This year, I went back to find San Francisco in the early stages of recovery. The tents were gone. I spotted public drug use much less frequently. Officials didn’t ignore the remaining addicts. Community ambassadors, as the city calls them, patrolled the streets and tried to persuade users to get into treatment. At a minimum, they made sure that people didn’t treat sidewalks as campgrounds. I could move through the city without having to walk in the road — something most of America mercifully takes for granted.

After the failures of the 1980s and ’90s, when lawmakers responded to a crack epidemic with mass incarceration, progressives united around an approach that decriminalized drugs, either literally (as in Oregon) or effectively (as in San Francisco). The change was well intentioned, grounded in the reasonable view that addicts need help, not punishment. The government’s role was to make treatment available and keep people alive, but not force them to stop. Eventually, people would seek out help on their own. That was the theory.

In practice, drug users didn’t get help. Free of serious consequences for even public drug use, they took over urban neighborhoods across the West Coast and injected, smoked and snorted more freely than ever before. Fentanyl’s spread turbocharged the problem. By the time I visited in 2023, drug users and their tents clogged city streets, and overdose deaths reached a record high for San Francisco (in a year when national overdose deaths declined).

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The City of Minneapolis provides a dedicated Business Assistance program that connects entrepreneurs with guidance on permits, planning, and business operations. Their resources are especially helpful for navigating city requirements and accessing local support networks.

Another valuable resource is the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), which offers a Small Business Digital Toolbox. This platform includes guides, planning tools, and strategies to help businesses strengthen their operations and adapt to a changing marketplace.

For one-on-one support, the SCORE Twin Cities chapter offers free mentoring from experienced business professionals. They also provide workshops, webinars, and templates covering topics like marketing, finance, and business planning.

By taking advantage of these free services, Minneapolis small business owners can gain expert guidance without additional cost and build a stronger foundation for growth.

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Start by updating all digital platforms with current information. Ensure your website, social media profiles, and online listings reflect accurate hours, services, and reopening details. Consistency across platforms builds trust and avoids confusion.

Sharing your story can be a powerful marketing tool. Customers appreciate authenticity, and communicating what your business has been through helps humanize your brand. Behind-the-scenes updates, recovery progress, and reopening announcements can all create engagement.

Email marketing is another effective way to reconnect with your audience. Sending a reopening announcement, special promotion, or appreciation message encourages customers to return and support your business.

Community engagement also plays a key role. Hosting a reopening event, collaborating with neighboring businesses, or participating in local initiatives can help rebuild foot traffic and awareness.

The goal is to remain visible, consistent, and connected. With the right marketing approach, businesses can rebuild momentum and re-establish their presence in the community.

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The first step in recovery is assessing the current condition of your business. This includes evaluating physical space, inventory, staffing needs, and financial resources. Understanding where you stand allows you to prioritize what needs immediate attention versus what can be addressed over time.

Clear communication is also essential. Let your customers know when you plan to reopen, what services are available, and how they can support you during the transition. Updating your website, social media channels, and Google Business profile ensures that accurate information is accessible.

Rebuilding momentum takes consistency. Regular updates, promotions, and community engagement can help bring customers back and re-establish your presence. Sharing your recovery journey can also create a stronger connection with your audience.

Local partnerships and community networks can further support your return. Collaborating with nearby businesses or participating in community initiatives helps increase visibility and reinforces a sense of shared recovery.

Recovery is not just about reopening doors—it’s about rebuilding trust, visibility, and long-term sustainability.

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East Side St. Paul & Greater MN Emergency Fund – LEDC and East Side Funders Group are raising funds to support East Side and Greater Minnesota Latino & immigrant-owned businesses.
Minneapolis Foundation Economic Response Fund – The Economic Response Fund will activate an initial $3.5 million through grants to established community organizations with deep experience in small business support.
Immigrant Rapid Response Fund – Hosted at the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, rapid response funds to mobilize and organize communities to support and protect immigrants.
Open for Tomorrow Fund – Main Street Alliance is partnering with the Economic Reconstruction Coalition for a rapid response fund.
Stand with Lake Street in 2026 – The Lake Street Council is fundraising for small businesses and has resource listings.
The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund – Fundraising to support Minnesota’s restaurants, held by the Minneapolis Foundation.
NDC Emergency Relief Fund – Donate to NDC’s emergency relief fund, which will support entrepreneurs who are experiencing difficulties
Additionally, as organizations look to learn more about the realities Minnesota small businesses are navigating, consider taking a few minutes to complete the surveys below:

For businesses across the state, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis has a survey to learn how the current economy is affecting businesses. This survey should take about 7 minutes to complete. Take the survey here.
For businesses in Minneapolis, the City of Minneapolis has a survey on the business impacts of federal immigration enforcement. The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Somali.
The Latino Economic Development Center conducting a short survey to understand how current economic conditions are affecting

Learn more:
https://crfusa.com/resources-for-minnesota-small-businesses/

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From residents and business owners to volunteers and community leaders, the strength of Uptown comes from individuals who show up, stay engaged, and invest in the neighborhood.

That’s the idea behind Uptown United — a community-driven effort focused on creating a more active, connected, and welcoming Uptown.

Working alongside organizations like the Uptown Association, Uptown United helps bring people together to support local businesses, build relationships, and strengthen the district.

What Is Uptown United?

Uptown United is a grassroots community initiative centered around one simple idea:

When more people are present, engaged, and connected, neighborhoods become stronger.

The organization encourages residents and supporters to take an active role in shaping Uptown through small, consistent actions that create a positive impact.

What They Do

Uptown United focuses on building energy and activity in the neighborhood through community-led efforts such as:

Community Walks

Organized weekly walks bring neighbors together to walk key corridors, support local businesses, and create a visible, positive presence.

Neighborhood Engagement

Encouraging residents to connect with each other, local businesses, and community initiatives.

Supporting Local Businesses

Driving foot traffic and visibility for Uptown businesses by simply showing up, visiting shops, and spending locally.

Creating Positive Momentum

Helping shift perception and energy in Uptown by increasing activity, connection, and community pride.

Why It Matters

Neighborhoods thrive when people participate.

Uptown United helps:

• Increase activity along business corridors
• Support small businesses through foot traffic
• Build stronger connections between neighbors
• Create a more welcoming and vibrant environment

It’s not about large-scale programs—it’s about consistent, visible engagement that adds up over time.

How Uptown Association Connects and Supports

The Uptown Association plays a key role in supporting efforts like Uptown United by helping connect businesses, residents, and resources across the district.

The Uptown Association helps:

• Promote community initiatives and events
• Support local businesses through marketing and advocacy
• Connect people to programs, resources, and opportunities
• Strengthen coordination across the Uptown corridor

By working together, Uptown United and the Uptown Association help create both community energy and structural support—two things needed for a thriving district.

The Big Idea

The concept is simple:

When more people are out, engaged, and present, it changes how a place feels.

Uptown United is about showing up—whether that means walking the neighborhood, supporting a local business, or connecting with others.

Get Involved

Anyone can be part of Uptown United.

You don’t need experience, registration, or a specific role—just a willingness to participate.

To learn more, visit:
https://uptownunitedmpls.org

Building Uptown Together

A stronger Uptown doesn’t happen all at once—it happens through consistent, shared effort.

Uptown United provides a simple way to be part of that momentum.

Together, we can continue building a more connected, welcoming, and vibrant Uptown.

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Uptown residents, neighbors, and supporters are coming together through Uptown Community Walks, a simple but powerful way to show up, support local businesses, and bring positive energy back to the neighborhood.

These walks are organized by the Uptown United and supported by the Uptown Association as part of a broader effort to strengthen the Uptown community.

What Are Uptown Community Walks?

Community walks are a way for neighbors to be present, visible, and engaged.

Participants break into small groups and walk key Uptown corridors including:

• Hennepin Avenue
• Lake Street
• Lagoon Avenue
• Lyndale Avenue

The goal is simple:

Show up. Say hello. Support local businesses. Help make Uptown feel like Uptown again.

When and Where to Join

Community walks take place:

Fridays and Saturdays
Meet at 6:00 PM
Location: Seven Points (Lake & Hennepin)

Walks typically last about 1.5 hours, wrapping up around 7:30 PM.

No sign-up is required—just show up and join a group.

What to Expect

When you arrive, you’ll be placed into a small group of about 5 to 10 people and given a general route.

From there, it’s simple:

• Walk together
• Connect with neighbors
• Support local businesses along the way

Many participants choose to stop for a drink, grab food, or continue socializing after the walk.

How to Participate

Community walks are intentionally simple and welcoming.

Do:

• Show up as you are—no experience needed
• Be friendly and welcoming
• Support local businesses
• Stay in small groups
• Help keep the area clean
• Be aware of your surroundings

Don’t:

• Engage in confrontation
• Attempt to intervene in illegal activity
• Take photos of individuals without consent
• Escalate situations
• Feel pressure to “do something” — your presence is enough
• Bring weapons of any kind

Safety and Approach

These walks are not enforcement or policing efforts.

They are about creating a positive, visible presence in Uptown.

If something requires attention:

• Call 911 for emergencies
• Text 311 for non-emergency city issues

Participants are encouraged to use good judgment and stay with their group.

Why It Matters

When more people are out, engaged, and present, it changes how a place feels.

These walks help:

• Increase positive activity in the neighborhood
• Support local businesses through foot traffic
• Build connections between neighbors
• Create a more welcoming environment

It’s a small action with a meaningful impact.

How Uptown Association Supports the Effort

The Uptown Association supports initiatives like community walks by helping promote activity, visibility, and engagement across the district.

By connecting businesses, residents, and programs, UA helps bring more energy and coordination into Uptown—supporting both economic activity and community connection.

Join the Walk

No sign-up required. Just show up, walk, and be part of something good.

For more information, visit:
UptownUnitedMPLS.org

Together, we can help build a stronger, more connected Uptown.

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The City of Minneapolis offers a program designed to help make financing more accessible: the City of Minneapolis 2% Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans to support small business development throughout the city.

Businesses located in Uptown may be eligible to use this financing for a wide range of investments, from equipment and property improvements to expansion projects.

The Uptown Association helps connect businesses in the district with this and other programs by sharing resources, answering questions, and guiding business owners toward the right contacts at the City.

What Is the Minneapolis 2% Loan Program?

The Minneapolis 2% Loan Program provides gap financing at a low fixed interest rate to support small businesses and commercial property improvements.

These loans are designed to complement private financing and help make projects financially feasible for businesses that may not otherwise qualify for traditional funding.

The program is administered through the City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department.

How Businesses Can Use the Loan

Funding from the 2% Loan Program can support a variety of business needs, including:

• Commercial property acquisition
• Renovations and tenant improvements
• Building rehabilitation and upgrades
• Equipment purchases
• Business expansion projects
• Other eligible investments that strengthen local businesses

Projects are typically combined with other financing sources such as private bank loans or owner investment.

Who May Be Eligible

While each project is reviewed individually, the program generally supports:

• Small businesses located in Minneapolis
• Businesses investing in commercial property improvements
• Businesses expanding operations or upgrading facilities
• Entrepreneurs seeking financing to launch or grow a business

The City evaluates projects based on their potential to strengthen local businesses, support job creation, and improve commercial corridors.

Why Programs Like This Matter for Uptown

Uptown’s strength comes from independent businesses that invest in their storefronts, spaces, and services.

Programs like the Minneapolis 2% Loan Program help make those investments possible by providing more accessible financing.

These improvements support:

• Stronger commercial corridors
• Increased foot traffic
• Better storefront experiences
• Long-term neighborhood investment

When businesses grow and improve their spaces, the entire district benefits.

How Uptown Association Helps Connect Businesses

The Uptown Association works to ensure Uptown businesses are aware of programs like the Minneapolis 2% Loan Program.

UA helps by:

• Sharing information about financing and grant programs
• Connecting businesses with City staff and resources
• Helping business owners understand program requirements
• Identifying opportunities that support local business growth

By connecting businesses to the right resources, the Uptown Association helps bring more investment and opportunity into the district.

Learn More

Businesses interested in learning more about the Minneapolis 2% Loan Program can visit the City’s website:

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/business-assistance/small-business-financing/two-percent/

If you are a business located in Uptown and would like help understanding how this program may apply to your project, the Uptown Association can help connect you with the appropriate resources and contacts.

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