On Tue, 16 Sep 2003 11:57:20 -0500 Peter Wiley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: I am a member of Cleveland Neighborhood's Economic Development Committee. We are in the process of brainstorming ways to use our allocated NRP money to develop economic opportunities in our neighborhood in North Mpls. We expect that we will be offering small, matching grants to neighborhood businesses who wish to improve their signage or the facade of their store fronts. With the remaining NRP money, we have considered offering some sort of microloan program for start-up costs to business entrepreneurs who want to open in our neighborhood, but we are unsure whether our NRP funds would offer a significant enough incentive to attract stable businesses.
My fellow committee members and I are very interested in hearing what other neighborhood organizations in Minneapolis have done with their NRP money to encourage economic development in their neighborhoods (especially in North Minneapolis neighborhoods). We are estimating that we'd have approximately $75,000 to use on the econ. development project. Any suggestions and ideas will be appreciated. Peter Wiley Peter: Although I try to attend meetings and volunteer occasionally for some projects, I am not speaking for any neighborhood committee. I understand the desire to entice new businesses to the neighborhood. However, giving special incentives to new businesses some times adversely impacts existing businesses. Do you adopt a policy of not helping a new business that might be a competitor to an existing business? With limited resources, grants or micro loans to existing and new businesses could have the same criteria. That gets you out of the middle of normal business competitiveness. You don't play favorites. You are doing something for the neighborhood that is consistent and transparent. Thanks. John O'Neal Shenanigans Watch Northeast Minneapolis (Holland) [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
