March's Insider Tips and Trends: Your Essential Business Updates
Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
Building wealth for low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs in North Minneapolis and surrounding communities.
Welcome to the latest edition of the NEON newsletter! In this issue, we dive deep into recent events, including inspiring collaborations and impactful initiatives that are shaping our community. We also share exciting opportunities on the horizon, from upcoming events to new programs aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth. Stay connected with us to stay informed and involved in the vibrant work happening at NEON!
Read further for the latest
During Black History Month, Community Reinvestment Fund celebrates inspirational Black leaders in the community. They highlighted Warren McLean, the president of NEON (Northside Economic Opportunity Network), a North Minneapolis organization focused on building wealth for low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs in North Minneapolis and surrounding areas.
With over 30 years of experience, Warren has made an immeasurable impact on the Twin Cities' small business landscape. He has held leadership roles at various local business support organizations, including CRF, and served as president and CEO of MEDA (Metropolitan Economic Development Association) for 10 years. Warren has been honored with several awards, including the Minnesota Minority Business Advocate of the Year by the SBA.
CRF expressed gratitude to Warren for his commitment to community finance and highlighted their collaborative partnership with NEON through programs like the Minnesota Inclusive Growth Fund.
Congratulations on the acknowledgment, Warren.
Thank You to our February?Donors
Community Conversations 5.1:?Inflation, Interest Rates, and Equity in the Post-COVID Economy
In our latest Community Conversations 5.0 series, we delved into the pressing issues of inflation, equity, and the post-COVID-19 economy. This event was a treasure trove of insights, offering our audience plenty to ponder and reflect on.
We had the privilege of hearing diverse perspectives from key players in the economic landscape, including representatives from banks and government officials. Their viewpoints shed light on the complexities of these topics and provided valuable context for our attendees.
The networking reception that followed was nothing short of phenomenal. Panelists generously shared their time, engaging in meaningful conversations with audience members. This not only enriched the experience for all involved but also led to the formation of new alliances among like-minded individuals.
As we look ahead, mark your calendars for our next Community Conversations event on May 1st. Stay connected with us to ensure you don't miss out on the insightful discussions and networking opportunities that await.
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 Board Members Honored in MSPBJ's '50 Black Leaders You Should Know' in Minneapolis/St. Paul Area
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from NEON! Two remarkable individuals from our board, Teto Wilson and Anissa Keyes, MA, LMFT, LICSW, RYT, have been recognized by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal as two of the ‘50 Black Leaders You Should Know’ in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Their dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to our community are truly inspiring, and we are privileged to have them as part of our team. Please join us in congratulating Teto Wilson and Anissa Keyes for this well-deserved acknowledgment of their outstanding contributions.
MN Cup Application Portal Opens on March 11th
Exciting news for entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts! The MN Cup, one of the largest statewide startup competitions in the country, will open its 2024 application portal from March 11th to April 12th. This annual competition supports up to 90 early-stage companies from any industry, offering a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas.
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What sets MN Cup apart is its commitment to providing all participants with free access to programming, mentorship, and support services. This means that whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned startup veteran, you can take full advantage of this opportunity to propel your business forward.
Don't miss out on this chance to gain valuable insights, connections, and resources to accelerate your startup journey. Mark your calendars and get ready to submit your application to the MN Cup starting March 11th!
Wenrich PD Construction Unveils New Headquarters in North Minneapolis
In a triumphant celebration marking the grand opening and renovation of Wenrich PD Construction LLC's new headquarters, Wendy Sullivan, the visionary owner, played host to an illustrious gathering at a recent press conference. Among the esteemed guests was the Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, alongside leaders from diverse industries who came together to witness the culmination of Wenrich's impressive project.Notably, Wenrich has forged impactful partnerships in the community, with NEON being a key collaborator on projects within the Northside community. NEON's loan officer, Larry Posey, has played a pivotal role in nurturing the strong alliance between NEON and Wenrich. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to community development and sustainable growth.?The grand opening serves as a symbol of Wenrich's dedication to excellence, community engagement, and the promise of even greater achievements on the horizon.
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, March 16th, 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:
Tuesday, April 9th, 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.
Thrilled to see initiatives boosting entrepreneurs & economic growth ??! Remember, as Aristotle said—success is a habit, not an act. Keep nurturing our communities! ?? #GrowthMindset #EconomicDevelopment
Founder & CEO, Group 8 Security Solutions Inc. DBA Machine Learning Intelligence
8 个月Marvelous, thank you for sharing!