Blast Into Quarter One 2024
Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
Building wealth for low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs in North Minneapolis and surrounding communities.
Welcome to an electrifying start to 2024! As you ease back from the holiday hustle, brace yourself for an exhilarating ride. Our first newsletter of the year is packed with offers you won't want to miss.
Beyond reading, dive in and engage with us as we unveil a plethora of opportunities. This year holds immense potential, and we invite you to seize every chance to be part of our journey. Buckle up and get ready to make the most of what's ahead – welcome to a year of endless possibilities!
Read further for the latest
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and developing small businesses in low-income communities of color is especially crucial to breaking the cycle of little to no wealth and limited opportunity.NEON works with clients at every stage of entrepreneurship – from information seekers to established businesses – providing a roadmap to start, grow, and thrive as scalable businesses.Fact: 90% of businesses we helped launch are still in business after 5 years!In 2022, NEON provided direct hands-on assistance to more than 1300 entrepreneurs, helped create and retain 664 jobs and helped start 164 new businesses!
Thank You to our December Donors
Happy New Year from Team NEON!
Hello?<< Test First Name >>,
Welcome to an electrifying start to 2024! As you ease back from the holiday hustle, brace yourself for an exhilarating ride. Our first newsletter of the year is packed with offers you won't want to miss.
Beyond reading, dive in and engage with us as we unveil a plethora of opportunities. This year holds immense potential, and we invite you to seize every chance to be part of our journey. Buckle up and get ready to make the most of what's ahead – welcome to a year of endless possibilities!
Read further for the latest
Jada Williams Founder of The Bougie Waffle
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and developing small businesses in low-income communities of color is especially crucial to breaking the cycle of little to no wealth and limited opportunity. NEON works with clients at every stage of entrepreneurship – from information seekers to established businesses – providing a roadmap to start, grow, and thrive as scalable businesses. Fact: 90% of businesses we helped launch are still in business after 5 years! In 2022, NEON provided direct hands-on assistance to more than 1300 entrepreneurs, helped create and retain 664 jobs and helped start 164 new businesses!
Thank You to our December Donors
?
Happy New Year from Team NEON!
1st Row (Left to Right) Aminah Harut, Robbin McLaurin, Tina Thomas, MayPa Yang, Patrick Wilson 2nd Row (Left to Right) Larry Posey, Warren McLean, Felipe Galvan, Phillip Conley Jr, Joshua Watson, Terry Austin, Stephen Obayuwana, Ann Fix
As we inaugurate the calendar of 2024, Team NEON extends heartfelt New Year's greetings to all! The anticipation mounts as we prepare to break ground for our eagerly awaited commercial kitchen, marking the threshold of an exhilarating journey. Beyond being a mere construction milestone, this venture signifies the inception of a captivating establishment.
Our hearts swell with pride as we play a vital role in the revitalization flourishing across North Minneapolis. Firmly dedicated to bolstering your aspirations, we stand committed as steadfast supporters and enablers of your ideas.
Stay closely connected to our online community, where we unveil daily progress, celebrate milestones, and offer exclusive glimpses behind the scenes. Join us as we embark on this inspiring expedition together, shaping aspirations and nurturing a brighter tomorrow!
Interested in learning more about NEON's work? Stay up to date by following us on LinkedIn.?You can also watch videos of past events, including our popular Community Conversations with local luminaries on our?Events page. Check often?to stay up to date.
NEON Client Robin Crocket Receives2023 Access Business Accelerator Award from US Bank?
Robbin Crocket emerged as a beacon of inspiration for US Bank's leadership. Her business acumen shone as she engaged directly with C-Suite executives, sharing insights about her enterprise and gaining invaluable feedback. Crocket not only received a prestigious award but also gleaned wisdom to infuse into her daily business operations.
The scene was electric as entrepreneurs assembled, forging connections and expanding their networks. The energy in the room was palpable, witnessing these visionaries building bridges and exchanging ideas. Crocket's impactful interaction showcased the power of networking and left a lasting impression on all in attendance.
Welcoming Change and Introducing Two New Voices to the NEON Board
As the new year dawns, NEON stands poised for progress with an invigorated leadership team and fresh voices joining our esteemed board.
领英推荐
Meet Our New Officers:
Introducing New Board Voices:
NEON proudly introduces Gloria Freeman (Founder and Chief Executive Officer of?Olu’s Home, Inc.)?and Teto Wilson (Founder of?Wilson's Image Barbers & Stylists)?to our board, adding vibrant community perspectives that will enrich our discussions and decisions.
These appointments mark a robust start to the year, reflecting NEON's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and dynamic leadership.
Join us in extending a warm welcome to our new officers and board members as we embark on a journey of progress and community impact.
Community Conversations: NEON's Initiative to Open Doors for Youth in Tech
The evening epitomized connection and possibility, serving as a conduit to introduce exceptional young talent to the forefront of the Tech industry. It was an opportunity for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to resonate with the movers and shakers of the Tech world.
Before the main event commenced, participants seized the chance to actively engage these executives in an enlightening Q&A session. This unique interaction provided a platform for direct dialogue and learning from the seasoned leaders in the field.
But the experience didn't stop there. Following the enriching sessions, a networking reception unfolded, allowing the youth to connect with esteemed guests of significant influence. Conversations flowed, connections were forged, and doors to potential future collaborations swung wide open. Mark your calendars for February 22nd, as the next Community Conversation promises to be another unmissable affair. Stay tuned to our social platforms for timely updates on registration. Embrace this chance to engage, learn, and set foot on a path toward a vibrant future.
Thank You! For a Year Like No Other!
Join us for a remarkable journey down memory lane! As we bid farewell to an unforgettable year, we invite you to relive the highlights with our End of Year video. It's a chance to reflect on the moments that defined our journey.
As we rewind, we're also looking ahead and extending an invitation to collaborate in the coming year. While the work continues, let's take a moment to celebrate milestones achieved together. Come, be a part of this retrospective celebration and join us as we forge ahead into new adventures! Click here or the photo above to view the entire video.
Thinking about starting a business? NEON is here to help
Have you been thinking about starting a business? Make 2024 the year you take action! Our free Thinking About Business workshop is the first step in becoming an entrepreneur with NEON supporting you every step of the way.?
Thinking About Business Workshop
Saturday, February 16, 2024, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: NEON Headquarters?
Learn the basics of starting a business at our FREE Thinking About Business Workshop. You'll connect with an expert business advisor and learn how to create a business model.?
Cooking up a food business idea? Attend a free?workshop in 2024
Many successful NEON entrepreneurs operate food businesses. We coach them on how to start small and grow gradually and sustainably. If you have a food business concept, take the next step, and sign up for "Starting a Food Business 101."?
Starting a Food Business 101
Next workshop: Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 06:00 p.m. - 07:30 p.m.
Location: NEON Headquarters?
Have you been dreaming of launching your very own food truck? Maybe you've got an incredible secret sauce that you would like to sell. Learn what it takes to launch your own food business by joining NEON for our FREE Starting a Food Business 101 Workshop.