Grants In Washington County Help Woodbury Business Stay Open

WOODBURY, MN— A business in Woodbury received CARES Act grant, helping it stay in business during the pandemic, Washington County said.

Washington County gave out two rounds of business grants, one through the CARES Act, and one through a state-funded 2021 Business Grant Program, the county said.

The 2020 CARES Act gave $5.87 million in grants to 477 small businesses in the county, and the 2021 state business grant program of $5 million gave grants to 430 businesses, the county said.

Board & Brush Creative Studio in Woodbury closed last March due to the pandemic, and owner Nicole Hanselman said the grants the business received helped it stay in business.

"For the last year, [grants have] kept us going, and will continue to keep us going until we are back to somewhat normal," Hanselman said. "With this money and the continued support of our customers, I feel we will be able to make it to fall, and then we should be fine. Without this money, I would not be open, no way.”

Hanselman received grants both times she applied, and the grants have helped cover the business' rent, expenses, and payroll, the county said.