The City hosted a series of community engagement events over the summer to open conversations with the small business community and to help future entrepreneurs dream up their business. 

“Through these engagements, we heard a feeling in the small business community that the City focuses on policies and regulations over relationship building and business assistance,” said Assistant Port Authority Administrator Barb Wolff who serves as a liaison between businesses, business resources and City departments. “While policies and regulations are necessary, we hope this new initiative helps change that perception. The business assistance team proactively supports small businesses and entrepreneurs and serves as a connection point to find who they need to talk to as they imagine or discover their next steps.”

To learn more about small business assistance resources and upcoming events, visit blm.mn/business.

Connect with the Small Business Assistance team 

Events are held at Civic Plaza, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, unless otherwise noted.

Welcoming Wednesdays

Learn about startup and small business resources available in Bloomington at Welcoming Wednesdays, the second Wednesday of the month, 12 – 2 p.m. The host for 2023, Jeff Aguy, pictured above, is founder and CEO of 2043 SBC. 

Small business engagement visits

Want staff and a business advisor to visit your business to connect and bring resources? Contact the Port Authority at business@BloomingtonMN.gov or 952-563-4706 to arrange a visit on the fourth Wednesday of the month. 

CEO Start Cohort Program

Learn more about this new 10-week cohort/peer-based program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs and new small business owners with the insights, relationships and tools to turn business ideas into action. Find details at blm.mn/CEO.