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In Minneapolis and around the globe, the Coronavirus pandemic presents an extraordinary public health crisis, and an extraordinary challenge for small businesses. As the City of Minneapolis works to shift our own operations to remote work, we are also moving quickly to respond to the questions and needs of our residents and businesses.
The City has a dedicated Coronavirus page, including an FAQs for Local Business that is being updated regularly as new information comes in. As you have questions about how City services, regulations, and resources impact your business or the businesses you serve, please check the FAQs. If you don’t see what you are looking for or have questions about your specific situation, contact the Small Business Team at (612) 673-2499 or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.
The state of Minnesota also has two dedicated COVID-19 hotlines:
Community mitigation (schools, child care, business) questions:
651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Health questions:
651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Artist, Kao Lee Thao with her design suite called “Echo Collection” – which is based on Hmong Folklore. (Source: The City of Minneapolis)
Many residents and businesses of Minneapolis attended the 2020 Community Connections Conference on February 1. The City tabled at the event, sharing information about Public Art, Business Licensing, the Minneapolis Homes program, the Step Up program, Heritage Preservation Commission and the Upper Harbor redevelopment project. Here is what you missed:
- New Minneapolis Art Wraps: The City displayed a mock gallery where the public could meet the diverse set of artists creating the city’s spectacular utility box designs. The wraps are free to the community via the Public Art Permits; neighborhoods can begin applying for and installing the designs this spring!
- The City educated the public about types of license offered and information about the new bring your own bag ordinance.
- The City shared information about the work to increase affordable housing opportunities for both homeowners and renters.
- The City listened to residents’ stories about the spaces, places and buildings which make Minneapolis special to them. From greenways, parks and the Mississippi River to skyways, Bottineau Library and “a little, stone half-alley in Loring Park,” it was clear residents are passionate about their city.
The Great Seal of the City of Minneapolis. (Source: City of Minneapolis)
The Great Seal of the City of Minneapolis, which was formerly installed on the Minneapolis Auditorium, was recently reinstalled in the new Public Service Building. Here are some facts about the amazing historic object:
- It was originally installed five stories high on the outside of the Auditorium. Its new location is on the first and second floor of the inside of the new building, enabling people to view details that were unseen previously.
- Twenty-six feet in diameter, it is estimated to weigh 20 tons and is made from 96 pieces of limestone, each ranging from 60 pounds to 1 ton. Five identical missing pieces needed to be recreated.
- Installed around 1966, and deinstalled in 1988, it was originally on display for less time than it was in storage, which was nearly 30 years.
- Carved by Rich-McFarland Cut Stone Company, it was designed using five variations of the official Seal and depicts images from below St. Anthony Falls from the time the Seal was adopted in 1878.
Events
POSTPONED
Upper Harbor Community Engagement Learning Table: Community Benefits Operationalized
Have you heard about the 48.8-acre development on the Mississippi River that is up for redevelopment? Please join the Upper Harbor Learning Table to share your thoughts on topics that look to strengthen the social fabric of the existing North Minneapolis community, bring greater wealth and local ownership into the community, and foster stronger relationships between North Minneapolis and the Mississippi River.
More Information
POSTPONED
Grow North Education Event: Food Safety - Scaling Your Business Safely
Food safety planning is a critical and essential part of any food company's business plan and any company that is hoping to scale needs to prioritize it. Grow North is excited to welcome Dan Devenport of Devenport Consulting and formerly of Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP for a session on food safety and regulatory planning. He will provide an overview of what growing companies need to think about as they plan for the future.
More Information
POSTPONED
Volunteer for Step Up Mock Interviews!
Don't miss our 2020 Step Up Mock Interviews at the Minneapolis Convention Center! Each year over 400 local volunteers interview Step Up interns one-on-one and provide helpful feedback for improving their presentation and communication skills.
For many young people, this is their first job interview experience – and you will help them gain the confidence they need to prepare for summer internships and future careers. This is a great volunteer opportunity for individuals as well as company and organization teams. Learn more and register for one or more nights.
CANCELLED
City of Minneapolis Small Business Consultations
A representative from the City of Minneapolis will meet with Minneapolis-based business owners to answer permitting, financing and licensing questions, and give advice about business plans and mentoring. No appointment is necessary.
More Information
In the News
WHICH WAY, NORTHEAST?
In one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city, growth brings questions
Read in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Minneapolis Is Rated 3rd Best In Nation For Success Of Startup Businesses
Watch in CBS Minnesota
Minneapolis pasty makers taking recipes overseas to compete against world's best
Read in Fox9
Charlie Award honorees include Popul Vuh, Phil Roberts, Jack Riebel
Read in Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
A new record: Minneapolis reaches $2.1 billion in construction for 2019
Read in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Journal
Downtown Minneapolis Population Surpassed 51K in 2019
Read in Twin Cities Business
Lyn-Lake landmark It’s Greek to Me is reopening
Read in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Journal
‘Community-supported restaurant’ program gets Birchwood Cafe through the winter doldrums
Read in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
The King of Wings Returns
Read in Mpls St. Paul
West Lake station construction starting in spring
Read in Southwest Journal
8 Minnesota chefs and 3 restaurants named 2020 James Beard awards semifinalists
Read in the Star Tribune
City aims to stop small business ‘secret handshake’
Read in the Southwest Journal
Breaking Bread leaders say the cafe will reopen in April
Read in North News
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