Bear + Larp District
Business ResourceS
business funding
Recent federal immigration enforcement activity across Minnesota is placing immigrant-owned and all White Bear Avenue businesses under severe strain. Along the corridor in the Bear + Larp District, we are seeing the impact firsthand: fear in our storefronts, reduced foot traffic and sudden revenue loss forcing entrepreneurs to make impossible decisions just to keep their doors open.
These businesses are more than storefronts; they support families, employ neighbors and anchor community life.
As a district, our role is to stand with the businesses along the Bear + Larp corridor and actively connect them to trusted resources that can help stabilize operations during this challenging time. That includes access to emergency relief opportunities, legal guidance, financial assistance, technical support and culturally responsive services.
Our commitment is clear: we will continue coordinating partners, sharing timely information and advocating for the entrepreneurs who make the Bear + Larp District a vibrant and essential part of Saint Paul’s Greater East Side.
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Latino & Immigrant Business Emergency Relief Fund
LEDC currently has grant funding available for Latino-owned businesses located throughout Minnesota that have been negatively impacted by recent ICE activity. These grants are intended to provide immediate financial relief for businesses facing urgent challenges.
Grant Applications Available NOW for Businesses Impacted by Recent ICE Activity.
Learn more at: https://www.ledcmn.org/news/business-emergency-relief-fund/
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Find information about a variety of financial assistance resources and programs available for Saint Paul businesses.
https://www.stpaul.gov/businesses/open-business/business-resources/city-financial-assistance
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ESNDC connects East Side business owners to a wide network of resources, including local lenders, private foundations, public funding, and opportunities. We also offer technical assistance to support the growth and success of businesses.
Learn more at: https://esndc.org/economic-development/
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SMALL BUSINESSES MAY NOW APPLY FOR ECONOMIC RESPONSE GRANTS!
Seeded by contributions from more than 35 Minnesota companies and individual donors, the Economic Response Fund will distribute $4 million in the coming weeks. The Minneapolis Foundation has allocated these resources to seven nonprofit organizations with deep experience providing small business support. These partners will make grant decisions, distributing financial assistance to small businesses in communities statewide.
Grants will be made on a rolling basis and distributed as quickly as possible to help businesses stabilize in the coming weeks.
Learn more and apply: https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/stories/community-issues/small-businesses-may-now-apply-for-economic-response-grants/
IMMIGRANT RESOURCES/
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
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Immigration Need to Know!
For small businesses wanting to know about their rights to prevent ICE entering the premises. Includes signs and other resources.
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The City of Saint Paul compiled a list of community partners and other resources that may help during the immigration process.
https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/city-attorney/immigration-resources
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A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace.
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Resources supporting communities during ICE operations.
Groups to know
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Immigration Need to Know!
Guides African immigrants and refugees to economic prosperity.
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Funds for commercial real estate, business acquisition, equipment, debt refinance, and permanent working capital.
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Serves Hmong-owned, micro-enterprise businesses.
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Provides loans for small businesses.
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For an extensive list of partner organizations and groups to know: