Businesses Thrive In Minneapolis
Thank you for doing business in Minneapolis! In this global economy, the City realizes your options are virtually limitless when choosing a location for your business. We are proud of our City and believe that it offers many advantages to new and established business owners.
Business Consultation Assistance
Site Selection
Financing Programs
Workforce Recruitment & Training
Export Assistance
Business Partners
Success Stories
"Seward Co-op Grocery and Deli is owned by over 8,000 area residents. The co-op has experienced five expansions during its 37 years in the Seward neighborhood. The City of Minneapolis has been part of our ability to grow and prosper. The City was instrumental in making our move to 2823 E. Franklin possible, doubling our store size, creating 50 new jobs, and redeveloping a blighted property in Minneapolis."—Sean Doyle, General Manager, Seward Co-op
Business Consultation Assistance
- Technical Assistance is available to Minneapolis businesses and entrepreneurs through the Small Business Technical Assistance Program.
- The City's coordinated development review will help you successfully navigate the regulatory process which includes Planning/Zoning, Building Plan Review, Permitting and Licensing, and other regulatory review agencies.
Site Selection
- Search for available land, commercial or industrial properties in the metro via an online tool from the Minnesota Commercial Association of Real Estate or call Miles Mercer at (612) 673-5043.
Financing Programs
- The City offers a wide array of financing programs, ranging from $1,000 to $10 million, for Minneapolis businesses as well as staff assistance in selecting the appropriate program.
- Besides City support, other loans and grants for businesses may be available.
Workforce Recruitment and Training
- The City's Minneapolis Employment and Training Program provides a variety of tools for employers and can assist businesses with employment, training, and recruitment.
Export Assistance
- With 95% of the world’s population and 75% of the world’s purchasing power outside the United States, Minneapolis businesses must embrace global trade to support sustained growth.
- Trade is crucial to the region’s long term economic growth as well. Exports account for approximately 117,200 jobs annually in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. For every $1 billion exported, there are 6,250 jobs in the manufacturing sector created or retained.
- Exporting isn’t just for large, multinational companies. More than two-thirds of exporters have fewer than 20 employees.
- Organizations exist in Minneapolis to help companies with:
- Market Intelligence to help exporters target the right market(s) for their products and services.
- Export Counseling to provide firms with the information they need to navigate the export process from beginning to end.
- Business Matchmaking services to connect businesses with the right partners and prospects.
- Trade Event Support helps exporters expand global sales at international trade fairs
- Finance and Insurance Support helps explore opportunities for businesses
To get started, call either:
- Minnesota Trade Office: Exportminnesota.com, (651) 259-7498
- U.S. Commercial Service: www.export.gov/Minnesota, (612) 348-1638
Business and government leaders have developed a strategy to grow the region’s economy through increased exports.
Business Partners
- Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development provides useful tips on starting a business in Minnesota.
- Several regional Chambers of Commerce have programs and a diverse member network to help your business succeed.
- Connect with neighborhood business associations (pdf) and other business owners to stay informed.
- The Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers is an association of community development organizations committed to expanding the wealth and resources of neighborhoods through housing and economic development initiatives.
Success Stories
- Good things are happening in Minneapolis every day! Read about what other businesses are doing to succeed in the City.
City Staff Can Help!
The City’s Department of Community Planning & Economic Development has a variety of resources to help your business succeed. Call us for information on:
- Business Licensing: Call (612) 673-3000.
- General Business Questions and Site Selection: Miles Mercer at (612) 673-5043.
- Business Financing: Call (612) 673-5072.
- Employment and Training Assistance: Mark Brinda at (612) 673-6231.
We look forward to working with you!
Online information from the City of Minneapolis at MinneapolisMN.gov
Last updated Feb. 4, 2013