Minneapolis boasts a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, with numerous resources available to support small business owners and a wealth of success stories that inspire and guide aspiring entrepreneurs.
Key Resources for Small Business Owners
City of Minneapolis Small Business Team
The City of Minneapolis offers comprehensive assistance through its Small Business Team, providing guidance on licensing, permitting, and connections to relevant resources. Entrepreneurs can access step-by-step help for starting, maintaining, or expanding their businesses. More information is available on the city’s official website. City of Minneapolis Business Assistance
Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
NEON focuses on building wealth for low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs in North Minneapolis. They offer free technical support, training, and workshops designed to empower business owners with crucial market knowledge. In 2025, NEON disbursed $2.8 million in loans to small businesses and provided over 6,000 hours of technical assistance. NEON
Elevate Hennepin
Elevate Hennepin is a Hennepin County initiative designed to support small businesses by providing access to professional advising, training, and resources that help entrepreneurs grow and strengthen their operations. The Uptown Association helps connect business owners with this program. Elevate Hennepin
Inspiring Success Stories
New Gild Jewelers
Co-owners Jen Bellefleur and Kelsey Lee-Karol transitioned from employees to business owners by opening New Gild Jewelers in 2017. With assistance from the SBA and WomenVenture, they developed a business plan and secured a start-up loan. Their commitment to designing custom pieces and creating a supportive work environment has led to the opening of a second location focusing on appraisals and gemology work. New Gild Jewelers Success Story
Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective
Keiona Cook realized her dream of opening a shop in the IDS Center by launching a second location of Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective. Her store offers creative services like sewing socials and youth camps, contributing to the revitalization of the Minneapolis skyway system with independent retailers. Minneapolis Skyway Retailers
The Wabi Sabi Shop
After losing her job as an interior designer in 2007, Kay Frandsen opened The Wabi Sabi Shop, a consignment furniture store. With free business advice from SCORE Minneapolis, she successfully navigated the challenges of starting a business during tough economic times, providing quality furniture at affordable prices. The Wabi Sabi Shop Success Story
These resources and success stories underscore the resilience and innovation within Minneapolis’s small business community, offering valuable insights and support for current and aspiring entrepreneurs.