Business News & Updates
Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) creates a central fund where small to mid-sized Minnesota employers can request reimbursement for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities.
Shredding, Passport Photos and Printing Discounts at your local The UPS Store Uptown
Mention “Lake Street Council” at The UPS Store, 2801 Hennepin Ave to receive 25% off Large Format Printing. Also take advantage of $5.00 off Passport Photo and $1.00 per pound Shredding a savings of .59 per pound.
CenterPoint Energy Rebate Application Deadline Approaching
Time's ticking! Don't miss out on the chance to save with natural gas equipment rebates. The CenterPoint Energy rebate application deadline is December 31. If you installed new equipment in 2023, contact Energy Smart to be sure your rebate application has been submitted successfully!
Historic Settlement to Offer Compensation to Many Lake Street Businesses
Did your business accept Visa or Mastercard credit and/or debit cards between January 1, 2004 and January 25, 2019? If so, it may be able to claim compensation in the Payment Card Settlement—a record-breaking $5.5 billion settlement that resolved claims that Visa and Mastercard unlawfully inflated merchant fees.
Help Shape an Opportunity to Increase Access to the Midtown Greenway
Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board are considering a new proposal to improve access to the Midtown Greenway near the Lyn-Lake intersection with a new ADA-accessible ramp between Harriet and Garfield.
Complete a survey to share feedback on design options
PROMISE Act Grant & Loan Info Session at Midtown Global Market
The Promise Act grant and loan applications will be available early 2024 to support underserved
small businesses located in specific corridors and neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Longfellow Business Association Holiday Mixer
Please join the Longfellow Business Association for their annual Holiday Mixer on Wednesday, December 13th from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Bring your family and yourself to have a good time with the LBA board. They want to welcome all Longfellow businesses to the event to enjoy lovely appetizers and drinks.
Urgent Action: Ask the Minneapolis City Council to Support Community Safety and Recovery Needs
We need your voice. You can help by calling or emailing your Minneapolis City Council Member and Mayor Frey and asking them to invest in the future of Lake Street. We need essential funding for redevelopment and community safety to bring customers back to our neighborhoods.
Informational Session for the Minnesota Expanding Opportunity Fund Program
Don’t miss next week’s informational session for DEED’s Minnesota Opportunity Fund! Hear from program staff and get answers to your questions on Monday, Nov. 20 at 3:00 pm on Microsoft Teams.
Minnesota Inclusive Growth Fund - Increase
Minnesota Inclusive Growth Fund (MIGF) has increased the max loan amount to $350,000 in financing at just a 5% fixed interest rate to eligible small businesses. As of November 13, 2023, the prime interest rate is 8.5% and we are excited to offer this below-market rate financing opportunity to help our local small businesses grow and thrive!