Blaine BizConnect - January 2023

Blaine Biz Connect is a monthly e-newsletter to keep you up to date on development happenings in the City of Blaine. From commercial to industrial to residential, Blaine is one of the fastest growing cities in Minnesota and always has new and exciting projects on the horizon.

In this newsletter, you will learn about featured developments, groundbreakings, grand openings, new businesses coming to Blaine, and recent approvals by the City Council.

Recent City Council Approvals

Approved lawful (charitable) gambling activity at Fogerty Arena/Moe’s Ice House and for El Norte Mexican Bar & Grill.
Approved the construction of a 111-Unit apartment building at 111 99th Avenue NE. Blaine Apartments LLC.

U of MN Extension Offers Succession Planning Courses

Baby boomers are retiring, remote work is increasing, and childcare and housing shortages abound. It is a time of rapid and complex transformation for many communities across Minnesota.

To support and empower economic development during this period of transition and transformation, University of Minnesota's Extension Center for Community Vitality is pleased to offer online courses. One course they offer is designed to support business owners to prepare and plan for transition.

All business owners should have a succession and transition plan in place. It is critically important for those who may be nearing retirement, and for all business owners in general. Are there business people in your circle of friends who may need to plan their future transition? Please let them know about this class, which is conveniently offered in the spring and fall this year.

Is Your Business Ready for Success(ion) Course
April 6 - May 11
September 14-December 19

The course is intended for business owners and others affiliated with the business, including co-owners, managers, key employees, and family members. Please contact Michael Darger with any questions darger@umn.edu or 612-625-6246.

Want to get the word out about your business? Participate with Blaine Parks and Recreation

Has your business started scheduling community events to get the word out about your business? The Blaine Parks and Recreation Department holds several events throughout the year that offer opportunities for business participation. Whether your target customers are pet parents, families, or those with daring taste buds the Blaine Parks and Recreation Department has events for everyone!

To learn more about the events your business can participate in visit BlaineEvents.com. And to sign up for sponsorship or a presence at one of these events contact Joy Handt at jhandt@blainemn.gov or at 763-717-2724.

1 Million Cups Seeks Presenters

Are you an entrepreneur that has been looking for additional ways to connect with an active and engaged community of fellow entrepreneurs? 1 Million Cups (1MC) might be the organization you’ve been looking for!

1 Million Cups is seeking entrepreneurs who want to share their start up story. Companies that are less than five years old and open to community engagement can apply to present at a 1MC event. All industries welcome. The application takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed, and the community organizers will get back to you with any follow-up questions. You'll work together to schedule a presentation date.

Are you ready to:

Refine your presentation and elevator pitch.
Join a community to receive support, including coaching from 1MC organizers.
Continue to present your business -- in another city or after you have made significant changes.
Receive feedback from a diverse audience.
Potentially gain exposure to new markets and people.
Potentially receive local, regional, or national media coverage of your startup.

To learn more on becoming a presenter or nominating a presenter, visit https://www.1millioncups.com/s/present.

More Information

This newsletter is brought to you by the Blaine Community Development Department. Find more online at BlaineBiz.com.

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