City of Bloomington supports small businesses
At the April 15, 2024, City Council meeting, Mayor Tim Busse proclaimed April 28 - May 4, 2024, Small Business Week in the City of Bloomington. In the proclamation, Mayor Busse called upon our community to visit blm.mn/business to learn more about small business support and local resources and urged Bloomington residents to visit the City’s small business merchants during Small Business Week and throughout the year. The City has recognized small business week for three years.
More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, creating about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. In Minnesota, 84% of metro area businesses employ less than 20 people.
This year the City partnered with Hennepin County to launch the new pilot program of CEO Start, which prepares aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with insights, relationships, and tools to turn their ideas into viable businesses. A cohort of 12 participants completed the program this month, walking away with a solid foundation of business fundamentals, access to resources, a community of support, an understanding of their next steps, and the confidence to move forward with their idea.
Earlier this month, the CEO Start participants pitched their business ideas to friends, family and community members. Mayor Tim Busse stated, “Every participant spoke from the heart, and is creating a business that is near and dear to their heart. That fills my cup!”
The City also supports small businesses and economic growth through Welcoming Wednesdays, a new site and façade improvement program, Bloomington Business Connections and a five-year economic development action plan that kicks off in May.