businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility The COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program is available to locally owned and operated small businesses located within the City of Elk River. 1. Eligible business types include locally owned and operated businesses noted in Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08, including but not limited to: a. Restaurants, cafes, coffeehouses, and other places of public accommodation offering food or beverage for on-premises consumption b. Taverns, brew pubs, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, tasting rooms and other places of public accommodation offering alcoholic beverages for on- premises consumption c. Gymnasiums, fitness centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, businesses offering massage therapy or similar body work, spas, salons, nail salons, cosmetology salons and barber shops. This includes, but is not limited to, all salons and shops licensed by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners and the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners. d. Art and music studios e. Bowling alleys, skating rinks and other similar recreational or entertainment facilities f. Other businesses deemed nonessential under executive orders adopted by the Governor of the State of Minnesota g. Other businesses as approved by the EDA 2. The business must have been in operation prior to the Governor’s Executive Order 3. Be a legal entity registered with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State and be in good standing 4. Be a conforming or legally nonconforming use under the current city zoning regulations of the city 5. Not be in violation of the city’s zoning code 6. Be in compliance with city ordinances, codes, licensing, and must not have any delinquent taxes, bills, or other charges due to the city Amount: Up to $20,000 Loan Up to $5,000 in Property Tax Relief Application Fee: Waived Equity: None Rate: Fixed at 0% Term: Loans will be payable over 5 years and will be amortized over a period of 10 years. 3 | Page Payment: Loan is deferred for 6 months upon approval of the loan agreement. Forgivable: Up to $5,000 is eligible for forgiveness for property tax relief for taxes payable in 2020. Lease or ownership documentation is required. Forgiveness for property tax relief will be granted if the Borrower has met the reporting requirements listed below. Extension: In the event the Borrower is unable to obtain conventional financing to replace the Microloan at the end of five years, the loan may be extended up to two additional years at a market rate of interest. Collateral: Loans must be supported by sufficient collateral, which will include personal guarantees and/or corporate guarantees. Supporting Documentation: 1. Proof of ownership or signed lease. 2. Proof of submittal, acceptance, approval and/or denial of SBA and DEED loan applications (not absolutely required) 3. Copy of page from business’s most recent federal tax return indicating gross receipts or sales 4. A W-9 form (with signature) 5. Other supporting documentation you wish to provide to the EDA to assist in understanding the applicant’s situation. 6. Narrative descriptions and estimated calculations of the negative impacts on the business due to COVID-19 7. Description of costs to be paid with the proceeds of the loan 8. Narrative description of the plans for resuming operations following the COVID-19 crisis Permitted Fund Uses: Awarded funds may be used exclusively for current payroll obligations (may not include employees who have been laid off), lease or mortgage payments, utilities, accounts payable, property taxes and other critical business expenses that can’t be paid as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Awarded funds may not be used for business owner’s/manager’s personal uses or expenses. Ineligible Fund Uses: Assistance cannot be provided to businesses or nonprofits that: 1. Do not have a physical business address within the City of Elk River 2. Are home-based businesses 3. Derive income from passive investments without operational ties to operating businesses 4. Primarily generate income from gambling activities 5. Generate any part of its income from adult-oriented or tobacco/vaping-related activities 6. Have no current or historical financial statements 7. Previously received emergency funds from the EDA Fund Availability: 4 | Page Funds are granted on a first come, first serve basis and will be provided until the funds are exhausted or the city-declared state of emergency declaration is lifted, whichever comes first. Reporting: As a condition for receiving funding, all recipients are required to submit a brief report to the EDA within sixty (60 days of receiving funds, specifying how the funds were used and providing evidence in the form of paid invoices, statements or similar documentation. 5 | Page COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program Application Applicant Information DBA - Legal Name of the Business: _______________________________________________  Sole Proprietorship  Partnership  Corporation  LLC Length of Time in Business Years Months Fed Tax Id# MN State License Mailing Address City Zip Location Address City Zip Business Phone ( ) Business Fax ( ) E-Mail Address Web Address Contact Name Title Is your business currently registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State? Is your business currently in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State? Amount of Funding Requested $______ - Loan $_______ - Forgivable Loan (Property Tax Relief) Total number of employees: _______ The number of your employees who have been impacted by the Governor’s Executive Orders? _______ Was your business subject to the Governor’s Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08? How has the Governor’s Executive Orders financially affected your business? 6 | Page For what purpose will these funds be used? Please include proposed expenses up to the total funding request. (For example: lease expenses for June ($2,000), payroll for employees, utilities, etc). Describe plans for resuming operations following the COVID-19 crisis. Principal #1 Name Address City ZIP Percentage of Ownership ______% Principal #2 Name Address City ZIP Percentage of Ownership ______% Primary Lender Name Phone Ref# Address Fax Contact Title 7 | Page Eligible Applicants  All eligible business categories must be referenced in Governor Walz’s Executive Orders (EO 20-04 and EO 20-08).  Must have a physical, commercial location, whether owned or leased, that is located in city limits of Elk River, MN.  Must be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.  Must be current with Sherburne County property taxes. Application Requirements  The "COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program" application must be completed in its entirety by the applicant and submitted to:** City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Electronic submissions are also accepted to aothoudt@elkrivermn.gov  All loans will be subject to the EDA’s COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program.**  Applications will be considered on by the Joint Finance Committee and acted on by the EDA.**  The most recent federal tax return filed by the business indicating gross receipts of sales.  Income statements and balance sheets for the past year or current within 90 days, if the business has been in business less than one year.  Proof of ownership or signed lease.**  Proof of submittal, acceptance, approval and/or denial of SBA and DEED loan applications (not absolutely required).  A W-9 form (with signature).**  Other supporting information requested from staff to review eligibility.**  If funds are awarded, a brief report to the EDA within two months after receiving funds, specifying how the funds were used and providing evidence in the form of paid invoices, statements or similar documentation.** **Only needed for property tax relief Applicant Acknowledgement:  The applicant shall hold the EDA, its officers, consultants, attorneys, and agents harmless from any and all claims arising from or in connection with the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program or its application, including but not limited to, any legal or actual violations of any state or federal laws.  The applicant recognizes and agrees that the EDA retains absolute authority and discretion to decide whether or not to accept or deny any particular application, and that all expenditures, obligations, costs, fees, or liabilities incurred by the Applicant in connection with the application are incurred by the applicant at its sole risk and expense. 8 | Page  The applicant acknowledges that they have read the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program guidelines and understands that if the application is approved for funding, loan funds awarded must only be used to pay eligible expenses. Data Privacy Notice: The city and the EDA are subject to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 (the “Minnesota Government Data Practices Act”). The application shall become the property of the city and/or EDA and is subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. LOAN PROGRAM POLICY AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION I declare that the information provided in this application and on the accompanying exhibits is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I agree to be bound by all terms and conditions of the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program. The City of Elk River Economic Development Authority has the right to verify any information contained in this application, including credit reports on the individuals and the business, and may contact any individuals and institutions involved with the proposed project. The lenders named herein have the right to share information with the EDA, its Finance Committee and boards as is necessary to approve the application for its loan funds. Signature/Title of Applicant: ___________________________________Date: ___________ Signature/Title of Applicant: _______________________ ____________Date: ___________ Applicants are encouraged to review the Governor’s Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08 for further definition and clarification of businesses that are or are not eligible for this COVID- 19 Small Business Emergency Microloan. The EDA retains final authority to determine if a business is eligible or not, and whether to approve a loan or not. For questions, call 763.635.1042 or cell at 763.218.2766 or email aothoudt@elkrivermn.gov. COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program Policy History Adopted by: On (date) Item # EDA 5/18/2020 7.2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER COUNTY OF SHERBURNE STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 21-01 REOLUTION APPROVING FORGIVENESS FOR COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY MICROLOAN PROGRAM BORROWER WHEREAS, the spread of COVID-19 in the United States and Minnesota has raised serious public health concerns; and WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, Governor Tim Walz issued Emergency Executive Order 20-01 declaring a state of peacetime emergency to address the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota; and WHEREAS, the Governor subsequently issued additional Executive Orders to combat the impacts of COV-ID-19 within the State of Minnesota, which include closures of schools, bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation;and WHEREAS, many businesses within the City of Elk River,Minnesota (the "City") have been economically impacted by the Governor's Emergency Executive Orders in response to the COVID- 19 pandemic; and WHERERAS,in order to retain small businesses in the City, on May 18, 2020, the Economic Development Authority of the City of Elk River (the"EDA") created the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program (the "Loan Program") to assist area businesses with the expenses incurred and specifically caused by the impact of the Governor's Emergency Executive Orders by providing no-interest loans to small businesses in the City in an amount of up to $20,000,including a forgivable portion in an amount not to exceed $5,000; and WHEREAS, the EDA approved and expended a Loan Program loan in the amount of $16,000.00 to Mystery Chambers (the `Borrower"); and WHEREAS, the Borrower entered into a Loan Agreement with the EDA (the "Loan Agreement");and WHEREAS, since the creation of the Loan Program,additional Emergency Executive Orders have been issued by the Governor that impact local businesses and the costs of current and prior business interruptions due to the pandemic are likely to prevent many businesses from continuing to operate; and WHEREAS,preservation of existing businesses with a physical location in the City is essential to stabilizing the City's economy and the City therefore desires to provide economic assistance to businesses within the City that have been impacted by the economic pressures caused by COVID-19; and EL 185-13-707977.v2 WHEREAS, due to the continued economic hardship for local businesses resulting from COVID-19 and the EDA's continued desire to retain existing businesses in the City, the EDA has determined to forgive the outstanding balance in the amount of$16,000.00 of the loan provided to the Borrower pursuant to the Program including the portion of the outstanding loan not used for property tax relief and not intended to be forgiven under the Loan Agreement executed by the Borrower and the EDA. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED By the Board of Commissioners (the `Board' of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Elk River (the "EDA'D as follows: 1.01. The EDA hereby authorizes forgiveness of the loan made to the Borrower, and authorizes and directs the President and the Executive Director to execute a certificate or letter of forgiveness on behalf of the EDA to the Borrower,together with all related documents in connection therewith (the "Forgiveness Documents"); and the President and Executive Director are hereby authorized and directed to carry out,on behalf of the EDA,the EDA's obligations thereunder and deliver the cancelled Personal Guaranty(as defined in the Loan Agreement) to the Borrower. 1.02. The approval hereby given to the Forgiveness Documents includes approval of such details therein as may be necessary and appropriate and approved by legal counsel to the EDA and by the President and Executive Director prior to executing said documents; and said officers are hereby authorized to approve said changes on behalf of the EDA. The execution of any instrument by the President and Executive Director shall be conclusive evidence of the approval of such document in accordance with the terms hereof. In the event of absence or disability of said officers, any of the documents authorized by this Resolution to be executed may be executed without further act or authorization of the Board by any duly designated acting official, or by such other officer or officers of the Board as,in the opinion of the City Attorney,may act in their behalf. Approved by the Board of Commissioners of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Elk River this 15"'day of March,2021. President ATTEST: Secretary EL 185-13-707977.v2