Minneapolis boasts a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering a wealth of resources to support small businesses and startups. Whether you’re launching a new venture or seeking to grow an existing business, several local organizations provide invaluable assistance.
Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
Since 2006, NEON has been dedicated to building wealth for low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs in North Minneapolis. Their comprehensive services include:
- Trainings and Workshops: Designed to enhance entrepreneurial knowledge.
- Business Development: Assistance with feasibility assessments, business model evaluations, and growth plan creation.
- Business Capital: Provision of business loans, commercial real estate loans, and grants.
- NEON Collective Kitchens: Offering 25,000 square feet of commercial kitchen rental spaces for food-related businesses.
NextStage
NextStage is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey. Their services encompass:
- Planning: Assistance with business plan development, concept refinement, and financial projections.
- Starting: Guidance on business registration, licensing, compliance, and accounting system setup.
- Thriving: Strategies for revenue growth, cost management, employee expansion, and securing capital.
NextStage’s services are available at no cost to residents and businesses in Carver County, Hennepin County, Scott County, and the City of Minneapolis.
Impact Hub Minneapolis-Saint Paul
Part of a global network, Impact Hub MSP focuses on building entrepreneurial communities for social impact. They offer:
- Events and Programs: Opportunities to collaborate with entrepreneurs, develop skills, and grow businesses.
- Workspace: Flexible options including private offices, dedicated desks, and open coworking spaces.
- Support and Direction: Access to expert advisors to help take social impact ventures to the next level.
City of Minneapolis Business Assistance
The City provides a range of resources to support small businesses, including:
- Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP): Connecting small businesses to free training and consulting services.
- Small Business Resiliency Fund: A $7 million fund designed to help businesses stabilize, reduce financial strain, and attract customers back to commercial areas.
- Business Guides: Comprehensive materials to assist in starting and operating a business in Minneapolis.
By leveraging these resources, Minneapolis entrepreneurs can access the support and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business, contributing to the city’s dynamic and diverse economic landscape.