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Eligible homebuyers have access to down payment and closing cost loan programs offered by the City of Minneapolis. (Source: The City of Minneapolis)
The City of Minneapolis has a down payment assistance program focused on the Northside! Grow North Homebuyer Assistance is available to anyone who works with an employer located in North Minneapolis and wants to own a home there, too. Qualified applicants who have a household income at or below $108,500 can receive up to $10,000 in down payment assistance towards a house, townhome, condominium or duplex in the Near North or Camden communities.
Grow North Homebuyer Assistance is administered by the North Minneapolis-based nonprofit BuildWealth MN. The goal of the program is to help residents be able to live, work, play and achieve homeownership in the neighborhoods they love. Grow North Homebuyer Assistance stems from the City’s Grow North program, a financial incentive package aimed at bringing jobs-intensive business investment to North Minneapolis.
(L to R) Esther Osayande's Purple Raindrop, Christopher Harrison's Aqurbane, Christopheraaron Deanes "Big Book." (Source: The City of Minneapolis)
Three public artworks were recently installed on 26th Avenue North and were developed in connection with the reconstruction of the street, which includes a new off-street bike trail connecting Theodore Wirth Regional Park and the Mississippi River.
Esther Osayande’s Purple Raindrop is a metal sculpture and seating area just over 15 feet tall. The sculpture honors Prince, his signature song “Purple Rain” and his major contributions to the music industry.
Christopher Harrison’s Aqurbane is a 15-foot-high Corten archway with over 65 patinated bronze and steel attachments. It was inspired by natural and urban forms he observed on trips along 26th Avenue to the Mississippi River.
Christopheraaron Deanes work on "Big Book," was a collaboration with Nellie Stone Johnson students to raise awareness about bullying and foster literacy. The pages of this book are created in enamel – an art form that Christopheraaron mastered at the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center.
All three are well-known Minneapolis artists who created their first three-dimensional outdoor artworks for this project.
When Key Rose was fourteen her family faced medical challenges that led to financial uncertainty. Wanting to contribute, Key began seeking a way to earn an income, however being only fourteen years old made employment impossible. After moving to Minnesota, she learned of the opportunities with Step Up that allow youth to start paid internships at her age. She did not hesitate to sign up and has been an extraordinary intern for four years in a row. She was also one of eight youth who made it past the rigorous application process that qualified her for the Silicon NorthStars; which is a week-long tech camp in Silicon Valley whose mission is to inspire and educate young Minnesotans to become future leaders in technology.
During her time with Step Up Key held an internship for two years at Pillsbury House Theater, working a summer day camp where she had the ability to grow with families. She also worked at the City of Minneapolis Health Department where she said she became motivated to work for civil rights and the challenges facing people of color. Key's exposure to public health issues has opened her up to seeing how her future and present goals intersect.
Key is a soon-to-be graduate in the class of 2019 and is currently working as a dietary aid at Abbot Northwestern Hospital. She says Step Up has shaped her as a strong young woman of color and given her experience that has helped with accessing her current job.
photo: Step Up Intern, Key Rose.
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Check out the Step Up Instagram page to stay informed about all the great accomplishments from Minneapolis Step Up interns!
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The Small Business Team: (L to R) Zoe Thiel, Suado Abdi and Monica Romero. (Source: The City of Minneapolis)
The Minneapolis Small Business Team, launched in 2017, works with business owners and entrepreneurs to navigate City requirements, regulations and resources. The Small Business Team coordinates with City departments to help make Minneapolis an easier place to start and grow a business.
Everyone on the team is passionate about helping Minneapolis small businesses succeed, with a focus on businesses run by women, immigrants, people of color and indigenous people.
The team can be reached at (612) 673-2499 [BIZZ] or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov. View the business support calendar.
After a public engagement process and guidance from a prominent steering committee, the Minneapolis Music History Project is complete. The project consisted of documenting many Minneapolis musicians, music venues, recording studios and more within the timeframe of 1850 – 2000.
From underground bands to internationally known artists, music has been a critical part of the city’s history and culture. The report is intended to be a starting point and may be amended as more information is discovered. In addition, the report helps provide a foundation for future efforts aimed at preserving important places that tell the story of Minneapolis music.
photo: (Top L to R) Sound 80 construction, Triangle Bar; (Bottom L to R) Capri Theater (Paradise Theater) 1955, First Avenue. (Source: The City of Minneapolis)
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B-TAP Professional Series Solicitation 2019
The City is soliciting ideas from local professionals and technical assistance providers. Respondents will propose an idea for some sort of technical assistance that meets a need that small businesses have. If selected, respondents will deliver their impactful idea in a short timeframe (March to August, 2019). Up to five ideas will be selected. Proposals are due by January 11, 2019.
Request for Proposals Business Technical Assistance Program 2019
The City of Minneapolis is seeking proposals from local non-profit organizations that provide direct business technical assistance and training to small businesses and microenterprises located in Minneapolis. The total funding available for the Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP) in 2019 is $500,000. Proposals are due by January 14, 2019.
D-TAP Small Real Estate Developers Training Solicitation 2019
The City of Minneapolis is requesting proposals to teach and enhance the Small Real Estate Developers Training Course (D-TAP). The City is looking for trainers for two scopes: a). training, and b). curriculum and case study development. Respondents can propose one or both scopes. Proposals are due by February 8, 2019.
The services are provided by the City of Minneapolis Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP).
Northeast Winter Market
Sunday, January 20, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Chowgirls at Solar Arts, 711 15th Ave NE
Music on vinyl by The Ring Toss Twins, kids activities/entertainment and a great variety of over 35 local vendors will be featured at this event. It will be a weekend destination with something to offer for all.
More Information
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MLK Holiday Diversity Career Fair
Monday, January 21, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
U.S. Bank Stadium
Explore new career opportunities at the Minneapolis Professional Diversity Career Fair. Meet face-to-face with recruiters from the best companies in Minneapolis. The event is free and open to all professionals.
More Information
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Charlie Awards
Sunday, January 27, 3:30 p.m.
Pantages Theatre 710 Hennepin Ave.
Join some of the biggest names in Twin Cities fine dining for an afternoon celebrating diversity and excellence of the Twin Cities restaurant community. For the eighth year running, winners of 13 categories in food and beverage will receive the coveted Charlies plate award. Winners, including the winner of the LifeTime Achievement Award, will be judged this year by Joy Summers (Eater Twin Cities) and Jason DeRusha (WCCO TV, Minnesota Monthly). After the award ceremony, the party moves on over next door to Seven Steakhouse where a mouth-watering dinner is prepared by culinary students from ProStart and St. Paul College. Profits from the event go to Open Arms and tickets are $30.
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City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival
Thursday – Sunday, January 31 – February 3
1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Join the outdoor adventures and participate in the Loppet Ski Festival. Loppet Foundation events are designed to highlight the many outdoor opportunities that can be found right in Minneapolis, such as a 42 kilometer ski trail system.
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Community Connections Conference
Saturday, February 2, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center, Lower Level, Hall A |
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Attend the 2019 Community Connections Conference, a day of learning, sharing and connecting around this year’s theme, "Together: Mobilizing for a Better Minneapolis." The Community Connections Conference is an annual free conference meant to build connections and foster collaboration between community, neighborhoods and government, focusing on best practices for community engagement.
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Food/Beverage
Retail
First Ave, Electric Fetus named best in U.S. again by Rolling Stone
Read more in the Star Tribune
Two new sculptures installed in north Minneapolis parks
Read more in the Star Tribune
Job center takes stage at Franklin Theater
Read more in Finance & Commerce
See where Minneapolis/St. Paul ranks among best places to start a business
Read more in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Forrester says Twin Cities among top tech markets
Read more in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
More cities are following Minneapolis to riverfront redevelopments
Read more in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
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