Small Business Stories - Sharing the impact of COVID-19

May 26, 2020

Last week, Governor Walz announced outdoor restaurant patios, salons and campgrounds could open at limited capacity on June 1. However, indoor bars and restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and bowling alleys will remain closed until an unknown date in the future. While continued progress to reopen is important, we hoped the governor would take more meaningful steps today. We understand the focus on safety, and so do businesses that have protection plans in place and are ready to open. The approach announced today doesn’t sufficiently recognize the ability of businesses – many of them small businesses – to innovate and protect employees and customers.

This additional delay must have a timetable for the future. Without further action to promptly open, more of our small businesses will be unable to return, serve their customers and support their communities. Below are stories from Minnesota employers who've shared their stories this month about the importance of returning to work and doing so in a way that protects employees and customers.

Profiled May 21