Business Growth Resources
The business community in Whittier is one of the neighborhood's strongest assets. Businesses in Whittier were grown out of strong entrepreneurial spirit. The Whittier Alliance, in conjunction with the Whittier Business Association, would like to foster and push forward that spirit to grow the business community, Sometimes finding a place to start can be the hardest part; below is a compilation of resources to help new and established businesses overcome specific obstacles.
SBA Disaster Loans for Businesses
The SBA has just made available low-interest disaster loans for Minnesota businesses, non-profits and residents who were affected by civil unrest on May 27 through June 8, 2020. If you are located in Hennepin County or the adjacent counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, and Wright, you may be eligible to apply.
Application Filing Deadlines:
Physical Damage: October 2, 2020 Economic Injury: May 3, 2021
Read more below.
Application Filing Deadlines:
Physical Damage: October 2, 2020 Economic Injury: May 3, 2021
Read more below.
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Facade Improvement Grants
Business and commercial property owners in the commercial corridors may apply for matching grants for a variety of eligible storefront improvements. The grants are made possible by the City of Minneapolis Great Streets program. The Great Streets program aims to help revitalize and sustain neighborhood business districts. Matching grants in a range of up to $5,000-$10,000 per business or storefront are available. For details including eligible areas and how to apply see our Facade Improvement Grant page.
| Facade Improvement Grant Guidelines.doc |
Graffiti Removal for Businesses
We have an array of graffiti removal supplies in the office that we lend out to any residents, property owners or businesses that need them. We have three different types of supplies:
- Kits for graffiti removal from painted and sensitive surfaces
- Kits for graffiti removal from brick, stone and masonry surfaces
- Safewipes for graffiti removal from hard surfaces such as signage, play equipment, bus shelters, control boxes, etc
Whittier Business Association
The for-profit and non-profit businesses in the Whittier neighborhood are one of our strongest community assets. We are very lucky to have such a thriving small business community and vibrant commercial corridors in this neighborhood. The Whittier Alliance offers support to our business and nonprofit community in a variety of ways:
- Information and resources to help run more smoothly and profitably
- Opportunities to express thoughts and feedback to the City
- Networking and cooperative marketing
- Exposure through free community event such as the Eat Street Festival, which brings thousands of patrons to Nicollet Avenue to engage directly with Whittier's business community each September.
- Administration of the City of Minneapolis' Facade Improvement Grant (see below for more info)
- 1:1 direct assistance for accessing grants provided by Hennepin County for business recycling and organics recycling programs and infrastructure
Resource Guides |
Training and Counseling |
Financial Assistance |
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The following is a list of resources and guides from varied levels of government programs and non-profit organizations to assist in introductory stages of starting a business.
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The following is a compilation of advising services to help with the operational aspects of running a business, which also includes mentoring and legal services.
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Finding the capital to start, maintain or grow a business can be one of the biggest hurdles a business can face. The following is a list of loans, grants, and other various funding sources.
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