Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) launched “Shop Local, Stand Together,” a campaign encouraging Minnesotans to support small, locally owned businesses—particularly those that have seen reduced foot traffic and heightened fear and uncertainty due to the ongoing federal presence in Minnesota.
“The federal presence in Minnesota has hit local businesses where it hurts most,” says Gov. Walz in a prepared statement. “Minnesotans have a long tradition of supporting one another in peaceful, actionable ways. Choosing to shop local, grab takeout, or visit a neighborhood store is one way we can stand with our neighbors and continue to show the nation what it means to respond with care and decency.”
“In addition to the other traumatic impacts to our communities, these federal actions have had a chilling effect on Minnesota’s economy, especially for small businesses,” says DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Minnesotans have stepped up for their communities in many ways over the last several weeks, and we are asking them to step up again by being thoughtful about where their dollars go. Our state’s local businesses have so much to offer, and this push is a great opportunity for shoppers to go out and patronize a business that might be new to them or remember an old favorite they are overdue to revisit.”
Julian Ocampo, co-owner and vice president of Los Ocampo, a Twin-Cities Mexican restaurant, adds, “Right now, many immigrant-owned businesses and communities are carrying a heavy burden. People are hurting, families are being disrupted, and workers are living with fear while trying to care for their loved ones. We are living this reality every day. When our neighbors are afraid to leave their homes, whether it’s to go to work, take their kids to school, or carry out daily life activities, it affects everyone in the community.”
Gov. Walz has proclaimed February as Shop Local Month in Minnesota. Through this campaign, DEED and the State of Minnesota are partnering with local governments, economic development organizations, and business associations to promote community-based support for small businesses and connect owners with available resources.
In addition to encouraging everyday community support, business and philanthropic leaders across the state are mobilizing resources to help small businesses during this time. The Minneapolis Foundation, a nonprofit community foundation, recently activated an Economic Response Fund, launching $3.5 million in grants to support small businesses facing urgent challenges, including payroll, rent, staffing, and inventory needs. This is one of the many examples of Minnesotans stepping up to support one another.
Varilek was joined by local elected officials and small business owners at Los Ocampo in St. Paul to announce the campaign and encourage Minnesotans to support local and immigrant-owned businesses through everyday purchasing decisions.
