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General Information for Families
Program Guidelines for Families
General Information for Small Businesses
Application for Small Businesses
Program Guidelines for Small Businesses
General Information
What is the Saint Paul Bridge Fund?
The Saint Paul Bridge Fund is an emergency relief program for families with children and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The $3.85 million fund will be distributed to qualifying Saint Paul families with children as a flat-rate $1,000 grant and to qualifying small businesses as a flat-rate $7,500 grant. It is designed to complement other state and federal emergency relief programs and ‘bridge the gap’ between now and when those dollars are available.
How was the program developed?
On Sunday, March 15, Mayor Carter declared a State of Local Emergency to mobilize all necessary public health and safety resources and presented the Saint Paul Bridge Fund proposal to the City Council on Wednesday, March 25. Following that presentation, two changes were made to the family grant proposal. In response to community feedback, eligibility changed from having one Saint Paul Public School student in the household to having at least one child under 18 in the household.
Additionally, in response to Federal economic impact payments, the family grant amount was reduced from $2,000 to $1,000, to better complement the aid package and double the number of families served.
The Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved Saint Paul Bridge Fund guidelines and funding on Wednesday, April 1.
How is the program funded?
The Saint Paul Bridge Fund was seeded with $3.3 million of Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority funds, and augmented by generous donations from philanthropy, corporations and individuals. The donations are managed by the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation. There is a GiveMN site established for individual donors.
Contributions from the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority were budgeted in 2020 for business technical assistance and the production, preservation and protection of affordable housing. More information on the use of public funds is available in the Legistar resolution file (RES 20-597).
Why is there more funding support for businesses than for families?
The Saint Paul Bridge Fund is scaled to have a meaningful impact and serve as many small businesses and families with children as possible. The small business grant of $7,500 is sized to assist with immediate small business expenses based on consultation with small business experts such as the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) and available data during program development. The family grant of $1,000 is sized to support one month of housing expense for both homeowners and renters assuming median housing costs: $935 for renters, and $1558 for homeowners. Together, each grant is designed to complement other state and federal emergency relief programs and ‘bridge the gap’ between now and when those dollars are available.
How will the City protect public resources from fraud or other misuse?
Saint Paul Bridge Fund guidelines establish eligibility criteria for families with children and small businesses.
Family grant applicants are required to have annual total household income at or below 40% of area median income which is 40,000 for a family of four and showing job loss or substantial wage reduction due to COVID-19. For specific documentation requirements, refer to the Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Families guidelines.
Small business grant applicants are required to submit documentation of their legal business status, Secretary of State filing, proof of physical location, and proof of annual revenue.
Small business grant recipients are required to state how they plan to use the grant. City staff will check in with small business grant recipients within one year to learn how the grant dollars were used and how the business is doing.
Will this help everyone?
The Saint Paul Bridge Fund is designed to complement other state and federal emergency relief programs and ‘bridge the gap’ between now and when those dollars are available. Due to limited funding, it is unlikely all applicants will receive a grant. Stay informed about the City's response to COVID-19 and additional resources for all Saint Paul families and businesses by subscribing to daily updates at stpaul.gov/coronavirus.
How can I apply?
Saint Paul Bridge Fund applications will be available at stpaul.gov/bridge-fund in English, Hmong, Karen, Oromo, Somali and Spanish on Wednesday, April 8 until Sunday, April 19 at 5 p.m.
Application assistance will be available by phone every day from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at (651) 266-6565.
The application can be completed on a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or smartphone. Applicants without access to a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or smartphone can apply by phone at (651) 266-6565, subject to submission of necessary documentation.
All eligible applications will have an equal chance of receiving a grant. No preference will be given based on when an application was received during the open application period (Wednesday, April 8 – Sunday, April 19). Only one application per family or small business is required. Duplicate applications will be removed and will not increase or decrease the chance of being awarded.
For more information on the family grant application, refer to the Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Families guidelines or guidance below.
For more information on the small business grant application, refer to the Bridge Fund for Small Businesses guidelines or guidance below.
Can I use a friend or family member’s computer, tablet or smartphone to apply?
Yes. The application can be completed on a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or smartphone. Applicants without access to a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or smartphone can apply by phone at (651) 266-6565, subject to submission of necessary documentation.
Can I apply by mail, phone call, or in person?
Mailed and in-person applications are not being accepted at this time. The application can be completed on a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or smartphone. Applicants without access to a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or smartphone can apply by phone at (651) 266-6565, subject to submission of necessary documentation.
Can someone help me fill out my application?
Yes. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to friends, family and nonprofit social service agencies for help. Application assistance will be available by phone in English, Hmong, Karen, Oromo, Somali and Spanish every day from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at (651) 266-6565.
Is there an application fee?
No. Beware of any links or groups requesting payment or claiming there is a fee to apply. Only apply to the Saint Paul Bridge Fund at stpaul.gov/bridge-fund. For more information on Coronavirus scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission website or subscribe to daily updates at stpaul.gov/coronavirus.
Is eligibility for the Saint Paul Bridge Fund limited to U.S. citizens?
No. City employees will not inquire about immigration documentation or status for the Saint Paul Bridge Fund, or any other program.
The City of Saint Paul is committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming and inclusive city for everyone. Under federal law, all residents should be able to access city services without regard to their immigration or documentation status. The City does not operate programs for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law. The city is making grants available from the Bridge Fund in connection with a qualified disaster declaration in order to promote the general welfare of Saint Paul in response to COVID-19. The grant application will not ask about immigration or documentation status, and immigration or documentation status will have no impact on eligibility.
Can I apply for both the small business and family grant?
No. Small business owners eligible for the family grant should choose which grant to apply for.
How are applications evaluated?
All eligible applications will have an equal chance of receiving a grant. No preference will be given based on when an application was received during the open application period (Wednesday, April 8 – Sunday, April 19). Only one application per family or small business is required. Duplicate applications will be removed and will not increase or decrease the chance of being awarded.
If a family or small business submits a complete application, meets the program criteria and guidelines, and funding is available, they will be awarded the grant. If the City receives more applications than funds available, a random selection system for qualified applicants will be implemented.
In addition to reviewing applications for program eligibility, staff will provide information about other available emergency relief programs to all applicants (regardless of Bridge Fund eligibility).
Will I be able to modify my Saint Paul Bridge Fund application if I am deemed ineligible?
Due to the anticipated volume of applications, applicants will not have the ability to make modifications after their application has been submitted
Do I have to pay back the grant?
No, grants do not need to be paid back.
How can I help?
The City is currently working on a donation portal for contributions to the Saint Paul Bridge Fund. For more information, contact (651) 266-6565.
The City is also working to connect volunteers with community organizations for people looking to donate their time to the COVID-19 relief effort.
Stay informed about the City's response to COVID-19 and additional ways to help by subscribing to daily updates at stpaul.gov/coronavirus.
For Families
What is the Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Families (the “family grant”)?
The Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Families is a $1 million emergency relief program for families with children impacted by COVID-19. The program provides low-income families with a flat-rate $1,000 grant for rent or mortgage payments. It is designed to complement other state and federal emergency relief programs and ‘bridge the gap’ between now and when those dollars are available.
Who is eligible for the Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Families (the “family grant”)?
Eligible families:
- Live in Saint Paul
- Have incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income ($40,000 annually for a family of four) before a COVID-19 related change in employment.
- Have at least one minor child under 18 present in the household,
- Have experienced a significant loss of income due to COVID-19
Please refer to the “Application” section of the FAQ for more information on documentation proving eligibility.
How can the $1,000 family grant be used?
The grant is designed to support families’ housing expenses associated with rent or mortgage costs.
What are the income limits for the family grant?
Before the COVID-19 related change in employment, gross annual household incomes must have been at or below levels shown below:
| Household Size | Income Limit (40% AMI) |
| 2 | $32,000 |
| 3 | $36,000 |
| 4 | $40,000 |
| 5 | $43,200 |
| 6 | $46,400 |
| 7 | $49,600 |
| 8 | $52,800 |
For households larger than 8, add $3,200 for each additional person.
How is family size determined?
All people living at the applicant’s home, except for temporary visitors, are considered part of the household. The following are also considered part of the household:
- Unborn children of pregnant women.
- Children in the process of being adopted.
- Temporarily absent minor children under 18 () including, but not limited to, those currently:
- In foster care
- In a medical or rehabilitation facility
- In joint custody arrangements who live at the applicant’s home 50% or more of the time
- Away at school who live at the applicant’s home when school is not in session
- Temporarily absent adults (18 years or older), including, but not limited to, those currently:
- Working in another state on assignment
- In a medical or rehabilitation facility
- On active military duty
- Away at school who live at the applicant’s home when school is not in session
All adult (18 or older) family members, including those temporarily absent, must report income in the family grant application. Please do not submit any documentation to show income that includes private information, such as Social Security Numbers or Tax Identification Numbers.
Age is determined by how old the person is on April 19, 2020.
Who counts as a child living in the home?
Children, also called minor dependents, are under 18 through April 19, 2020 living at the applicant’s home at least 50% of the time.
The child who lives at my Saint Paul residence spends time at another residence in Saint Paul (for example, with a parent, grandparent, or other caregiver). Are both residences eligible?
Yes, if the minor child under 18 lives in applicant’s home at least 50% of the time.
Are families receiving assistance through the Families First Housing Pilot eligible for the Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Families (the “family grant”)?
No, Families First recipients are not eligible for other housing subsidy assistance per program guidelines. Families First provides a monthly rental subsidy for a three-year period. Please visit stpaul.gov/families-first for more information on if you qualify for a longer term rental subsidy through the Families First Housing Pilot.
More broadly, families receiving another type of ongoing housing rental assistance (examples: Section 8 voucher, Public Housing, Homework Starts With Home, Families First) are not eligible for the family grant.
Is the Families First Housing Pilot related to the Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act?
No. The Saint Paul Families First Housing Pilot provides a rent supplement payment over three years to low-income families with kindergarten through third graders enrolled in seven specific Saint Paul schools.
Will the family grant impact the ability to access additional benefits with income eligibility restrictions?
In accordance with Mayor Melvin Carter’s local emergency order and Internal Revenue Code Section 139, the payments are being issued in connection with local qualified disaster in order to promote the general welfare and therefore should be considered non-taxable relief payments. The IRS has consistently ruled that no information return reporting is required with respect to payments of disaster relief that the payor expects will be excluded under Section 139.
Application for Families
How can I prepare for the family grant application?
- Visit uimn.org or call 651-296-3644 to see if you’re eligible for unemployment compensation. Enrollment in unemployment insurance is one straightforward way to demonstrate a significant loss of income due to COVID-19. Recent federal and state actions have expanded unemployment eligibility (like loss of self-employment income) and amount of assistance available.
- Make sure you have access to a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or smartphone with internet access. You will also need a way to upload documents or pictures of documents, like a smartphone with a camera, digital camera, or scanner.
How many applications for the family grant are expected?
Data aggregated from several sources, including the US Census and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), indicate that approximately 8,000 households in Saint Paul earn less than 40% of area median income annually and have at least one child present in the household.
How many families are going to receive grants?
Based on current funds, 1,000 families will receive a grant. Private donations added to the Saint Paul Bridge Fund will provide more eligible families with grant assistance. (For more information on donating to the Saint Paul Bridge Fund, see “How can I help?”)
Program Guidelines for Families
Why a flat $1,000 grant?
The family grant is scaled to have a meaningful impact and serve as many families with children as possible. The grant amount of $1,000 is sized to support one month of housing costs one month of housing expense for both homeowners and renters, assuming median housing costs: $935 for renters, and $1558 for homeowners. It is designed to complement state and federal aid and ‘bridge the gap’ between now and when those dollars are available.
A flat amount also helps streamline complicated administrative processes and accelerates the speed to award family grants.
How will the grant work with other housing assistance and lending tools?
The program is designed to complement Federal programs. Saint Paul residents who receive housing assistance through other programs including Public Housing benefits, Section 8 vouchers, and Saint Paul Families First programs are not eligible for the Bridge Fund. City staff will work with all Saint Paul residents to identify programs and resources to help them through the COVID crisis.
Why is the family grant limited to low-income families with children?
Families at these income levels are more likely to have jobs in industries severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, making them the most vulnerable to sudden job and income loss. For example, current data shows families supported by a now-unemployed restaurant worker are projected to have only $62 after paying rent. (Source: Minnesota Housing Partnership)
The widespread closures of schools and childcare facilities has added an additional burden for these families. Unstable housing can impact children throughout their lives.
The Saint Paul Bridge Fund is designed to complement other state and federal emergency relief programs and ‘bridge the gap’ between now and when those dollars are available. Stay informed about the City's response to COVID-19 and additional resources for all Saint Paul families and businesses by subscribing to daily updates at stpaul.gov/coronavirus.
Will families with children attending Pre-K through grade 12 at a charter school, or with children younger than school age, be eligible for the family grant?
Yes. Eligibility is open to all Saint Paul families with children regardless of school enrollment. Following Mayor Carter’s presentation to City Council, eligibility changed from having one Saint Paul Public School student in the household to having at least one child under 18 in the household in response to community feedback.
For Small Businesses
What is the Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Small Businesses?
The Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Small Businesses is a $2.25 million emergency grant program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The program provides small businesses with a flat-rate $7,500 grant money for immediate business expenses. It is designed to complement other state and federal emergency relief programs and ‘bridge the gap’ between now and when those dollars are available.
What businesses are eligible for the Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Small Businesses (the “small businesses grant”)?
Eligible small businesses are independent, for-profit, primarily retail-oriented entities registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State. In addition, they must have:
- A physical location within Saint Paul in operation for the last three months,
- Gross annual revenue of $2 million or less,
- Revenues significantly impacted by COVID-19
How can the $7,500 grant be used?
The small business grants may be used for any immediate business expenses, including but not limited to: rent or mortgage payments, employee health benefits, leave payroll and payroll, and payments to suppliers.
Small business grant recipients are required to state how they plan to use the grant. City staff will check in with small business grant recipients within one year to learn how the grant dollars were used and how the business is doing.
How is annual gross revenue calculated for eligibility?
Small businesses should use gross annual revenue for any 12-month period between January 1, 2019 and March 15, 2020.
If a business has been open for less than 12-months, applicants should estimate annual gross revenues by taking the gross revenues from when they opened up to March 15, 2020 and use that number to calculate the equivalent for 12-months. For example, if the business has been open for more than three months but less than one-year, annual gross revenue should be calculated as four times the revenue from January 15, 2020 to March 15, 2020.
Small business grant applicants must submit documentation of revenues in the form of tax filings, point of sales reports, profit and loss statements, or other documentation.
What does it mean to have a “physical establishment?”
Small business applicants are required to provide a copy of a lease, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or other document to show proof of “physical establishment”
Subtenants of larger commercial spaces are eligible if a small business can show site control over real property in the form of a lease or other document. For purposes of this program, real property does not include chairs or workstations in shared facilities like salons, barber shops, spas, and co-working spaces; parking space for a food truck or cart or rental of shelf space only such as in an antique mall, or farmers or food market.
What does “retail-oriented” mean?
Retail-oriented small businesses operate by selling goods or services to the general public and are typically open to individual customers or consumers. Examples include restaurants, cafes, bars, retail shops, salons, florists, spas, gyms, etc. Warehouses, workshops, offices, production facilities, commercial kitchens, and co-working spaces are not considered retail-oriented.
What businesses are ineligible?
Ineligible businesses include, but are not limited to:
- Businesses outside of the City of Saint Paul
- Non-profit organizations
- Businesses with greater than $2 million in annual gross revenue
- Businesses without a legal entity registered with the Secretary of State
- Businesses that are not primarily retail-oriented
- Businesses without a physical, leased or owned, establishment
- Businesses that opened after December 15, 2019
- Consultants
- Businesses that are primarily business-to-business and do not serve customers
- Real estate businesses (commercial or residential property owners)
- Businesses that otherwise do not meet all program guidelines
Contact Saint Paul Economic Development at 651-266-6565 to discuss other options for funding.
Are non-profits eligible for small business grants?
No, the Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Small Businesses is targeted to for-profit businesses.
There are Federal and State resources available to non-profits. For example, Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available to non-profits at a 2.75% interest rate (3.75% interest rate for businesses). Both non-profits and businesses are qualified to borrow up to $2 million in working capital through this program. More information is available at covid19relief.sba.gov. Saint Paul Economic Development staff are available to assist both non-profits and businesses the Small Business EIDL application by calling 651-266-6565.
My small business wasn’t closed by one of the Governor’s Executive Orders, but was affected by COVID-19. Am I eligible for a small business grant?
If an executive order, including the stay-at-home order (Executive Order 20-20), has meant that you needed to close OR significantly reduce your operations, then you are eligible for the grant program. The application will ask you to reference which order has caused this disruption for your business.
My business is in Saint Paul, but I don’t live in Saint Paul. Am I eligible for a small business grant?
There is no Saint Paul residency requirement for the Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Small Businesses. If the small business has a physical location in Saint Paul and meets all other eligibility criteria, it is eligible for the small business grant.
I rent a chair at a salon but am an independent contractor. Am I eligible for the program?
No, a chair rental, or lease of other shared spaces does not constitute site control over a physical location and would not be eligible.
I operate a food truck and do most of my sales in Saint Paul, is my business eligible? What if I utilize a shared prep kitchen in the City of Saint Paul?
A food truck does not constitute a physical establishment and would not be eligible. A shared prep kitchen also does not constitute a physical establishment for the business.
I rent a space in a food hall or a market. Am I eligible?
Yes, if you can provide a lease demonstrating site control of a portion of the larger commercial space that would constitute a physical establishment.
I own a food hall or market and lease space to tenants. Am I eligible?
No, unless you also operate a retail-oriented business out of the space, your business would be considered real estate and not eligible. Your tenants could be eligible.
I have a start-up business. Am I eligible?
Yes, if your business was open and operating on or before December 15, 2019, and you otherwise meet the eligibility criteria.
I am a lawyer or accountant that operates out of a storefront. Am I eligible?
No. A legal or accounting practice is not eligible because it is a not a retail-oriented business.
I am a general contractor and have an office or workshop in the City of Saint Paul. Am I eligible?
No. A general contractor (construction trade) is not eligible because it is not a retail-oriented business.
Are non-profit organizations eligible for funding through the Bridge Fund for Small Business? What if the non-profit generates revenue or earned income through sales?
No. Businesses must be organized as a for-profit entity to be eligible for funds. Even if the non-profit generates sales, it is not eligible because it is not organized as a for-profit entity.
My business is located just over the city boundary and/or shares a zip code with Saint Paul. Am I eligible?
No. Businesses must have a physical establishment within the City of Saint Paul.
I am based out of Minneapolis (or other community) but have a majority of customers in Saint Paul. Am I eligible?
No. Businesses must have a physical establishment within the City of Saint Paul.
Application for Small Businesses
How can I prepare for the small business grant application?
- Make sure you have access to a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or smartphone with internet access. You will also need a way to upload documents or pictures of documents, like a smartphone with a camera, digital camera, or scanner.
- Prepare the following:
- Exact business name, as registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Look up here: https://mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us/Business/Search
- Business location documentation including, but not limited to, a copy of a lease, mortgage, property tax statement or other document demonstrating site control
- Annual gross revenue documentation such as tax filings, point of sales reports, profit and loss statements, or other documentation.
- Estimated revenue losses and impact of COVID-19 on business operations.
- Intended use of the $7,500 grant
- The 2020 State of Minnesota Emergency Executive order number requiring the small business to close or significantly reduce operation. Look up here: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/execorders/eoresults?gov=44
How many small business applications are expected to apply?
Based on DEED data, the City estimates between 500 and 1500 small businesses may meet the program criteria and have been significantly impacted by State Executive Orders related to COVID-19.
How many small businesses will receive grants?
Based on current financing, 300 businesses may receive grant funds. If the City receives more applications than funds available by Sunday, April 19, a random selection system for qualified applicants will be implemented.
How will the grants reach small, women, minority and immigrant-owned businesses?
The program will be shared through many partners including non-profit lenders such as Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers, Neighborhood Development Center, Latino Economic Development Center, African Economic Development Solutions, African Development Center, Asian Economic Development Association, Community Reinvestment Fund, MEDA and SPEDCO; District Councils; local Chambers of Commerce; and the Center for Economic Inclusion.
Applications, guidelines and marketing materials will be available in English, Spanish, Somali, Oromo, Hmong and Karen. Immigration documentation or status is not required for the Saint Paul Bridge Fund, or any other program. (For more information on immigration status, see “Is eligibility for the Saint Paul Bridge Fund limited to U.S. citizens?”)
What are the tax implications of the small business grant?
If you are awarded a grant, you will be asked to complete a W-9 form with your grant agreement. The City will issue a 1099-MISC form at the end of the year. The City cannot offer tax advice and encourages applicants to consult with a tax professional.
Program Guidelines for Small Businesses
Why the flat $7,500 grant amount?
The small business grant is intended to serve businesses most vulnerable to permanently closing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is designed to complement state and federal aid and ‘bridge the gap’ between now and when those dollars are available. A typical independent, small business has monthly revenues of $8,000-$12,000 and take-home profits of $2,000/month so a grant of $7,500 will be a meaningful bridge amount to help with immediate business expenses.
A flat amount also helps streamline administrative processes accelerating the speed to award small business grants.
Why not base the grant amount on revenue losses?
The Bridge Fund application requires businesses to calculate and explain their losses due to COVID-19 but scaling the grant to actual losses that can be documented would slow the process. We know that businesses that have closed their doors or reduced their services due to COVID are experiencing significant losses. Our aim is to get emergency grant dollars to these businesses as soon as possible and a flat grant amount to eligible businesses is the best way to do that.
How will the grant work with other small business assistance and lending tools?
The Bridge Fund for Small Businesses is designed complement state and federal aid to businesses and to ‘bridge the gap’ in the time it takes to access those funds. In addition to reviewing applications for program eligibility, staff will provide information about other available emergency relief programs to all small business grant applicants (regardless of Bridge Fund eligibility).
Small businesses are encouraged to apply for all available assistance. Applying for additional assistance will have no impact on application eligibility.
To stay updated on program announcements, bookmark the following websites:
- City of Saint Paul: COVID-19 Updates
- Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (MN DEED): Information for Businesses
- Ramsey County: COVID-19 Business Recovery Guide
Why are the funds limited to retail-based businesses with a physical location?
Businesses with a physical presence that primarily serve the general public are the most vulnerable to closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowledge-based, consulting, and other professional service businesses are more able to comply with the Governor’s executive orders through remote work.
Why are grants limited to businesses with less than $2 million in revenue?
Small businesses are less likely to have access to loans or other capital to stay in business. The size range follows widely used city definitions of a small business, such as MN Statute 645.445 which defines small as either under $1 million in sales or fewer than 20 employees. By allowing businesses with up to $2 million in revenue, small restaurants with high revenues and high labor costs are also eligible. Saint Paul Bridge Fund for Small Business eligibility criteria does not include any requirement about number of employees.
