January Business Buzz
Paid Sick Leave Public Meetings
The paid sick leave workgroup has officially set dates for their public meetings to get feedback as they work to develop a policy recommendation. This group is composed of 15 members, just more than half of whom are business owners or representatives of business associations.
Remaining meetings include:
January 17th – for Hospitality and Service Industry
7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Aster Café, River Room, 125 SE Main Street.
January 28th – for Public Health and Health Care
2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Allina Commons, Pettingill Hall (lower level,) 2925 Chicago Ave S.
For more info see: http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-group-studying-sick-leave-sets-public-meetings/364132291/
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your City Council member.
Cedar/Franklin/Minnehaha Intersection Reconfiguration – Public Meetings
Hennepin County is preparing for the repaving of Franklin Avenue (County Road 5) between South 16th and South 21st avenues in 2016. This includes the high volume intersection of Franklin and Cedar, which is immediately adjacent to the intersection of Franklin and Minnehaha avenues.
The paving project could also provide improvement opportunities for vehicular traffic, bicyclists and pedestrians. Information regarding the most recent concept and details regarding the scope and timing is available at:
http://www.hennepin.us/residents/transportation/franklin-and-cedar
The County is still finalizing these improvements, and holding informational meetings to discuss the proposal:
Tuesday, January 26th
General Public Open House Meeting
3-4 pm – Discussion of future use for vacated Minnehaha Avenue
4-5 pm – General Open House meeting to discuss concept improvements
SPOKES Offices (1915 E. 22nd Street – near 22nd Street / Minnehaha Ave.)
Tuesday, February 9th
Seward Neighborhood Community Development Committee
7:00 pm – Final consent to move ahead to design tasks
Matthews Community Center
Boneshaker Books celebrate 5th Anniversary 1/15
Friday (today) marks exactly 5 years since Boneshaker Books first opened in Seward. Asa Debolt says, “We opened in a challenging environment. The fact that we are thriving 5 years later is a testament to the value our community places on good literature, progressive ideas and the independent book stores that make space for them. Thank you!” Come celebrate with Boneshaker tonight! Starting at 8pm, there will be snacks, drinks and a 20% discount on books. You can see more information at: www.boneshakerbooks.com/anniversaryparty
Boneshaker Books is a radical & progressive bookstore located in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. Boneshaker, staffed solely by volunteers, first opened in January of 2011. They specialize in progressive/radical literature, children’s books, and a curated fiction section.
Better Futures Minnesota Grand Opening Open House – Feb 4th
Thursday, February 4
4:00 – 6:30 pm
2620 Minnehaha Ave S
The event will include tours of the new facility, examples of innovative materials reuse, refreshments, and an opportunity to learn more about the nonprofit’s profound impact on individuals and the community.
Better Futures Minnesota, the pioneering nonprofit organization that helps guide men who have faced a variety of personal challenge to a positive, productive path through its transformative program, is on the move. The organization’s headquarters and popular reuse materials warehouse have been located at two different sites along Olson Memorial Highway. The relocation to 2620 Minnehaha Avenue South in Minneapolis consolidates its administrative services, training, and retail center to one primary location, allowing the organization to expand its programs, services, and clientele.
For more information about Better Futures Minnesota, and event details visit BetterFuturesEnterprises.com.
Entrepreneurship Class Offered by Corcoran Neighborhood & NDC
Are you interested in pursuing additional training to help expand or start a small business? The Corcoran Neighborhood Organization has partnered with the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) to provide the “Plan IT” entrepreneurship training program for area small businesses and residents. “Plan It” is a good fit for small businesses who hope to expand/stabilize as well as individuals who may want to start a business.
This 12-week course, taught by an experienced instructor, covers the fundamentals of managing and growing a small business. In addition to leaving with a sound businesses plan, course graduates will receive 10 hours of free one-on-one consulting and access to a host of services through NDC. These benefits include access to low-cost accounting, marketing and real estate services as well as eligibility to apply for small business financing programs.
Visit http://www.corcoranneighborhood.org/planit for more information. We’ve extended the application to next Friday (1/15).
When: One evening per week (day TBD) late January through March.
Where: CNO’s office (3154 Cedar Ave. S)
Cost: Businesses typically pay $100 to $600. (Most pay $100) Scholarships are available.
How to apply: Complete and return this application by January 15th. (Applications can be returned via mail or e-mail to: Heidi Johnson McAllister 3451 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407 | heidi@corcoranneighborhood.org)
Café Racer offer Sunday night events and Date Nights
In December Café Racer began offering Sunday Fundays 6- 9 pm.
The calendar for the month of January is:
-Sun Jan 17th: Hot in the Kitchen Cooking Class: Brunch Basics. $30/person covers a cooking class.
-Sun Jan 24th: Karaoke. Join in for a night out of the house and out of the cold!
-Sun Jan 31st: Forum Night. Come and hear from local people from the Twin Cities about a wide range of topics. Want to share about a project or hobby you’re interested in? Let the Café know.
Each Sunday Funday features drink and tapas specials. The Café would love to hear from you if there is a theme night you would like to see. Local artisan and craft shows, game nights, movie nights — send your ideas! They want Seward to have lots of options for winter, no matter what the weather.
The Café also started Date Night at Cafe Racer Kitchen on Tuesday-Thursday nights from 5pm-8pm. $40 per couple gives one alcoholic beverage per person, two appetizers, two entrees, and one shared dessert. Plus, bottles of wine will be available for sale during these times. Watch for Valentine’s Day specials, too!
Café Racer is located at 2929 E 25th St at the corner of 30th Ave and 25 St E. They offer healthy, modern, Latin-inspired cuisine for brunch through dinner. http://www.caferacermn.com
