FAQ: Wildfire Recovery Assistance

2026 Wildfire Recovery: Small Business Grant Application FAQs 

After I’ve submitted my application, how long before I hear from United Way? 

• Applicants for the first round of Wildfire Small Business grant funding will be made aware of their grant status no later than August 17, 2026.
• United Way of Northeastern Minnesota may follow up prior to then with questions related to your application.

If approved, when can I expect to receive funding for my business? 

• The first round of Wildfire Small Business grant funding will be released by August 17, 2026.
• This does not include mail time for funds released via check.
• Recipients will have the option to provide ACH information for quicker disbursement.

As a small business, what makes me eligible for funding? 

• To qualify for this funding, businesses must:   
  
  • Be located in the following communities in UWNEMN’s service territory: Babbitt, Buyck, Cook, Crane Lake, Ely, Embarrass, Nett Lake, Orr, Soudan, Tower, Winton, and townships between any of the aforementioned communities.
    
    • Funds are limited, and availability will vary based on location.  
    • Funds have been raised through donations, some of which are designated for specific communities.  
  • Have suffered business loss due to the July 2026 Lightning Incident.  
  • Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
  • Utilize available insurance.  
  • Intend to re-open.  

What documents do I need to provide with my application? 

• Businesses must provide the following:  
  
  • Current driver’s license (front and back).
  • Most recent year tax return.
  • 2025 Federal Business Returns or appropriate business tax schedule based on your entity type.
    
    • If 2025 tax return is not available, 2024 is acceptable.
    • For new businesses that do not yet have a tax return, please call 218-215-2425.
  • If business space is leased, a landlord letter is required stating business was current on rent prior to July 1, 2026, or documentation showing rent was current prior to July 1, 2026.
  • Form 941: Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return for Q2 2026 (if applicable)
  • A signed W-9 form

How can I tell if my business is located within the 30-mile radius of evacuation zones? 

• To simplify, UWNEMN has mapped these communities and updated its language to reflect that businesses located within the following communities will qualify for this round of funding:
  
  • Babbitt, Buyck, Cook, Crane Lake, Ely, Embarrass, Nett Lake, Orr, Soudan, Tower, Winton, and townships between any of the aforementioned communities.
  • Funds have been raised specifically for Ely area businesses that will only be made available to businesses in Ely, Winton, and the nearest townships.

Can I still apply if I don’t live within the 30-mile radius? 

• This funding is intended for businesses hardest hit by 2026 wildfires in UWNEMN’s service area; business owners need not live within the above listed communities, but their business must be located in one of them.
  
  • Priority will be given to businesses owned by individuals who live in our region.

How much funding is available to me as a small business? 

• Approved applicants will receive grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 by August 17, 2026.
  
  • We acknowledge need far exceeds this amount; our hope is this funding provides a stop-gap to cover most immediate needs until larger funding sources become available. 

Am I restricted in the way I spend funds? 

• This funding is restricted to business related expenses including payroll assistance; rent, mortgage, and/or utility costs; payments to suppliers; and equipment necessary for business operation.
  
  • Businesses will be required to provide receipts upon request to verify expenses; businesses unable to do so will be required to return funding.

Am I allowed to apply for both the small business grant and individual funding if I qualify? 

• Yes, though priority will be given to individuals who have not applied for a small business grant in an effort to assist as many people/businesses as possible with the limited funding currently available.

Is there a paper copy I can print and send in? 

• Yes! Click here to download and print an application.
• Paper copies are also available with UWNEMN Partner Agency Northwoods Partners (at The Hub in Ely) starting Monday, August 3rd. Northwoods Partners is open 9 AM - 4 PM Monday - Friday.
  
  • If you have a paper version, we encourage you to have someone help you scan your application and email it to emily@unitedwaynemn.org to avoid mail delays since consideration for this round of funding will close at 11:59 PM August 10, 2026.

Is there a deadline to apply? 

• Applications will close at 11:59 PM August 10, 2026.
• We hope to open at least one additional round of funding.
• In the instance you submit an application later – or we are unable to assist you in the first round due to lack of funding – we will keep your application on-file as we work to raise additional funds and reach out if/when we are able to assist you.