Small Business Technical Assistance Program
The Small Business Technical Assistance Program provides funding to local non-profit business consulting organizations to deliver technical assistance services to Minneapolis business and Entrepreneurs. Through one on one business coaching, training classes and a variety of other services, businesses can access the tools necessary to successfully start or expand their business in the City. The assistance provided through this program is intended to facilitate economic development through the establishment, stabilization, and expansion of small businesses and to support job creation in Minneapolis.
On June 15, 2012, Minneapolis City Council approved funding arrangements with the following six organizations for a total of $500,000 to support technical assistance to Minneapolis businesses:
African Development Center (for more information, businesses and entrepreneurs should contact Hussein Samatar at (612) 877-8269): One-on-one business technical assistance, seminars and business planning workshops.
Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) (for more information, businesses and entrepreneurs should contact Iric Nathanson at (612) 789-7337, ext.14): MCCD, along with African Economic Development Solutions, Build Wealth MN, Latino Economic Development Center, Redesign, Inc., and Women Venture, will offer one-on-one technical assistance and a variety of group trainings and classes.
Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) (for more information, businesses and entrepreneurs should contact Jan Jordet at (612) 259-6566): One-on-one technical assistance, courses and workshops in contractor training, entrepreneur training, technical assistance, and financial literacy.
Neighborhood Development Center (for more information, businesses and entrepreneurs should contact Brian Singer at (651) 291-2480): Support for entrepreneurs through their 11-session Entrepreneur Training Classes and one-on-one technical assistance to existing small business owners in Minneapolis.
Northside Economic Opportunity Network (for more information, businesses and entrepreneurs should contact Grover Jones at (612) 302-1501), along with Build Wealth MN, Emerge, MCCD, MEDA, MN Black Chamber of Commerce, NDC, Pro Bid, West Broadway Coalition, and Women Venture, will provide the following services to Northside businesses: Technical assistance, courses and workshops in contractor training; entrepreneur training; financial assistance; financial literacy; location assistance to businesses locating or expanding.
University of Minnesota Office for Business and Community Economic Development (for more information, businesses and entrepreneurs should contact Jeff Seltz (612) 624-3578): Assist existing business owners through its Growth Accelerator Program, targeted to minority and women-owned businesses with high potential for growth.
It is anticipated that the next Request for Proposal from non-profit technical assistance providers will be issued in early 2013. For more information, please contact Jessica Green at (612) 673-5232.
Last updated Aug. 31, 2012