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.
Free Wellness Sessions for Business Owners — Available All of March
Running a small business in the Minnesota is no small feat right now. It has been heavy. NDC is here to support where we can.
We're offering Mindset Reset: Community Care Sessions. These are free, 60-minute virtual gatherings throughout the month of March designed to give you a moment to breathe, release some of the week's tension, and connect with other business owners who get it.
Sessions are open exclusively to business owners and entrepreneurs connected to NDC and are led by a trained practitioner.
In each session, you can expect to:
Learn simple, in-the-moment tools to calm stress
Reset and recharge during your week
Connect with a supportive community of fellow business owners
Leave feeling more relaxed and clear-headed
Session Times – Available Every Week in March
📅 Mondays, 6:00–7:00 PM → Register here
📅 Fridays, 1:00–2:00 PM → Register here
Advance registration is required. You'll receive the Zoom link once you're signed up. Come once, a few times, or regularly, whatever feels right for you. There's no pressure to attend every week. Just show up when you need the space, and know you'll be welcomed.
These sessions are completely free. Questions? Reach out at mindsetreset@ndc-mn.org.
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.
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/viewMONARCA – 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#listMinnesota 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-uncertaintyUnited 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-96h3dMinnesota 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/cybersecurityFortis Capital 2% Forgivable Loans
Fortis Capital is offering flexible, low-interest loans to business owners in specific St. Paul districts. Explore and share with those you know.
https://fortiscapital.org/funding-opportunities/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-driveJoyce 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