Community Resources

NDC Resources

  • Entrepreneur Training: Whether you’re just getting started, have recently started operations or are a current business owner seeking additional training, Plan It! is a great opportunity to build and expand your knowledge.

  • Business Loans: NDC offers a variety of loan types, giving small businesses in the Twin Cities Metro Area the financial support that best suits their needs

  • Business Services: The NDC Business Lab offers effective strategies that are relevant to today’s economy. We craft innovative and sustainable solutions that help you as an entrepreneur work smarter and more efficiently.

  • Incubators & Real Estate: With community partners in our targeted neighborhoods, NDC restores properties to create dynamic commercial spaces in which small businesses can start and grow.

  • Sign up for Mindset Reset Fall Cohort HERE! The entrepreneurial journey comes with both opportunities and challenges. Mindset Reset is a space for business owners to pause, recharge, and reconnect with their goals. Through workshops and conversations focused on growth, resilience, and self-care, entrepreneurs gain tools to navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.

    We know these are difficult times for small business owners, and we are with our community. You are not alone in this. We encourage you to explore the links to resources below to find support for your current needs, and to continue sharing these opportunities with others.

    Resource List

    Workplace Rights, Preparedness, and Employer Support

    Employer Training with Vivid Joy HR
    Training and guidance for employers navigating workforce challenges, HR compliance, and employee communication during times of uncertainty.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mIrgJigywlg1HUo4GNBJpMu0hv43i956/view

    MONARCA – ICE Workplace Trainings
    Know Your Rights trainings focused on workplace preparedness, employee protections, and responding to ICE activity in business settings.
    https://monarcamn.org/

    MN CDFI Coalition – ICE Response Resources
    Tools and guidance for businesses and community organizations responding to the impacts of immigration enforcement.
    https://mncdficoalition.org/ice-response/

    National Homelessness Law Center – ICE Response Resources
    Practical resources for individuals, families, and communities impacted by ICE raids, including housing-related guidance and rights information.
    https://housingnothandcuffs.org/iceraidresources/

    Business, Legal, and Community Resource Hubs

    Lake Street Council – Business Resource List
    A centralized collection of resources for businesses impacted by federal immigration presence on Lake Street and surrounding areas.
    https://www.visitlakestreet.com/business-blog/resources-for-federal-immigration-presence-on-lake-street#list

    Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – Resources to Navigate Uncertainty
    A curated set of tools and guidance to help organizations and communities respond to uncertainty, disruption, and changing conditions.
    https://minnesotanonprofits.org/resources-to-navigate-uncertainty

    United Way 211 Resource Helpline
    Connects individuals and families to non-emergency services such as food, childcare, housing, utilities, and mental health support.
    Dial 211 or visit:
    https://211unitedway.org/

    Financial Stability, Technology, and Unemployment Support

    MN PROMISE Act Grant Program
    Grants available to business owners in the Twin Cities. Certain eligibility requirements are present. PROMISE Act holds workshops and information sessions to help support business owners with their applications. 
    https://www.mnpromiseact.org/

    NeDA Financial Literacy Workshops
    Workshops focused on financial planning, budgeting, and long-term stability for entrepreneurs and families.
    https://nedahome.org/eventos/2021/taller-de-finanzas-personales-april-2021-wwm5w-8jyrj-85hzt-kjh2p-a3b78-6rz2x-mgler-mbbc2-hlces-96h3d

    Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (DEED)
    Information on unemployment benefits, eligibility, and how to apply through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
    https://www.uimn.org/

    NTEN Cybersecurity Resource Hub
    Guidance and tools to help organizations protect their data, systems, and operations from cyber threats during times of disruption.
    https://www.nten.org/learn/resource-hubs/cybersecurity

    Food Access and Community Support

    Second Harvest Heartland
    Food assistance programs and resources for individuals, families, and community organizations across Minnesota.
    https://www.2harvest.org/

    DHH Church Food Drive
    Community food drive supporting families in need with access to essential groceries.
    https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/despensas-food-drive

    Joyce Uptown Food Shelf
    Free groceries and food support for community members in need.
    https://www.joyceuptownfoodshelf.org/

    Uptown Greenwood Meals on Wheels (UGMTC)
    Meal delivery and food support services for seniors and individuals facing food insecurity.
    https://www.ugmtc.org/

    Keystone Services Food Shelf
    Access to groceries and food support for individuals and families.
    https://keystoneservices.org/food-shelf/

    Neighborhood House Food Markets
    Community food markets and nutrition support programs serving families across Saint Paul.
    https://neighborhoodhousemn.org/programs/food-support/food-markets/

    How Customers Can Support Restaurants
    A guide on how diners across Minnesota can support restaurants and other service-based industries at this time. 
    https://www.startribune.com/restaurants-are-reeling-heres-how-diners-can-help-right-now/601566861?utm_source=email

The Small Business Labor Law Compliance Program

Small Business Labor Law Compliance Program is a pilot project that helps small businesses understand their compliance needs and follow labor laws. In partnership with Rutgers University and the City of Minneapolis, we work with local bookkeepers from various backgrounds to offer up to 14 hours of free one-on-one training in bookkeeping and labor law compliance. The goal is to support small business owners in managing back office tasks correctly and have a better understanding of their books so they can grow their business.

Please note: this program does not provide tax preparation services, but it can improve your back office processes and get you on track.

Examples of one on one support businesses could receive 

  • Bookkeeping support and workflows creation

  • Software tools enrollment and exploration 

  • Financial records organizing and clean up

  • Labor Law education and best practices

  • Financial reconciliations and reports management

  • 1099 and w2 employees tracking and set up

Click Here to Sign Up!

🚧 This page will be updated on an ongoing basis. Please check back regularly!