The presence of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Minneapolis and St. Paul is bad for business.
According to the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press, revenue losses of 40% to 80% have been reported in immigrant-heavy areas like Lake Street in Minneapolis and St. Paul’s East Side.
“We want to make it very easy and accessible for people to be able to enjoy the opportunities we have to offer,” said Patrice Bailey, assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), which is hosting a free lunch and learn titled Growing Food & Agricultural Businesses on Monday, February 2. “This is so people don’t have to figure this out alone,” Bailey added.
At some businesses in the Twin Cities, employees aren’t showing up for work, and customers are not coming through the doors after Operation Metro Surge began. The large-scale federal operation is targeting undocumented immigrants in the Twin Cities, but reports show citizens are being detained too. The ICE surge has led to significant protests and unrest, especially after an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in her vehicle on Jan. 7.
Out of fear for the safety of their employees and customers, many small businesses in the Twin Cities, especially restaurants, have reduced hours or closed entirely.
At Karmel Mall in South Minneapolis, home to more than a hundred small businesses and an economic hub for the local Somali population, shoppers have disappeared. One store owner told the Associated Press his business is down $20,000 a month, and he’s having to figure out how to make rent.
Bailey says MDA’s event, co-sponsored by ShelettaMakesADifference.org on Feb. 2 will include information on how businesses can bridge the
gap. “We have a ton of grants,” Bailey explained. “There could be something that is tailored to
you.”
The event will help food entrepreneurs understand what support and resources are available through the MDA. Attendees will learn what programs and grants can help with marketing and growth. Other topics include what licenses or next steps are needed to grow a food business, how to find commercial kitchen space, or the difference between selling under cottage food and selling wholesale.
“The whole point is to make it easy for folks to learn how they can access grants for food production, commercial kitchens, and whatever else they need to continue to stay successful entrepreneurs,” Bailey added.
Space is limited at the free lunch and learn event happening Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, located at 625 N. Robert St. in St. Paul. To sign up, go here.