JumpStart Grants Awarded; Owatonna Business Owner Speaks Out

Among the headlines in this week's edition of Tuesday Talk from the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (OACCT) is the second round of JumpStart grants. Cory Michaelson, co-owner of SpareTime Entertainment and Wings Tavern & Grille, is quoted in a statewide initiative to get businesses reopened.

Grants were awarded to Owatonna Sports & Physical Therapy, Central Park Coffee, Oldenburg Photography and Sollid Studios. In-kind donations are provided to E-Z Own Plus, Fame Awards and Learning RX Southern MN. The JumpStart grants are being awarded weekly even as donations are being accepted. Find out how to support JumpStart and get the grant application here. You can also find details on ordering a t-shirt that promotes the efforts to support local small business.

Tuesday Talk also reports on a quote from Michaelson made through Minnesota Ready, a group of more than 70 business organizations and chambers of commerce urging a reopening of businesses.

Michaelson says, "We're watching more small businesses close their doors forever. Small businesses have taken the necessary steps to keep employees and customers safe, and they should be allowed to restart our economy, instead of suffering further losses and facing the decision to close their doors for good." The news release from Minnesota Ready was released Monday.

In other news from the OACCT this week:

• Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants are for $10,000 to Minnesota-owned and operated businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The application period is June 23 through July 2.
• The chamber hopes to resume in-person Business After Hours in July. Watch for an announcement.
• The chamber is hosting its annual golf outing August 6 at the Owatonna Country Club. Registration is open. Up to four can compete on a team. They will pair up single golfers on to teams.
• The Ambassadors from OACCT visited Bridges Chiropractic Health Clinic at their new location at 215 18th St SE.