​LBA connects businesses to opportunities for funding and support 

Business Resources

Business Technical Assistance Program (B-Tap) – Consulting support to small- and medium-sized businesses.

City of Minneapolis Business Services – Resources for small and large business owners in the City of Minneapolis.

Minnesota DEED Small Business Hub  –  Information and programs for small businesses including loans and payment plans, investment programs and more.

Lake Street Council – A nonprofit organization providing support, engagement, and advocacy for Lake Street businesses to ensure the vitality and prosperity of the corridor.

Redesign Inc.  – Nonprofit commercial and residential real estate development corporation that provides assistance to local businesses and support for SCCA and LBA.

City of Minneapolis Business Assistance – Resources and step-by-step help for people who want to start, maintain or expand a business in the city.

Hennepin County Elevate Program – Elevate Business HC offers Hennepin County businesses no-cost business support designed to help businesses at any stage grow and thrive.

Minnesota Secretary of State Office – Resources and requirements for new businesses in the state of Minnesota.

City of Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development – City of Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development –  Offer support for business development & policy in the City of Minneapolis.

US Small Business Administration – Free business counseling, business loans, and tools to help start and manage your business.

Grants

Immediate Applications

PROMISE Act Grant & Loan Program –   The Providing Resources & Opportunity & Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs (PROMISE) Grant and Loan Programs are new, state-funded programs that will provide grants and loans to disadvantaged small businesses located in certain areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul – including areas on East Lake Street, 38th & Chicago, Franklin, Nicollet, & Riverside corridors of South Minneapolis. Applications open Spring 2024.

Rolling Applications

Business Security Matching Grant –  LBA & LCC matching grant program is intended to increase safety and reduce crime for businesses in Greater Longfellow.

Facade Improvement Program – Funded by the City of Minneapolis, the Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program works to revitalize and sustain the economic vitality of Greater Longfellow’s commercial districts through public/private investments in façade projects for commercial properties. LBA, Redesign,Inc. and Lake Street Council administer these matching grants of up to $5,000 per storefront.

Placemaking & Vibrancy Grant – Lake Street Council funds placemaking activities and events along the Lake Street corridor to continue to support healing, beautification efforts, and economic rehabilitation that are deeply needed to address the dynamic needs of our community.

Business Recycling & Waste Prevention Grants– Hennepin County is providing free resources and assistance for small businesses and nonprofit organizations to start or improve recycling and organics recycling and projects that prevent waste in the business sector.

We Love Lake Street Acquisition & Predevelopment Grant – We Love Lake Street Acquisition & Predevelopment Fund – Grant from Lake Street Council supporting the community-led recovery and rebuilding of businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Lake Street corridor after the civil uprising that followed in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.

Partnership Engagement Fund  –   Annual project funding from the City of Minneapolis to charitable or educational nonprofits in Minneapolis. The next round of applications will open in 2025.