Business Resource
VHEDC WANTS TO HIGHLIGHT A GREAT RESOURCE FOR BUSINESSES
Community development is one of the key initiatives VHEDC supports. Whether you want to start a business, grow a business or market a new product, Open to Business is a valuable resource to know about.
The free program funded through Ramsey County is provided by the Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers( MCCD), an organization whose goal is to build wealth and opportunity from the ground up throughout the Twin Cities Metro.“ New businesses interested in coming into Vadnais Heights will often come to us asking if we have any grant money for a new business, or if we have anyone who can help with a start-up. I always refer them to Open to Business,” said Liz Moscatelli, VHEDC’ s Executive Director.
“ MCCD is a statewide consortium of nonprofits committed to expanding access to wealth and resources for neighborhoods through
Luis Mendoza affordable housing and community development. Open to Business falls under our community development umbrella. The program provides free technical assistance to businesses in Ramsey County at any stage, from ideation to current business owner looking for some help,” said Luis Mendoza, Business Advisor, Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers.
Open to Business offers a number of free services, including business planning and assessment through 1-on- 1 business advising or coaching.“ When
I get a client, I do an assessment. If they have a business idea and need more help with the business plan, I can provide it,” said Mendoza.
In addition to business consulting through Open to Business, MCCD also offers access to loan services at a lower cost than what is available through a bank, as well as financial management and assistance with gaining access to resources and referrals.
“ For startups we can provide up to $ 50,000. For already established businesses looking to expand we can provide up to $ 350,000. The funds are not for inventory or payroll. They are for things like the build-out, a food truck, or a gym,” said Mendoza, who added that the organization often partners with community banks to provide funding needed that is beyond what it can do alone.
In addition to helping businesses with consulting and financial support, MCCD also does a lot of lobbying. For
12 Northeast Metro Business