Business Support Programs
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Storefront Improvements
If you’re making a storefront improvement on a commercial space facing one of our West Bank streets, you may be eligible for matching money from the City of Minneapolis. We administer the city’s Facade Improvement Program, helping connect businesses to contractors and helping them through the application process. We produce and deliver all of the necessary information, instruction, and required forms.
Technical Assistance
WBBA is a technical assistance provider under the City of Minneapolis Business Technical Assistance Program which provides eligible Minneapolis businesses with FREE support. We also provide technical assistance through generous funding from the McKnight Foundation. Our staff helps with legal issues, bookkeeping, regulatory questions, marketing, website design, boosting social media presence, and accessing grants and zero to low-interest loans.
District Marketing
We market the district and our area’s businesses through a variety of platforms including web, social media, radio, and print. Our goal is to share local narratives and highlight independent businesses to multiple audiences—including residents, students, and guests to the area.
Events
We support and sponsor events which bring visitors to our community to explore all there is to offer. Our largest event of the year is Imagine Cedarfest, a blockparty filled with art, music and activities and hosted by our local businesses. In 2024, this event will be held on Sunday, September 8th. We need 75% of businesses and residents to support this event in order to close the street. Please give your consent here.
Construction and Equipment Purchases
WBBA does not provide direct financing for projects but we will assist you in applying for loans and accessing various zero or low interest loans and grants. We can help you navigate City of Minneapolis loan and grant programs for small businesses.
The West Bank is also located in the Southside Green Zone. WBBA can help you take advantage of favorable green zone related grants and loans. We also work with the Energy Smart program to access Minneapolis green cost share funding and Minnesota Chamber of
Commerce funding for business improvements that increase energy efficiency. We may also able to assist you navigate the permitting process for construction and in finding contractors for your project. If you are thinking about a construction project or making equipment upgrades, contact us first!