Technical assistance.

WBBA is a technical assistance provider under the City of Minneapolis Business Technical Assistance Program which provides eligible Minneapolis businesses with FREE support. We also provide technical assistance through generous funding from the McKnight Foundation. Our staff helps with legal issues, bookkeeping, regulatory questions, marketing, website design, boosting social media presence, and accessing grants and zero to low-interest loans.

Public policy.

We serve as a voice for area businesses on current policy work at city and state levels, such as safety, the minimum wage, plastic bag, “safe & sick” time ordinances, covid-related regulations and assistance. Have an issue that concerns you? Let us know!

Safety programming.

Along with the Cedar-Riverside Community Council we run a monthly community safety meeting on the first Tuesday of every month. These serve as a forum for community members to express their concerns about safety and to learn about safety programming in the neighborhood.

Click here to join our safety email list. WBBA also participates in neighborhood partnerships to advocate for and direct effective safety programming.

Land use and development.

We advocate for community-centered land use and development on the West Bank. With the support of Minneapolis Foundation and the City of Minneapolis, we‘re currently convening the Dania Hall Task Force to create a plan for community-led development of the Dania Hall site at 427 Cedar. We also represent our business corridor in conversations about Lot A and other developments. Interested in the Dania Hall Taskforce? Email KJ.

Events.

We support and sponsor events which bring visitors to our community to explore all there is to offer. Our largest event of the year is Imagine Cedarfest, a blockparty filled with art, music and activities and hosted by our local businesses. In 2024, this event will be held on Sunday, September 8th. We need 75% of businesses and residents to support this event in order to close the street. Please give your consent here.

Storefront improvements.

If you’re making a storefront improvement on a commercial space facing one of our West Bank streets, you may be eligible for matching money from the City of Minneapolis. We administer the city’s Facade Improvement Program, helping connect businesses to contractors and helping them through the application process. We produce and deliver all of the necessary information, instruction, and required forms.

Safety and Youth Outreach Program

Our Safety and Youth Outreach Program seeks to recruit and engage young adults in the neighborhood in need of support due to challenges such as opiate addiction, criminal record, and homelessness. Through our summer and fall arts programming in partnership with StreetWorks and YCB we provide paid internships to youth who either reside or have a strong connection to the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood and display a commitment to improving the physical environment of the Westbank and enhancing/promoting the overall health, safety, and well-being of the community.

Learn more about our Safety and Youth Outreach Program here.

For more information, check out our brochure.

Clean ups and graffiti removal.

We work with partners to host regular cleanup and graffiti prevention campaigns, stocking businesses with graffiti cleaning supplies and installing pop-up art installations and murals to prevent future graffiti through environmental design.

We can also help you join the City of Minneapolis’ Adopt a Litter Container or Adopt a Recycling Container to help keep our streets clean!

District marketing.

We market the district and our area’s businesses through a variety of platforms including web, social media, radio, and print. Our goal is to share local narratives and highlight independent businesses to multiple audiences—including residents, students, and guests to the area.

Transit and wayfinding.

WBBA is your voice at the table for plans affecting how people get to and travel through the West Bank. We represent the neighborhood regarding the Reconnecting 94 project, bike lanes, traffic calming, and promotions on transit. We market our businesses through our neighborhood directory and interactive map. Beginning in 2022, we will revive the annual West Bank Ride to highlight 'hidden paths' in the neighborhood and promote local businesses.

Construction and equipment purchases.

WBBA does not provide direct financing for projects but we will assist you in applying for loans and accessing various zero or low interest loans and grants. We can help you navigate City of Minneapolis loan and grant programs for small businesses.

The West Bank is also located in the Southside Green Zone. WBBA can help you take advantage of favorable green zone related grants and loans. We also work with the Energy Smart program to access Minneapolis green cost share funding and Minnesota Chamber of

Commerce funding for business improvements that increase energy efficiency. We may also able to assist you navigate the permitting process for construction and in finding contractors for your project. If you are thinking about a construction project or making equipment upgrades, contact us first!

Connecting resources.

Through our programs and projects, we unite area stakeholders to work together on neighborhood projects and priorities. Get on the list.