Neighborhood Development Center

05/14/2026

This year, communities across Minnesota were rocked by the steep increase of federal immigration enforcement. We saw firsthand just how devastating this impact can be and the ways it strained small businesses in the region.

Our partners at Northwest Area Foundation detailed this story in a new piece. Click the link below to read more and hear from our teams about the ripple effects these changes had in our communities.

For farmers across rural America, worry can sprout overnight.

05/13/2026

You do not need to have everything figured out to get started. You just need the right support, guidance, and mindset. Plan It! walks you through developing a business plan and what it takes to build a strong foundation. Your idea deserves that chance.

Apply for Plan It! today! https://ndc-mn.org/planit

05/12/2026

Are you a small business looking for new opportunities for what's next?

The Metropolitan Airports Commission offers resources, certifications, and set‑aside opportunities to support diverse businesses and help them thrive in airport-related work.

Explore how to get started today:

Opportunities for All The Metropolitan Airports Commission's (MAC) long-standing commitment to providing equal opportunity to small businesses is reflected in o...

05/11/2026

Do you know the difference between a trademark, a copyright, and a patent?
If you hesitated — this one's for you.
On May 13th at 12PM, join a free virtual workshop designed specifically for small business owners who want to safeguard what they've worked hard to build. Kurt Niederluecke and Logan Hamilton will walk you through the essentials of Intellectual Property law — no law degree required.

🖥️ Virtual | 🗓️ May 13th | 🕛 Noon | 💸 Free

📋 Register now: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jn1WE3zISzuep3jZelH1hQ

05/10/2026

Let's keep celebrating National Small Business Month!

When De'Vonna Pittman founded Nature's Syrup Beauty, she was on a mission to create plant-based hair and skin care solutions for people who, like her, struggled to find products that worked for their natural hair. What started in her kitchen has grown into a nationally recognized brand now carried at Macy's, Walmart Marketplaces, and Hy-Vee locations in Robbinsdale and Brooklyn Park.

De'Vonna has been part of the NDC family since 2021. She completed our Plan It! Entrepreneur Training program, received a GroundBreak Coalition loan, and continues working with our Business Lab team. She also runs the Curls & Culture Lounge — a luxury beauty space and community hub — and leads youth workshops through her Black Apothecaryism initiative.

In 2024, the U.S. Small Business Administration named her Minnesota's Women in Business Champion of the Year, and she was recently named a Top 10 Women in Business by NAWBO.

Congratulations, De'Vonna — we’re so proud to support your work and can’t wait to see what’s next!

05/07/2026

The Minnesota State Legislature is considering a $100 million small business grant relief initiative to help businesses impacted by recent federal enforcement activity in Minnesota — and your presence at the Capitol could make a difference.

Join us and our partners at MCCD and the MN CDFI Coalition on May 11th for Small Business Day at the Minnesota State Capitol.

🗓 May 11th
📣 12:30–1:00 PM – Press Conference
🏛 1:00–4:00 PM – Meeting with lawmakers on the floor

The more small business owners and community members who show up, the stronger the message to lawmakers. Register below and share with anyone who should be there.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-business-day-at-the-minnesota-capitol-tickets-1988631055018?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/06/2026

Along with partners at the Greater Minnesota Partnership, Unidos MN, WomenVenture and Coalition of Asian American Leaders - CAAL, MCCD co-authored a commentary in the Star Tribune today, urging the legislature to act and pass urgently needed small-business relief before the end of session. Read the full post at https://bit.ly/4tiKuQk

05/06/2026

This , we want to celebrate the members of our team. We’re thrilled to celebrate Perla Mayo’s 20-year work anniversary at Neighborhood Development Center! 🎉

As our Senior Director of Lending, Perla has spent two decades helping small business owners across the Twin Cities access the capital they need to grow. From shaping our lending practices to closing millions of dollars in loans, her impact on our organization — and our community — is immeasurable.

Perla is a steady leader, a trusted advocate, and an inspiration to all of us at NDC. Congratulations, Perla, and thank you for 20 incredible years!

05/06/2026

The numbers are stark: the federal immigration enforcement surge cost Twin Cities small businesses at least $600 million in lost revenue, and the ripple effects reached every corner of Minnesota.

Leaders from our partners at the Greater Minnesota Partnership, Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers, Unidos MN, WomenVenture, and the Coalition of Asian American Leaders made the case in the Star Tribune this week.

Read the full op-ed here:

ICE actions have resulted in at least $600 million in lost revenue in Minneapolis-St. Paul alone and an estimated $240 million in wages, business leaders write.

05/04/2026

🚨 Built something great? Don't let someone else profit from it.

Your brand, your ideas, your creations — they're worth protecting. This May 13th at noon, attorneys Kurt Niederluecke and Logan Hamilton are breaking down everything small business owners need to know about Intellectual Property in a free, virtual workshop.

✅ What IP is (and isn't)
✅ How to protect your business
✅ How to stay out of legal hot water

👉 Grab your free spot: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jn1WE3zISzuep3jZelH1hQ

05/02/2026

💡 PSA for small business owners: your ideas have value — and they deserve protection.

Join us Tuesday, May 13th at noon for a FREE virtual workshop on Intellectual Property (IP)! Learn what IP actually means, how it applies to YOUR business, and how to avoid costly infringement mistakes.

🎤 Presented by Kurt Niederluecke & Logan Hamilton
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jn1WE3zISzuep3jZelH1hQ