Plan. Launch. Grow. Serving Minneapolis Small Businesses

Small business 3

Friday, September 11, 2020

Policy updates

Retractable Security Doors

Retractable security doors are now allowed to be installed on commercial businesses (no residential uses). No building permit will be required at this time. The City Council is also considering City Ordinance changes. Building permits would be required after those changes to the ordinance. Security doors must be retracted to maintain open views through windows during open business hours. No signage or graphics are allowed on the retractable doors at this time.

Updates to the wrecking permits process

Pre-payment of property taxes will no longer be required for property owners to secure wrecking permits for buildings damaged in the recent civil unrest. Additionally, the City is waiving the associated wrecking permit fees and will not require a survey or pest abatement plans. The City is working with Xcel Energy and Centerpoint to expedite the required utility disconnection verification process. 

Staff have begun contacting contractors who have previously submitted wrecking permits to notify them of this change. Property owners who have already submitted permits may be eligible for a refund. If you have questions about the updated process, please contact Development@minneapolismn.gov.

For other questions about the disaster property reassessment, contact the City Assessor’s office at 612-673-5959 or email disaster.reassessment@minneapolismn.gov.


Resources

Civil Unrest SBA Loans

SBA Disaster Loans are available to businesses significantly impacted by the civil unrest from May 27 – June 8.

Loans can be used to pay for costs not covered by insurance. Business owners, homeowners and/or renters can apply for property repairs and/or replacements (including cars). Business owners can also apply for working capital.

Loan limits depend on credit history, insurance coverage, and amount of damage sustained.

Applications are due Friday, October 2 (property damage), or Monday, May 3, 2021 (economic injury). Note: Businesses that received a COVID-19 related EIDL are also eligible to apply for the civil unrest EIDL. 
Learn more and apply

Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center (VDLOC)
Open: Monday – Sunday (7 days/week)
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eastern Time
Email: FOCE-Help@sba.gov
Phone: (800) 659-2955

North Minneapolis Small Business Fund: West Broadway Business and Area Coalition

Applications are now open for the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition business grant fund.   

The purpose of this grant program is to support businesses and nonprofit organizations whose location of operation in North Minneapolis were impacted by the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations can use this application to apply for funding to help reopen or sustain operations. This application closes September 16, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
More information and application

Twin Cities Community Rebuilding Coalition

The Twin Cities Community Rebuilding Coalition offers physical building materials and business support for businesses impacted by the civil unrest. Pro bone business support include: architecture, project management, human resources, legal, marketing, merchandising, technology.
Learn more and apply for assistance 

The Coalition is a public-private partnership.


City RFPs for Business Support Organizations

Great Streets Business District Support Program

The City is seeking proposals for the Great Streets Business District Support Program (BDS). Recognizing that commercial districts throughout the city have different needs and opportunities, Business District Support grants are flexible and designed to support a variety of activities. This RFP is seeking proposals for a wide range of activities with the overarching goal of strengthening neighborhood business districts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest after the death of George Floyd, and the public health emergency resulting from the severe impact of racism on the wellbeing of residents and the city overall. 

Visit the Development Notices & Requests for Proposals webpage, under the Development tab. Proposals are due on Monday, September 28, 2020 by 4:00 p.m.

Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP) Professional Series

The B-TAP Professional Series Solicitation is now open and we are accepting applications until September 23.  The current RFP is limited to training, coaching or technical assistance to aid in business recovery due to the Coronavirus pandemic and/or the civil unrest due to the death of George Floyd. More information (listed as BTAP Professional Series - Fall 2020).

There will be a Pre-Proposal Conference to allow opportunity for questions and clarification on September 15, 2020 from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.  Join Microsoft Teams Meeting or call 612-276-6670, Conference ID: 866 188 560#. Contact BTAP@minneapolismn.gov with any questions.

Cooperative Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP)

The City is seeking proposals from experts in the co-op and business assistance fields to create a pool of consultants that will provide training and technical assistance services to new and existing co-ops. Proposals can include co-op feasibility training, worker-owner cooperative outreach, and education and technical assistance for existing or forming cooperatives. Non-profit organizations, small businesses, and individual professionals are welcome to respond to this solicitation. We are accepting applications until September 25.  More information (listed as C-TAP-2020).

There will be a Pre-Proposal Conference to allow opportunity for questions and clarification on September 14, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join Microsoft Teams Meeting or call 612-276-6670  Conference ID: 395 777 862#. Contact BTAP@minneapolismn.gov with any questions.


City of Minneapolis logo

For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact kelly.stacken@minneapolismn.gov.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-263-6850.

Para asistencia 612-673-2700, Yog xav tau kev pab, hu 612-673-2800, Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

minneapolismn.gov