Written by Danielle Tietjen
For the last year we have been looking at different local businesses here on the Northside in order to increase our local footprint and keep our dollars in the community. But sometimes folks are looking at starting a business and aren’t sure where to start. Or they have already done the bold and courageous act of starting their own business but maybe have legal, marketing or accounting questions to help their business thrive. So here are a few resources to get you started on that dream of owning your own business or providing support to keep your business strong and healthy.
B Tap The Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) provides consulting support to businesses in Minneapolis. They are a program within the City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development that contracts with local organizations who work directly with entrepreneurs and small business owners to plan, launch and grow businesses. Services are available at no cost to entrepreneurs and small business owners. You will find they provide specific services for a variety of cultures to ensure that folks get the specialized support they need, including multiple languages. Assistance may also support business plan development, guidance on payroll withholding, ensuring business licenses are in order, applying for loans and lines of credit, creating a business marketing strategy, and other business development consulting.
Contact: B Tap Small Business Team; business.minneapolismn.gov; smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov; or 612-673-2499.
Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) builds and supports a diverse, multi-cultural community of entrepreneurs. Their approach to business development seeks to bring Northside-grown wealth and vibrancy home to North Minneapolis. They have been building wealth for low-to-moderate income grassroots entrepreneurs since 2006. NEON has seen $3.1 million in grants disbursed to small businesses just last year alone, while also providing 6,036 hours of technical support ensuring that 224 small businesses were started in 2023.
Want to learn more about NEON? They hold a “Starting a Food Business 101” course the 2nd Tuesday of every month and “Thinking about Business” occurs every 3rd Saturday of the month. This is a great way to meet folks, learn about their programs and get set up for a meeting. You can find out more at neon-mn.org; info@neon-mn.org; or 612-302-1505.
I think it would be beautiful to see more small businesses get the support they need to be strong resources in the community. And while businesses can get the administrative and marketing support they need, they still need us, their neighbors, to come and patronize their businesses. Remember, not all businesses have store fronts, some exist online, and maybe inside folks’ homes. When we buy and shop locally, $68 of every $100 stays in our communities. It’s more important than ever to use our precious few dollars and keep it here close to home. Support your neighbors and shop where you live whenever possible. And if you are thinking of starting up a business or need some guidance, I hope these resources are what you need.
Do you have a Northside business you want highlighted in upcoming issues of the Camden Community News? Reach out and share your ideas with me at danielle.tietjen@gmail.com.