Great Streets Neighborhood Business District Support Grant Program
Through the Great Streets Neighborhood Business District Program (BDS), the City of Minneapolis funds activities that support the economic strength and vitality of neighborhood commercial districts. Healthy neighborhood business districts play a crucial role in the vibrancy of Minneapolis and are critical to the overall health of the local economy. Neighborhood businesses are at the core of urban living and contribute immensely to the city’s quality of life. However, many business districts in Minneapolis face competitive challenges due to macroeconomic trends in retailing: real and perceived concerns over parking availability and public safety, lack of information about local purchasing power and desired products and services, and insufficient coordination of the mix of businesses, to name a few. Each business district is unique with its own set of opportunities and challenges and requires a customized approach. When districts use multiple tools and tap a variety of resources, revitalization efforts can be successful.
Business District Support Grants fund a wide range of activities with the overarching goal of strengthening neighborhood business districts and building sustainable mechanisms for ongoing vitality and investment. Grants are awarded through an annual Request for Proposals (RFP) process to communitydevelopment corporations, business associations, neighborhood organizations, and other entities that have the demonstrated capacity to perform business development work.
The 2013 BDS RFP was issued on Tuesday, January 15, 2013. Proposals are due on Thursday, February 28, 2013. Proposals vary in length, scope, level of detail, and attachments. No two proposals are exactly the same. The RFP document contains the information needed to submit a responsive proposal, including restrictions to Great Streets-eligible geographic areas, eligible and ineligible activities, contract requirements, submission materials and contents, evaluation criteria, and important dates. The City has received many clarifying questions about the RFP since it was issued. All the questions and answers can be read together in the RFP Inquires document.
In 2012, the Minneapolis City Council approved $322,800 to support twelve commercial district vitality initiatives throughout the city. The organizations awarded funding then entered into one-year, outcomes-based contracts with the City to complete their proposed work.
For more information, contact Rebecca Parrell at (612) 673-5018.
Last updated Feb. 14, 2013