Bloomington supports small businesses

The City of Bloomington is committed to supporting businesses at every stage. Whether you are thinking about applying to Hatch, launching a startup, growing an established company, or just exploring new opportunities, we offer resources to help.

You don’t have to enter the Hatch Bloomington competition to take advantage of this assistance – Bloomington offers this support to local entrepreneurs and business year-round.

Direct financial assistance (offered through City programming)

• Hatch Bloomington – A pitch competition, winner receives $100,000 towards a brick-and-mortar location.

• SAC Met Council Small Business Citywide Credit Program – Allows for up to five (5) SAC unit credits for qualified businesses (each unit is worth $2,485 in 2025).

• SAC Met Council Small Business Deferral Program – Allows small businesses to defer SAC payments for five years at a low interest rate (2.12% in 2025).

• Site & Façade Improvement Program – Grant program with 1:1 match, $5,000-$24,999 (project must be minimum $10,000 up to $50,000+).

• Business Retention Program – Forgivable one-year loan allowing up to $15,000 for moving expenses of a tenant/small business if dislocated due to private redevelopment.

• NEW SAC City Fees – Credit program expected in 2026.

• NEW Micro-Loan or Micro-Grant Program – Expected in 2026.

Advisory services, technical assistance, and networking

• Elevate Hennepin – No cost technical assistance to small businesses through Hennepin County’s platform.

• Bloomington Business Connections – No cost business networking events in partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber.

• CEO Start – No cost 10-week cohort program for budding entrepreneurs and small business owners in partnership with Hennepin County.

• CEO Now – No cost 7-month cohort program for newer business owners in partnership with Hennepin County.

• CEO Next – No cost 8-month cohort program for established business owners in partnership with Hennepin County.

• CEO Start Bootcamp – No cost 2-day bootcamp, condensed version of the full CEO Start Program.

• HR Next – No cost 8-month cohort program for established businesses facing workforce challenges.

• Certified Access Academy – No cost 6-week program that are interested in attaining CERT and/or Minnesota Office of State Procurement certifications.

• NEW Bloom & Grow small business pilot series – Expected 2026, provide a space where entrepreneurs and small business owners can learn, network, and receive business support at varying locations throughout our community (replaces Welcoming Wednesdays which was a free drop-in for technical business assistance at Civic Plaza, discontinued August 2025)

City services and outreach

• City navigation – Staff point person serves as direct liaison to the business community to guide them through the permitting process, answer questions, and connect them with resources.

• Business Engagement Visits – Monthly direct visits to businesses conducted by staff, accompanied by technical advisors.

• City process improvements – Formalized process for staff to identify regulations that limit small business growth and assess opportunities for improvement.

• Business welcomes – Visit new businesses if desired and provide resources and connections. Alert Communications and participate in groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings as requested.

• Business Resources E-Subscribe Newsletter – Summarize and send focused communications through a periodic e-newsletter with over 2,500 subscribers.

• Bloom in Bloomington – A youth internship program, matching 16-24 year olds with local businesses and local government.

• Bloomington Economic Partnership – A public-private partnership between the City, large employers, community organizations, regional economic development partners, government, and academic institutions.

• Bloomington Means Business – Video series to highlight locally owned businesses.

If you have a business in Bloomington, contact Barb Wolff, Assistant Port Authority Administrator and the City’s business liaison. Barb can connect you with advisory services, technical assistance, networking opportunities and potential financial support through City programs

Barb Wolff
bwolff@bloomingtonmn.gov
952-563-4706
blm.mn/business