Minneapolis boasts a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering a wealth of resources for individuals looking to start or grow their businesses. Several organizations provide tailored support to meet the diverse needs of the city’s entrepreneurs.
Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
NEON focuses on building wealth for low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs in North Minneapolis. Their services include:
- Free technical support and business development assistance.
- Trainings and workshops designed to enhance entrepreneurial knowledge.
- Access to coworking spaces and commercial kitchen rentals for food-based businesses.
In 2025, NEON disbursed $2.8 million in loans to small businesses and provided over 6,000 hours of technical assistance, serving more than 2,000 entrepreneurs. Learn more about NEON.
NextStage
NextStage offers customized support for entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. Their services encompass:
- Assistance with business planning, including writing business plans and refining concepts.
- Guidance on business registration, licensing, and compliance.
- Support for established businesses aiming to expand operations and manage growth.
These services are available free of charge to residents and businesses in Scott, Carver, and Hennepin counties, including the City of Minneapolis. Discover more about NextStage.
Impact Hub Minneapolis-Saint Paul
Impact Hub MSP is part of a global network focused on building entrepreneurial communities for social impact. They provide:
- Shared workspace and coworking opportunities.
- Training programs, workshops, and events tailored for social entrepreneurs.
- Access to a supportive community of like-minded individuals and organizations.
Members can participate in various programs, including free business coaching and social startup accelerators. Explore Impact Hub MSP.
Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA)
MEDA supports BIPOC entrepreneurs through integrated services such as:
- Business consulting to position small business owners for growth.
- Commercial lending with products designed for underserved businesses.
- Connections to government and corporate contract opportunities.
Since its founding in 1971, MEDA has served thousands of entrepreneurs, fostering economic equity through successful entrepreneurship. Learn more about MEDA.
City of Minneapolis Business Assistance
The City of Minneapolis offers a range of resources to support local businesses, including:
- Step-by-step guidance for starting, maintaining, or expanding a business.
- Business technical assistance connecting small businesses to free training and consulting services.
- Financing options in collaboration with private lenders to fund business growth.
These services aim to foster a thriving business environment within the city. Access City of Minneapolis business resources.
By leveraging these resources, Minneapolis entrepreneurs can find the support and guidance necessary to navigate the challenges of business ownership and contribute to the city’s dynamic economy.