COVID-19
in Houston County, Minn.
Houston County COVID-19 Grant Programs
Houston County State Business Relief Grant
Houston County received $367,594.71 from the State of Minnesota to be used for a business relief grant (and grant administration) for County businesses impacted by an executive order related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This grant program is now closed.
A total of $367,594.71 in grant funds was awarded to 107 eligible businesses. All grant funds were used.
Questions should be directed to Houston County EDA Director, Allison Wagner by e-mailing EDA@co.houston.mn.us or calling 507-725-5836.
Houston County CARES Business Relief Grant
The Houston County Board of Commissioners allocated $1,130,000 of County CARES Act funds to disburse to small businesses (50 or fewer employees and $5m or less in annual revenue) in the form of an economic support grant. La Crescent township also allocated funds towards this program. In addition, The Houston County Board of Commissioners allocated $30,000 in additional funds for businesses directly affected by Executive Order 20-99, directing a 4-week “Dial Back” period.
255 grant applications were received. 245 eligible applicants were awarded grant funds for a total of $1,187,166.36 in grant funds. The grant program is currently closed, and all grant dollars have been used.
Eligible Houston County businesses included registered or licensed state businesses in good standing, non-profits with a physical brick and mortar building, sole proprietors who provided a schedule C tax return, and farmers who could provide a schedule F tax return.
Questions should be directed to Houston County EDA Director, Allison Wagner by e-mailing EDA@co.houston.mn.us or calling 507-725-5836.
Looking for assistance options related to COVID-19? We welcome all inquiries!
For more information, please contact EDA Director Allison Wagner at eda@co.houston.mn.us or (507) 725-5836.
Local ag business spotlights
A selection of agrictultural businesses and farmers in Houston County.
Heintz Badger Valley Farm,
Caledonia
Dairy farmer Doug Heintz manages over 400 acres of cropland, 170 dairy cows, and three robotic milkers.
Welke Family Farm,
Hokah
Jerry and Cindy Welke of Hokah were named 2015 Outstanding Conservationists of the Year.
Sno Pac Foods,
Caledonia
Long-standing organic frozen food company farms 3,000 acres locally, and contracts over 1,500 more.
Hendel Farms,
Caledonia
Matt Hendel of Hendel Farms near Caledonia is a third generation dairy farmer.
Exploring Non-traditional Ag Options
A few local ag businesses are exploring ways to diversify, expand, or transition their businesses and farms to more sustainable models.
Hoch Orchards,
La Crescent
In 2016, Hoch Orchards received a $15K state grant to integrate animals into its orchard system.
Nettle Valley Farm,
Spring Grove
Nettle Valley Farm raises pastured pigs, and has begun an Incubator Farm Program.
Rockfilter Distillery,
Spring Grove
Looking to cure the solitude of farming life, Christian Myrah began distilling his crops into whiskey.
Sweet 16 Farm,
Houston
Local farm explores agro-tourism business options: hop yard and flowers.