 iStock image of contractor working on a home
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The City of Minneapolis with Minnesota Housing is offering the Rehab Support Program (RSP) a home improvement loan up to $30,000 at 2% interest payable up to 20 years (2.144% APR) to 43 neighborhoods. Program goal is to encourage improvements to homes that will increase its value while addressing health, safety, and housing code violations.
Priority for improvements are code orders, mechanical, structural, and safety hazards. If no required repairs are present, improvements such as energy conservation, accessibility, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, windows, interior remodeling & exterior repairs are eligible.
Please visit the City's website for more detailed information and application. Please contact owneroccupiedrehab@minneapolismn.gov with questions or call, (612) 673-5174.
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 Housing bungalow in Minneapolis
The new Minneapolis Homes: Financing (MHF) program was advertised for applications this December. The program reflects several new policies and programs that are a result of years of community engagement. The changes are intended to better align Minneapolis homeownership programs with the goals of Minneapolis 2040 comprehensive plan. Features of the new program include:
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Creating more options for perpetually affordable homeownership (PAH) at all income levels, city-wide: the revised MHF program provides deeper subsidy to create PAH serving households below 60% and below 40% of area median income. In addition to the approved City of Lakes Community Land Trust model, the City is launching its own PAH model and encouraging co-ops or other new models.
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Encouraging 2-20 unit development: both for affordable rental and homeownership projects.
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Encouraging sustainable design: MHF incorporates a new sustainability policy that increased the minimum requirement for 1-3 unit buildings to Department of Energy Net Zero Energy Ready and is providing additional subsidy for projects with ultra-efficient design.
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Community preference policy: The foreclosure crisis disproportionately effected low-wealth and Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Immigrant (BIPOCI) communities of Minneapolis, and the neighborhoods that were most affected were the focus of City’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The new community preference policy will be applied to 50% of ownership units created through MHF and provide preference for current or former residents in NSP neighborhoods dating back to January 1, 2007.
Applications through the NOFA are due at 1:00 pm on January 29, 2021. Learn more about the NOFA by watching the introductory video and help to spread the word about this exciting financing opportunity.
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Small Business Grant Program |
The mpls downtown small business grant program will serve to support businesses who are central to the downtown experience. The grant program will provide $1.6 million to small and independently owned businesses within the mpls downtown central business district starting in January. The program strives to provide critical support for the hospitality industry including restaurants/bars, retailers, and entertainment venues.
Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply now through January 15, 2021. Recipients will be awarded the week of January 25 and funds will be immediately dispersed.
The mpls downtown small business grant is supported through generous contributions of the downtown business community. Companies including Target, Xcel Energy Foundation, Thrivent, and RBC Wealth Management are providing funding to support this important program.
More Information
Accepting Applications: Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Funding
 Image from Hennepin County
The application for new relief funding is now open for eligible Hennepin County small businesses and nonprofits that have been financially harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total of up to $24.6 million is available.
Application assistance
Contact
This funding was allocated to Hennepin County by the State of Minnesota to support businesses and nonprofits that earn revenue like businesses impacted by the pandemic and related state restrictions, including Executive Order No. 20-99. Please review the application guidelines to see if you are eligible before applying for funding.
New SBA Training for Entrepreneurs
 Learn ways to lay the groundwork for helping new and aspiring entrepreneurs like you launch a business idea and to understand the steps to building a business.
The SBA's Minnesota District Office will offer this series twice in the next two months. Register for one or all of the sessions that you would like to attend separately:
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READY: Basics of Business Startup Jan. 14, or Feb. 11, 1 p.m.; Register
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SET: Becoming Credit Ready Jan. 21, or Feb. 18, 1 p.m.; Register
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GO: Finding Additional Small Business Support and Resources Jan. 28, or Feb. 25, 1 p.m.; Register
The Ready, Set, Go Workshop is an initiative from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and through this workshop, SBA hopes to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the information needed to help guide your pathway toward economic empowerment and business success.
Ali Mohamed found Waite House Community Center one day as he was walking around in the neighborhood. He asked the food shelf team for assistance with finding employment and was given the contact information for Raquel the employment coordinator at Waite House.
Ali had been out of work since March due to the pandemic. Minneapolis Works immediately got to working on his resume and sending that information out to employer partners for a direct and quick hire. Ali would come at least once a week into Raquel’s office to submit job applications and to look at the job market which was limited at the time. Ali was able to secure a production job with DPI staffing group in only 20 days of being in the program.
He enjoys his job and the people he works with and is working towards being hired permanently with the company. Ali continues to check in with Raquel to talk about his new job and how he is doing.
Ali Mohamed: “I am the happiest guy in the world. When I found it here, I found good people. I talked to [the Waite House staff] for hours and hours without hesitation. I got assistance with transportation when I needed it most. I am grateful that I was given the support to find a job during this difficult time.”
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Events
Minneapolis Upper Harbor Terminal Development Project Online Discussion
Saturday, January 9, 2021, | 11:00 a.m.
Join the staff from the University’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach–Engagement Center, the Public Policy Project-Environmental Justice Coordinating Council and representatives from the City of Minneapolis for an Upper Harbor Terminal (UHT) Draft Coordinated Plan online public comment session followed by a moderated Q&A session.
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The Best Heated Patios for a Chilly Minneapolis Day
(Ongoing)
When temperatures start to drop, Minneapolis finds creative ways to stay outside and keep warm. Whether you are up for the full experience by embracing the chilly weather or just want to sit inside by a cozy fire, there are plenty of options. Whichever you choose BYOB is always encouraged (and by that, they mean Bring Your Own Blanket)!
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The Minneapolis Farmer’s Market
(Ongoing)
Lyndale Market (312 East Lyndale Avenue N)
Nicollet Mall Market (Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis)
The winter market consists of meat, cheese, egg, and many more vendors. Stop by!
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Minneapolis Area Virtual Diversity Job Fair
Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
If you are looking for a new job or the opportunity to explore career options for yourself, register for this upcoming Job Fair. This is a multi-profession, multi-industry virtual event. Job seekers can view details about each hiring company and their job openings and have the opportunity to connect live with hiring managers and recruiters via text chat or video.
More Information
New/Expanding Businesses
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Food/Beverage
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Retail
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Health/Wellness
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In the News
Good Grocer Seeks Volunteers For New Store And Food Outlet
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Gandhi Mahal owner builds greenhouse, plans community center at site of burned restaurant
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Minneapolis Downtown Council to offer $1.6M in small business grants
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In relief for restaurants, Minneapolis caps delivery app fees at 15%
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A Victory for #SaveOurStages: New Stimulus Package Includes Major Funding for Indie Venues
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Midtown Global Market, defended during Minneapolis riots, now plans its financial survival
Read in the Star Tribune
Solar garden developed by local nonprofit is installed
Read in the Southwest Journal
B.A.D. Wingz leaves Glam Doll, moves to Graze in the North Loop
Read in Bring Me The News
Xcel Energy Planning Operations Center On Northeast Site
Read in The Development Tracker
$40 Million Expansion Planned For Karmel Mall
Read in The Development Tracker
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