The Northside ecosystem is made up of many sole proprietors and micro-businesses (those with five or less employees) that are primarily Black, Indigenous, and People of Color owned and operated. These small businesses are vital to the economic growth and prosperity that North Minneapolis needs and deserves. Investing in the growth and sustainability of a local economy that centers and benefits Northside residents requires a holistic approach — one that includes business owners, entrepreneurs, employer/employee relationships, no-profits, government, the private sector, and residents. 

At NFG, we support wealth building opportunities for the North Minneapolis community to create a thriving ecosystem that endures and grows. 

Engagement with stakeholders has told us that access to capital and commercial space are top priorities and that local ownership is key to upward mobility and increased community capacity to be civically engaged. As a result, since 2021, NFG’s focus has been to invest in the built environment by directing flexible dollars to Black developers to ensure that development responds to community needs.

As a funder, we know that many projects require multiple years of support to achieve sustainability. This is true of nonprofit partners, as well as developers and businesses who are choosing to plant roots in areas that require revitalization. As a responsible and nimble funder, in 2024 NFG made five grants of $40,000 each to FY22-FY24 grantees to address challenges with the sustainability of their projects.