Northside Economic Opportunity Network
The Thinking about Business Workshop guides clients through developing a business model using a Lean Canvas. Clients learn to identify the problem their business solves, who has the problem, existing alternatives, how to reach their target market, their cost structure, etc. The program began in 2014.
Food 101 provides an overview of what it takes to develop a food business. The workshop covers various licensing options for cottage food, catering, pop ups, food trucks, and restaurants.
Business Incubation program provides one-on-one technical assistance to aspiring and current business owners. Business advisors help clients assess the feasibility of their business idea. Next, advisors guide clients through the pre-venture phase, including helping with business planning, licensing, marketing, financing, and other business advising as needed. Once the business is operational, clients receive ongoing technical support in various business areas. This program began in 2006.
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Mission
Our mission is to expand economic development opportunities and build wealth for entrepreneurs in north Minneapolis and surrounding communities.
Storytelling
We had a client that came through our entrepreneurial training after serving time in prison. We assisted him in purchasing a printing franchise. In five years, he grew the business to $2 million a year in sales. He employs eight people who make union wages with healthcare and full benefits. He hires people who need a second chance, minorities, and people from the local community.
A woman came to NEON who had been doing catering as a side business without a license. NEON helped her get the necessary certifications and licenses to do business and helped her secure a commercial location. In three years, she has grown her business into a full-time endeavor that had $240,000 in sales last year. The business supports four employees from the local community that are paid a livable wage of $15 an hour.
Type of Organization
- Community Economic Development Organization
- Minority Business Development Agency
Locations Served
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Key Programs and Initiatives
- Business Incubation
- Food 101
- Thinking about Business Workshop
Types of Offerings
- Financing
- Capital
- Entrepreneurial Training
- Workshops
- 1 to 1 business advising
- Business incubation
- Certification assistance
- Supplier/Procurement Support
Program Delivery
- In Person
- Virtual
Members of the Black Community Served
- Immigrants
- Returning Citizens/Formerly incarcerated
- Women
- Youth
- Veterans
- 65+/Senior Citizens
Locations of Members of the Black Community Served
- Low-income areas
- Low to moderate income areas
- Suburban areas
- Urban areas
Targeted Entrepreneur Segments
- Business Services
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale & Retail Trade
- Accommodation & Food Services
- Transportation & Logistics
- Media & Publishing
- Health Care & Social Services
- Technology & Software Development
Business Stage
- Start Up : a young business that is just beginning to develop and determine a market fit.
- Stay Up : a business that has determined its market fit, but its product/service has not been validated nor has it achieved sustainability.
- Scale Up : a business that already validated its product in a market and has proven sustainable.
Cost of Programs
- Free