Flood Recovery Funds for Cook Businesses Available Through 2025

In June 2024, the Cook Building Center, situated on the edge of the Little Fork River in Cook, MN, saw parts of its lumber yard submerged under 54 inches of water.

Owner Eric Burckardt said he watched units of lumber float down the river and even had to launch a pontoon boat on the street to recover materials.

"It was an incredibly challenging time for our team and community," he said.

Once the waters receded, Eric and his team faced a tough decision: repair and prepare for the future, or relocate their operations. Cook Building Center has been part of downtown Cook for over 100 years, and Eric knew how important it was—for them and for their community—that they stay.

Shortly after the flood, the City of Cook, the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, and the Entrepreneur Fund created the City of Cook Economic Recovery Fund to support local businesses impacted by the disaster.

Through this fund, eligible businesses can access low-interest loans up to $250,000 to rebuild, restock, and recover. Plus, 50% of the loan is forgivable after five years in good standing.

Having received funding through the program, the Cook Building Center was not only able to repair its damaged buildings but also implement preventative measures to help safeguard against future flooding. One of the most significant improvements was the construction of over 280 feet of cantilever lumber racking, which will allow Eric and his team to keep materials elevated above potential flood levels.

"We are deeply grateful for the support and resources provided through this program," said Eric. "It made a lasting difference for our business and helped ensure that we can continue to serve the Cook community for years to come."

Funding for this program is only available through the end of 2025. If you know of a Cook business that was impacted by the summer 2024 flood, please share this information with them and have them contact EFund business advisor Emily Roose at emilyr@efund.org to start their application today.