Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Impact Wildfire topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
SBDC reports quieter month; EDA hears businesses hit by wildfires and considers asking state for aid
Summary
Northlands Foundation SBDC advisor Michelle reported modest new client activity. Executive Director told the board local tourism bookings are down about 30% due to wildfires and smoke; directors signaled support to coordinate or sign a letter requesting state aid.
Michelle, the Northlands Foundation SBDC advisor, briefed the board on recent small‑business assistance activity, saying she’d met several new clients and that needs focus on capital and marketing. "A lot of the clients that I meet with just need some checks and balances while they're starting a new business," Michelle said.
In the executive‑director report, staff reported that participants at a Grand Marais Business Coalition meeting said tourism bookings were down roughly 30 percent in recent weeks because of wildfires and smoke. The director asked whether the EDA should consider drafting or signing a letter to the governor or state legislators requesting state aid for affected businesses; board members generally supported pursuing coordinated outreach and indicated staff should draft options for the August meeting. One director noted related public meetings were scheduled in the region to hear community impacts and potential state responses.
