Southeast Asian and Immigrant/Refugee Small Business Stabilization Grant

Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in Hmong American Partnership's (HAP) Small Business Stabilization Grant (SBSG). This document outlines the eligibility requirements, review process, and scoring rubric for the SBSG. Grants up to $5,000 will be awarded to eligible small businesses experiencing significant disruption during the current climate, subject to available funding.

I. Grant Eligibility (Pass/Fail)
Applications must meet all eligibility requirements below to advance to scoring. Applications that do not meet eligibility requirements will not be scored.
  • Southeast Asian and immigrant/refugee business owners
  • Brick-and-Mortar Requirement: Businesses must operate from a commercial location within the Greater Twin Cities, Minnesota.
  • Active Business Registration: Businesses must be currently registered and in good standing with the  Minnesota Secretary of State. 
  • Existing Business Verification: Provide a 2024 business tax return OR 2025 financials with 90 days bank statements.
  • Impact Statement: Applicants must submit a written, video, or audio statement explaining impact and use of funds. 
II. Review & Award Process 
1. Eligibility screening for completeness and compliance. 
2. Scoring of eligible applications using the rubric below. 
3. Ranking of applications based on total score. 
4. Award determination (up to $5,000) based on score, need, and available funding. 
5. Final approval by the review committee.

III. Equity & Accessibility Statement
All eligible applications will be reviewed equitably. Submission format, language proficiency, or technical quality will not negatively impact scoring.

Application Deadline: Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis and notified of their application status by a member of our team no later than March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your information. All details provided in this application are strictly confidential, stored securely, and used solely for internal purposes such as reviewing eligibility and supporting program decisions. Your information will never be shared with outside parties without your consent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

FAQ's

Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants must:

- Southeast Asian and immigrant/refugee business owners

- Operate a brick-and-mortar business (a physical commercial location)

- Be currently registered and in good standing with the State

- Be an existing business in 2025 with revenue (not a startup)

Applications that do not meet eligibility requirements will not be scored.


What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline is March 8th, 2026. Applications must be submitted online or

received by mail by this date.


What types of businesses can apply?

This grant is intended for small, brick-and-mortar businesses, including retail stores,

restaurants, service-based businesses, and culturally specific or community-serving

businesses. Online-only businesses are not eligible.


How much funding is available per applicant?

Eligible businesses may receive up to $5,000, depending on the severity of impact,

demonstrated need, strength of recovery plan, and available funding.


Is matching funding required?

No. Matching funds are not required.


How do I apply?

Applicants may apply online using the application link or by submitting a paper

application by mail. https://hmong.tfaforms.net/69


Is this grant open to online businesses?

No. Only businesses with a physical commercial location are eligible.


What documents are required to apply?

Applicants must submit:

- 2024 business tax return OR 2025 financial statements with 90 days of business bank

statements

- An impact statement (written, video, or audio) explaining business impact and use of

funds.


Is a hard copy (paper) application available?

Yes. A paper application will be available for download and must be mailed to Hmong American Partnership by the deadline. The mailing address is 394 University Ave W 2nd Fl, St Paul, MN 55103.


What languages are accepted for the application?

Applications may be submitted in English or Hmong. Language choice will not affect

scoring.


How will applications be reviewed?

Applications are reviewed through eligibility screening, scoring using a standardized

rubric, ranking, and final approval by the review committee.


What financial statements are acceptable?

Applicants may submit an internal income statement (profit and loss statement) that

shows total revenue, expenses, and net profit or loss for 2025. Financials do not need to

be audited and may be prepared by the business owner.


When will applicants be notified?

Applicants will be notified after the review process is complete. Notification timing will

be shared on the application page.


If I’m not selected, will I be notified?

Yes. All applicants will be notified regardless of selection.


Can I apply if I received other grants or assistance?

Yes. Receiving other assistance does not automatically disqualify an applicant.


Will applying affect my immigration status?

No. This grant does not collect immigration status information and will not affect

immigration status.


Who can I contact for help?

For questions or application support, please contact ep@hmong.org or 651-495-9160

Application Selection

Digital Application
Downloadable Application

Contact Information