Program To Help Edina Businesses Adapt To Pandemic Challenges

EDINA, MN — Small businesses in Edina can now tap into a new source of help after the city recently launched its Technical Assistance Program.

Bill Neuendorf, Edina’s economic development manager, said the program will help small and emerging businesses in Edina that have struggled with digital marketing and attracting new customers online amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The program is set to support 10-15 Edina small businesses with digital marketing services valued at about $10,000 each, officials said.

Edina officials hope the program will help businesses attract new customers, improve customer traffic and sales, and enhance traditional marketing efforts with digital tools, like social media, websites and search engine optimization.

Businesses are eligible for the Edina TAP program if they are based in the city, have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and have annual revenues of less than $1.5 million, officials said.

Home-based businesses are invited to apply for the TAP program, but national chains and franchises based in Edina are not eligible. Nonprofit organizations are also ineligible for the program.

Businesses must complete their applications by Jan. 16.

Edina’s TAP program is supported in part by federal coronavirus-relief funding that the city received from the American Rescue Plan Act, officials said.

Click here for more information about the Edina Technical Assistance Program, eligibility requirements and an application.