Bloomington announces entrepreneurship program, seeks business feedback
The Bloomington City Council held an informational meeting on January 15 to announce several community initiatives, including a 10-week business training program and a survey seeking feedback from local business owners about city permitting and approval processes.
The city announced the CEO Start program, a nationally recognized 10-week training designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop and test business ideas. Sponsored by Hennepin County's Elevate Hennepin initiative, the program has already produced 41 graduates in 2024. Applications are open through February 4, with classes beginning in the spring. The program aims to help participants build viable businesses from the ground up.
In a separate initiative, Bloomington launched a survey inviting local business owners to share their experiences with city codes, ordinances, and review processes. The survey specifically focuses on permitting, approval, and inspection procedures. City leaders plan to use the feedback to assess business owner satisfaction and potentially inform future policy or ordinance updates.
The council also invited the community to participate in a virtual National Day of Racial Healing event scheduled for Tuesday, January 21. The event emphasizes reflection, connection, and action, providing an opportunity for what organizers call "courageous conversations" to build a more inclusive and just society.
Additionally, the city highlighted a recent achievement: the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan area ranked fifth in the 2024 Arts Vibrancy Index for most arts vibrant communities in the United States. The recognition underscores the region's commitment to fostering a dynamic arts and cultural environment.
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Votes (4)
CEO Start Program Announcement
The City of Bloomington announced the CEO Start program, a 10-week nationally renowned training for aspiring entrepreneurs. The program aims to help participants test ideas and build viable businesses, having seen 41 graduates in 2024. Applications are open through February 4th, with classes beginning in the spring, and it's sponsored by Hennepin County's Elevate Hennepin initiative.
Business Feedback Survey Launch
The City of Bloomington launched a survey inviting local businesses to share their experiences regarding city codes, ordinances, and review processes, specifically focusing on permitting, approval, and inspection. The feedback gathered will inform city leaders on business owner satisfaction and potential future policy or ordinance updates.
National Day of Racial Healing Event
An invitation was extended to the community to participate in a virtual National Day of Racial Healing event scheduled for Tuesday, January 21st. The event emphasizes reflection, connection, and action, providing an opportunity for courageous conversations to build a more inclusive and just society.
Arts Vibrancy Ranking Recognition
The city announced that the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan area achieved the fifth spot in the 2024 Arts Vibrancy Index for most Arts Vibrant Communities in the U.S. This ranking underscores Bloomington's ongoing commitment to fostering a dynamic arts and cultural environment.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
City regulations being reviewed as part of the business feedback survey
City laws being reviewed and potentially updated based on business feedback
General administrative procedures for businesses being surveyed
Specific business processes being assessed for satisfaction levels
Potential future actions informed by the business feedback survey
A national report ranking communities based on their arts and cultural vibrancy
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Other Topics from This Document
Business Needs and Permitting Survey
National Day of Racial Healing
Arts Vibrancy Index Ranking
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