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.

The post Free Resources Available for Minneapolis Small Businesses appeared first on Uptown Association.

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.

The post Marketing Strategies to Help Small Businesses Reopen and Regain Customers appeared first on Uptown Association.

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.

The post Resilient Small Business Recovery Strategies After Disruption appeared first on Uptown Association.

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/

The post Small Business Resources appeared first on Uptown Association.

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.

The post Minneapolis 2% Loan Program: Financing Opportunities for Uptown Businesses appeared first on Uptown Association.

Supporting local businesses is at the heart of the Uptown Association mission. As the organization working to Engage, Support, and Strengthen Uptown, the Uptown Association helps connect business owners with programs, funding opportunities, and expert resources that help them grow and succeed.

Running a small business takes focus and time. Between managing customers, staff, inventory, and operations, many owners simply don’t have the time to search for every grant, advising program, or business support opportunity that becomes available. The Uptown Association helps bridge that gap by sharing opportunities and helping businesses understand how to access them.

One of the programs currently available to businesses along the corridor is Elevate Hennepin.

What is Elevate Hennepin?

Elevate Hennepin is a Hennepin County initiative designed to support small businesses by providing access to professional advising, training, and resources that help entrepreneurs grow and strengthen their operations.

The program connects businesses with experienced advisors who can provide guidance on topics such as:

Marketing and branding

Financial planning and accounting

Business strategy and growth

Legal and compliance support

Operations and management

These services are designed to give small businesses access to the kind of expertise that larger organizations often have in-house.

In addition to advising, Elevate Hennepin also offers training and learning opportunities that help business owners build skills and make informed decisions about the future of their businesses.

Why This Matters for Uptown

Uptown has long been home to independent businesses, restaurants, creative studios, and entrepreneurs who bring energy and character to the neighborhood.

Programs like Elevate Hennepin help strengthen these businesses by providing the support and guidance they need to grow, adapt, and invest in their future.

When local businesses succeed, the entire neighborhood benefits—creating more activity, stronger storefronts, and a more vibrant community.

How the Uptown Association Helps

The Uptown Association works to ensure businesses in the neighborhood are aware of programs like Elevate Hennepin and know how to access them.

The organization supports the local business community by:

Sharing information about available programs
UA helps distribute information about grants, advising programs, and other support opportunities that may benefit businesses in Uptown.

Helping businesses navigate resources
Applications and eligibility requirements can sometimes be confusing. UA helps point businesses toward the right contacts and information.

Strengthening connections within the business community
By connecting businesses to resources and to each other, UA helps create a stronger and more resilient business district.

Learn More

If you’re a business owner interested in learning more about Elevate Hennepin and the support available, you can visit:

https://www.elevatehennepin.org

Businesses in Uptown are also encouraged to stay connected with the Uptown Association to learn about additional programs, events, and opportunities designed to support the local business community.

The post Connecting Uptown Businesses to Resources: Elevate Hennepin appeared first on Uptown Association.

This program helps businesses improve the appearance and functionality of their storefronts while enhancing the overall vibrancy of the corridor.

The Uptown Association serves as the program administrator for the Uptown district and provides hands-on support throughout the entire process — from project review to City submission and reimbursement coordination.

For businesses considering upgrades such as signage, lighting, painting, or exterior repairs, this program can significantly reduce project costs.

Who Is Eligible

Businesses must meet the following requirements to participate in the Uptown district program:

• Be located within the eligible Uptown business district
• Be a property owner or commercial tenant (with landlord approval)
• Be current on property taxes (if owner)

Businesses are encouraged to be Gold Members of the Uptown Association ($650 annual membership), but membership is not required to apply.

Gold Membership supports the Uptown Association’s work to administer programs like this and invest in marketing, advocacy, and corridor improvements.

Grant Amounts and Matching Requirements

Grant maximums vary by corridor designation.

Eligible Areas
Up to $5,000 per storefront with a 1:2 private match

Priority Areas
Up to $7,500 with a 1:1 private match

Cultural Districts
Up to $10,000 with a 1:0.5 private match

This is a reimbursement program, meaning businesses must complete and pay for the private match portion of the project before receiving grant funds.

Application Requirements

Applications must include the following materials:

• Written project description
• Before photos of the storefront
• Project drawings, visuals, or mock-ups
• Two (2) contractor bids for identical scopes of work

Projects totaling less than $5,000 require only one bid.

Murals require only one bid.

Grant awards are based on the lower of the submitted bids, although businesses may choose either contractor to complete the project.

Eligible Improvements

Projects must improve the exterior of a commercial property and be visible from a public street.

Examples of eligible improvements include:

• Exterior painting or siding
• Masonry repair and tuckpointing
• Window and door replacement
• Awnings and canopies
• Exterior signage
• Lighting improvements
• Removal of architectural barriers
• Murals

All improvements must comply with City permitting requirements.

How the Uptown Association Helps

The Uptown Association works directly with businesses to help guide them through the grant process.

Support includes:

• Project eligibility review
• Guidance on application materials
• Assistance with contractor bids
• Coordination with City staff
• Help navigating reimbursement documentation

This hands-on support helps ensure businesses have a smooth and successful experience with the program.

Strengthening Uptown Together

Businesses investing in their storefronts help shape the future of Uptown.

While Gold Membership in the Uptown Association ($650 annually) is not required to apply for the grant, it is encouraged for businesses that want to play a larger role in supporting the district.

Gold Membership supports:

• District-wide marketing and promotion
• Advocacy and coordination with the City
• Events that drive foot traffic
• Business networking opportunities
• Ongoing corridor revitalization initiatives

Façade improvements paired with collective investment help create stronger results for the entire Uptown business community.

Interested in Applying?

If you are interested in applying for the 2026 Great Streets Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program or would like to schedule a project review meeting, contact the Uptown Association team.

We are happy to guide you through the next steps and help prepare your application.

Together, we can continue building a stronger Uptown.

The post 2026 Great Streets Façade Improvement Grants Now Open for Uptown Businesses appeared first on Uptown Association.

Through this program, businesses can strengthen their presence in Uptown while helping support the work that keeps the neighborhood vibrant — including events, advocacy, marketing, and business support programs.

Community Partners gain access to promotional channels that reach thousands of residents, visitors, and businesses throughout the Uptown district.

Membership Levels

The Community Partner Program offers two membership tiers designed to support businesses at different levels.

Silver Community Partner

$300 annually

Silver partners receive access to promotional and community engagement opportunities while supporting the Uptown business district.

Gold Community Partner

$650 annually

Gold partners receive expanded promotional opportunities and greater visibility throughout the year.

Marketing and Visibility Benefits

Community Partners receive several promotional benefits designed to increase awareness and connect businesses with the Uptown community.

Website Promotion

Partners receive a home page banner logo placement with a link and advertisement on the Uptown Association website.

Ad size: 300 × 250 pixels

Website:
www.uptownminneapolis.com

Special Event Promotion

Community Partners may provide marketing materials that can be distributed at Uptown events and information booths, giving businesses additional exposure to event attendees and visitors.

Additional marketing opportunities may also be developed as part of seasonal programming.

Digital Promotion

Businesses may also receive promotional exposure through Uptown Association communication channels.

Promotions may include:

• Email newsletters reaching approximately 10,000 subscribers
• Social media promotion reaching approximately 5,000 followers

Promotional opportunities include:

Silver Members:
Up to 3 promotions per year

Gold Members:
Up to 5 promotions per year

Community Outreach

The Uptown Association also distributes relevant information and opportunities through partnerships with:

• Local residential apartment communities
• Neighborhood organizations
• Community groups throughout the Uptown area

This helps extend the reach of business announcements, promotions, and community updates.

Additional Opportunities

Community Partners may also be included in additional promotional opportunities during the year, including:

• Cooperative marketing campaigns
• Participation in special events or programming
• Inclusion in additional district promotions

Business Announcements

When a new business opens or relocates in Uptown, the Uptown Association can help promote the announcement through:

• Ribbon cutting events
• Email announcements
• Social media promotion

These announcements help introduce businesses to the Uptown community and increase awareness.

Strengthening Uptown Together

The Community Partner Program helps support the programs and initiatives that keep Uptown vibrant.

Membership helps fund:

• Neighborhood marketing and promotion
• Events and programming that bring visitors to the district
• Advocacy for the business community
• Business support programs and resources

Together, Community Partners help strengthen the Uptown business district and support the continued growth of the neighborhood.

Become a Community Partner

Businesses and organizations interested in becoming a Community Partner can contact the Uptown Association to learn more about membership opportunities.

Joining the program helps increase visibility while supporting the continued success of Uptown businesses.

The post Community Partner Program: Supporting Uptown Businesses and Organizations appeared first on Uptown Association.