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Bloomington Briefing

Published monthly, the award-winning Bloomington Briefing is mailed to all single-family households and businesses.

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Community Development Department

952-563-8920
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City secures architect for Small Business Development Center

Authored on
Bloomington Briefing Published January 4, 2023
Changed
Updated on January 4, 2023
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In early November, the City secured 4RM+ULA to redesign the former Bloomington fire station at 2050 East 86th Street into a small business development center. The center is expected to open by the end of 2024.

The pandemic and the distribution of CARES ACT funding revealed a gap in the City’s relationships with small businesses, especially those owned by BIPOC, women and youth, as well as artistic industries. At that time, the Council saw the opportunity to increase support for Bloomington’s small business community and launched into action.

Community engagement efforts have been driven by the Small Business Development Center Advisory Committee as well as feedback received from the Racial Equity Strategic Planning Committee and an ongoing survey of
local businesses.

For updates about the center or to provide input through a business survey, visit blm.mn/small-business.

Funding to date for Small Business Center

The center is supported primarily by grants.

  • $500,000 American Rescue Plan Act.
  • $400,000 Community Investment Initiative.
  • $300,000 Creative Placemaking Commission.
  • $250,000 McKnight Foundation.
  • $50,000 Business District Initiative.