HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 08-09 CCPCouncil Study Session
Council Chambers
A ugust 9, 2021 AGE NDA
1.City Council Discussion of Agenda Items and Questions - 6 p.m.
2.M iscellaneous
3.Discussion of Work S ession Agenda Item as T ime P ermits
4.Adjourn
C IT Y C O UNC IL
M E E T I NG
Council Chambers
A ugust 9, 2021
AGE NDA
1.Informal Open F orum with City Council - 6:45 p.m.
Provides an opportunity for the public to address the Counc il on items which are not on the
agenda. Open Forum will be limited to 15 minutes, it is not televised, and it may not be used to
make personal attac ks, to air personality grievanc es, to make politic al endorsements, or for
political c ampaign purposes. C ounc il Members will not enter into a dialogue with presenter.
Questions from the Council will be for clarific ation only. Open Forum will not be used as a time
for problem solving or reacting to the c omments made but, rather, for hearing the presenter for
informational purposes only.
I will first call on those who notified the Clerk that they would like to speak during open forum,
and then I will ask if anyone else connec ted to this meeting would like to speak. W hen I do,
please indic ate your name and then proc eed when I call on you. P lease be sure to state your
name and address before speaking.
2.Invocation - Graves - 7 p.m.
3.C all to Order Regular Business M eeting
This meeting is being c onduc ted electronically under Minnesota Statutes, section 13D .021 due
to the pandemic. For those who are connec ted to this meeting, please keep your mic rophone
muted. I f there is an opportunity for public comment, y ou may unmute and speak when called
upon. P lease do not talk over others and anyone being disruptive may to ejec ted from the
meeting. The packet for this meeting is on the C ity's website, whic h is linked on the c alendar or
can be found on "C ity Council" page.
4.Roll Call
5.P ledge of Allegiance
6.Approval of Agenda and C onsent Agenda
The following items are c onsidered to be routine by the C ity Council and will be enac ted by one
motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a C ounc ilmember so
requests, in whic h event the item will be removed from the c onsent agenda and c onsidered at
the end of C ounc il Consideration I tems.
a.A pproval of Minutes
- Approve minutes from:
Jul y 26 - Regular Sessi on
b.A pproval of L icenses
- Motion to approve the li censes as presented.
7.P resentations/P roclamations/Recognitions/D onations
a.B rooklyn C enter E ntrepreneurship Market S trategy F inal R eport
- Motion to accept the Brooklyn Center Entrepreneurshi p Market Strategy
Report
8.P ublic Hearings
The public hearing on this matter is now open. I will first call on those who notified the C lerk that
they would like to speak to this matter, then I will ask if any one else on this meeting would like to
speak during this hearing. W hen I do, please indic ate your name and then proceed when I call
on you. Please be sure to state your name and address before speaking.
9.P lanning C ommission Items
10.C ouncil Consideration Items
11.C ouncil Report
12.Adjournment
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:8 /9/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reggie Edw ards , A c#ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:Barb S uciu, City Clerk
S U B J E C T:A pprov al of M inutes
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
- A pprove minutes from:
J uly 26 - Re gular S ession
B ackground:
I n accordance w ith M N S tatute 15.17 and M N S tatute 412.1 51, subd.1, a6ached for your approval are the
minutes from the s tudy s es s ion, regular s es s ion and work ses s ion.
B udget I ssues:
None
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
------
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
-------
S trate gic Priories and Values:
Customer I n#macy , O pera#onal Excellence
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip#on Upload D ate Ty pe
7.26.2021 8/3/2021 Backup M aterial
07/26/21 -1-
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
JULY 26, 2021
VIA ZOOM
1. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER INFORMAL OPEN FORUM
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Informal Open Forum called to order by Mayor Mike
Elliott at 7:02 p.m. He announced the participation of Youth in Government comprised of youth
who elected a Youth Mayor and Youth Council members and will be playing those roles at
tonight’s meeting.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, and Dan
Ryan. Councilmember April Graves was excused. Also present were City Manager Reggie
Edwards, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, Planner, and Zoning Administrator
Ginny McIntosh, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
Mayor Mike Elliott opened the meeting for Informal Open Forum.
No one wished to address the City Council.
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to close the Informal
Open Forum at 7:06 p.m.
Motion passed 3-0 (Councilmember Butler did not vote).
2. INVOCATION
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated in honor of youth she would like to share a simple yet
profound quote that has inspired her since she was young. She stated it is only eleven words, yet
has made a significant impact on her motivation and personal drive throughout her entire life.
We know who we are but not what we may be.
William Shakespeare
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she saw this quote in a newspaper in 1978 and carried
it with her since then so it is now yellow with age. She hopes these simple eleven words will be
remembered and an inspiration to others because every day you wake up and know who you are
07/26/21 -2-
but not yet what you may be. She also hoped that with whomever you chose to honor with your
faith, you’ll be great in life.
3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott
at 7:09 p.m.
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, and Dan
Ryan. Councilmember April Graves was excused. Also present were City Manager Reggie
Edwards, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, Planner, Ginny McIntosh, City Clerk
Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
City Manager Reggie Edwards requested that Agenda Item 7d., Resolution Recognizing Fire Chief
and Emergency Manager Berg, be moved up on the agenda because the Fire Chief Berg has another
event to attend this evening.
Mayor Elliott reordered the agenda to consider Agenda Item 7d. before Agenda Item 7a.
Dr. Edwards advised that the presenter for Agenda Item 7e., Brooklyn Center Entrepreneurship
Market Strategy Final Report, is ill and unable to attend.
Mayor Elliott stated Agenda Item 7d. will be rescheduled.
Mayor Elliott stated he wants the City Council to be mindful and may forego some of the items on
the various agendas depending on how late the meeting goes.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson noted Dr. Edwards had previously mentioned an agenda item
that had been rescheduled several times already and was now timely to consider.
Mayor Elliott stated that relates to Work Session Agenda Item 1., BC Inno-Hub Concept Review
and Discussion. However, the City Council may have to come back to Work Session Agenda Item
3, Youth on Boards and Discussion.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent
Agenda, and the following consent items were approved:
6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
07/26/21 -3-
1. July 12, 2021 – Study Session
2. July 12, 2021 – Regular Session
3. July 12, 2021 – Work Session
6b. LICENSES
GARBAGE HAULER
Allied Waste Services of North America 8661 Rendova Street NE.
Circle Pines MN 55014
Walter Recycling & Refuse 2830 101st Avenue NE.
Blaine MN 55449
MECHANICAL LICENSES
Dean's Tank Inc. PO Box 22515
Robbinsdale MN 55422
Flare Heating & Air Conditioning 9303 Plymouth Avenue N.
Golden Valley MN 55427
Genz-Ryan Plumbing & Heating 2200 West Highway 13
Burnsville MN 55337
MN Plumbing & Home Services 12040 Riverwood Circle
Burnsville MN 55337
PB Services 9410 Bataan Street NE
Blaine MN 55449
Residential Heating & Air, Inc. 7454 Washington Avenue S.
Eden Prairie MN 55344
RENTAL
INITIAL (TYPE IV – six-month license)
3816 France Place Segun Olatayo
INITIAL (TYPE III – one-year license)
5012 65th Avenue N. Segun Olatayo
INITIAL (TYPE II – two-year license)
3312 62nd Avenue N. HPA US1 LLC/Pathlight Mgt.
5956 Beard Avenue N. HP Minnesota 1/Pathlight Mgt.
6325 Brooklyn Boulevard Obafemi Oladeji
RENEWAL (TYPE IV – six-month license)
5331 70th Circle Boukary Kabore
Missing CPTED follow up
6736 Colfax Avenue N. John Chao
RENEWAL (TYPE III – one-year license)
6511 Humboldt Avenue N. Norlin G. Boyum/The Pines North
Pines of Brooklyn Center
07/26/21 -4-
5301 Russell Avenue N. Midwest GIR Group/met req.
4908 Abbott Avenue N. Aaron Burmeister
5316 Colfax Avenue N. Home SFR Borrower
6325 Kyle Avenue N. Cuong Pham
5406 Sailor Lane James Waters
RENEWAL (TYPE II – two-year license)
5415 Emerson Avenue N. MSFFII W1 LLC – met req.
5550 France Avenue N. Belinda Gonzalez
5550 Girard Avenue N. Steve Pierkarski/Restart, Inc.
7024 Oliver Circle Juliana Koe
6307 Scott Avenue N. Kin Chew/Iasis LLC
RENEWAL (TYPE I – three-year license)
3715 69th Avenue N. Christian Knutson
5200 France Avenue N. Christian Knutson
1207 65th Avenue N. Tech Ung
SIGNHANGER
Twin Town Sign Company 6033 Gettysburg Avenue N.
New Hope MN 55428
6c. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-92 SETTING THE DATE OF THE SALE OF
$8,950,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT AND UTILITY
REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2021A TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION
OF GRANDVIEW PARK AREA SOUTH IMPROVEMENTS AND THE
STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS RELATED TO THE BROOKLYN
BOULEVARD CORRIDOR PHASE 2 PROJECT FOR AUGUST 23, 2021
Motion passed unanimously.
7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS
7c. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-93 RECOGNIZING FIRE CHIEF AND EMERGENCY
MANAGER BERG FOR HIS LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE COVID-19
PANDEMIC
Dr. Edwards introduced the item recognizing Fire Chief Berg for his leadership during an
unprecedented time in Brooklyn Center, during the pandemic, when there was no game plan and
it was not known what the City would face. Yet Fire Chief Berg stepped up as a leader, organized
and developed a game plan for the City, and was the core communicator with the County, State,
and other entities providing services and addressing issues as they related to COVID. Dr. Edwards
stated Fire Chief Berg kept everyone from panicking and put into place measures to let employees
go home, communicate with the public about the pandemic, and kept everyone safe. He stated the
City wants to acknowledge Fire Chief Berg at this time for the endless hours he worked on behalf
of Brooklyn Center.
07/26/21 -5-
Mayor Elliott read in full a Resolution recognizing Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Berg.
Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-93 Recognizing Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Berg for his
Leadership through the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Elliott extended the City’s deep appreciation to Fire Chief Berg.
Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Berg thanked the City Council, noting he feels this is just
doing part of his job. He stated he wanted to pass thanks along to our Fire Department staff as
well as the City’s former and current leadership team, noting they deserve the thanks as well.
7a. YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT DAY
Dr. Edwards introduced the item and explained Youth in Government Day involves engaging
youth in a mock Council meeting. The youth also prepared and gave a presentation on the City’s
celebration. He commented on their experience of Brooklyn Center as interns and now their
experience of the policy-setting side of the City Council. He stated the youth also engaged in
dialogue with Councilmembers Ryan and Lawrence-Anderson. Dr. Edwards stated Youth in
Government acknowledges the contribution of youth, their brilliance, and wisdom, and that they
are our future. This is done on an annual basis to create opportunities for young people to learn
about their government and, hopefully, be inspired to someday work in government or serve as an
elected official.
Mayor Elliott read in full a Proclamation declaring July 26, 2021, as Youth in Government Day in
the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.
Mayor Elliott introduced each of the youth members who actively participated in the 2021 Youth
in Government Day program and thanked them for their service. He described their contribution
in discussions and presentations on what a new transformed and inclusive Brooklyn Center festival
could look like.
Bernie Nnadi stated he enjoyed the program, the whole dynamic, and what they did together with
the group. He stated they were able to connect, see their differences, and work together to give
the presentation. He thinks they did a good job and he was proud to work with them.
Lisa Amanor stated this was a wonderful opportunity that she was fortunate to partake in. She
stated it was amazing to connect with other BrookLynk interns, hear their perspectives on the
City’s celebration, and take an active role as a Brooklyn Center resident in her community. She
looks forward to sharing those opportunities, thoughts, and connecting with other people.
07/26/21 -6-
Neomi Sidique stated this is a great experience and she will be happy to tell others about it. She
was happy to work with other people from different backgrounds and cultures and appreciates this
program.
Hannah Sinouthasy stated she is grateful for this opportunity and it was nice to hear about different
perspectives and how they all intertwine in this community.
Matthew Fogg stated it was nice to work with different BrookLynk members, to learn about their
culture, how they do stuff, and how they see different ways to do things. He stated for a long time
he only saw it his way and it’s cool to work as a team and work by ourselves because we can learn
different things for jobs or strategies.
Takahnkandeh Kimbi stated he liked this experience, being a Brooklyn Center intern along with
learning with his fellow interns. He has figured out that it is important to be part of the government
in Brooklyn Center and how good, young, and intelligent his fellow youth are.
Peter Nguyen stated he enjoyed this experience and meeting with fellow interns and head people
from different branches, to hear different people’s opinions, how the Council works, and those
different perspectives.
Mayor Elliott again thanked the youth interns for participating. All present offered a round of
applause. Mayor Elliott stated each participant will receive a certificate.
7b. PRESENTATION FROM HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER JEFF LUNDE
Mayor Elliott introduced the item and welcomed Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Lunde.
Commissioner Lunde thanked the Mayor and Councilmembers for the opportunity to briefly share
what Hennepin County has been doing to support residents, staff, and businesses of Brooklyn
Center after the tragic death of Daunte Wright. He stated Hennepin County is doing what it can
in cooperation and at the direction of Dr. Edward’s leadership to help them finetune their response.
They have also been working each day with staff and Community Development Director Meg
Beekman to support efforts to rebuild the business district and move the City’s goals forward.
Commissioner Lunde provided a PowerPoint presentation detailing Hennepin County’s
community support the week following the death of Daunte Wright by proactively reaching out to
every Brooklyn Center resident that was County connected to ask what they could use help with.
The County also asked whether they had any hardships and connected them with programs and
services. This was accomplished within four days.
Commissioner Lunde stated after that, the County allocated money directly to programs at the
direction of Mayor Elliott and Dr. Edwards to assure the County’s services and contracts were
aligned with where the City saw the needs fit. He thanked Mayor Elliott and Dr. Edwards for their
guidance. Those dollars were used to address mental health services, food security, and different
ways to support the community in the weeks and months to follow, continuing to this day.
07/26/21 -7-
Commissioner Lunde described Hennepin County’s ongoing efforts to connect with the Brooklyn
Center School District, their food shelf, noting the County continues to check in with them monthly
to ask if there is anything the County can assist with. There have been several vaccine clinics as
well with New Millennium and other charter schools being on the forefront with vaccines.
Commissioner Lunde stated their efforts are ongoing with the School District to help kick off the
school year right and overcome challenges and traumatic memories.
Commissioner Lunde stated Hennepin County continues to provide eviction foreclosure support.
He noted the City is also contacting renters and encouraging them to sign up for rent help. He
stated the County’s navigators can work with anyone who needs assistance including language
assistance and managing the paperwork, which has been cut down to a couple of pages.
Commissioner Lunde stated Hennepin County and his office are committed to a coordinated
operation to support the community, referred to as Operation Community Well Being. He stated
if they can plan for law enforcement response to events, they can also plan for trauma support,
food security, and provide housing assistance for those who are impacted. This goes beyond a law
enforcement response to include a community response. He noted that Operation Safety Net did
include a line item calling for community engagement but zero dollars were appropriated to that
item. He stated they will work on a Community Well Being Plan so if they ever have to use it, it
will be ready and address three months after an event. That work will take time, is ongoing, and
they have now learned the lesson that should have been learned after the civil unrest in Minneapolis
to make sure residents can be supported as quickly and completely as possible.
Commissioner Lunde stated on June 15, 2021, Hennepin County passed $5 million for support of
different ways to limit the violence that may be occurring. Money was allocated to Hennepin
County’s Next Step program to pay for skilled professionals at the hospital to slow down the
process, prevent retaliation, and the cycle of violence should it involve gang-related violence.
Commissioner Lunde stated Hennepin County also put $1 million in the public defender’s office
to address the significant backlog of cases so people get their day in court because justice delayed
is justice denied. He explained that if you have a pending court case and apply for an apartment
that does a background check, it will show up. So, not giving someone the right to clear their name
of something they have been accused of has residual effects including to the family.
Commissioner Lunde stated Hennepin County is working with skilled violence
interrupters/interceders who work on the street with youth and others to talk down situations or
provide an alternative way of dispute resolution rather than the police roll out. The County is
entering contracts and people can apply to provide those services. They have been talking with
some in Brooklyn Center who are doing that work now to see if the County can augment their
work. The County is trying to get the money to the street and he is happy to say it is now showing
up in a variety of ways and targeted to people who are already doing the work, know what they
are doing but need additional resources.
Commissioner Lunde stated they added 4 FTEs in the County Attorney’s office to support victims.
He believes victims should be the center of our justice system, not anyone else. Victims are the
only people who did not choose to be a participant in our justice system so we need to support
07/26/21 -8-
them, noting if a family is the victim of a crime, there can be four victims. He explained the
County put that money into the County Attorney’s office so those victims can feel like justice is
being served in whatever method used.
Commissioner Lunde stated there are current RFAs related to food insecurity, they are easy and
quick to apply for, are not competitive, and churches can cooperate and submit jointly. The County
is also not asking for someone to prove they have been doing this for years. If they can deliver
and a written plan on how they are doing it, they may be approved. The grants are up to $49,000.
He encouraged anyone interested to make an application. Commissioner Lunde stated the County
is offering RFAs for violence reduction as well.
Commissioner Lunde stated he did not realize it was Youth in Government Day but wanted to
mention that tomorrow there will be a Board Action Request written by his office to establish a
Youth Advisory Committee for the Hennepin County Library Board. He explained that during
COVID they found just how much youth needed the library so they think the youth’s voices need
to be resonant from this point forward. He announced this fall they will establish a youth advisory
for the juvenile system within the County. This can also include brothers and sisters of someone
in the juvenile system to offer advice on how to make the juvenile system better and provide
restorative justice.
Commissioner Lunde provided his contact information and offered to hear comments and answer
questions of the City Council.
A youth member asked about the name of the group related to the library. Commissioner Lunde
stated the Youth Advisory Committee for the Hennepin County Library Board will be heard in
committee tomorrow and, hopefully, approved the following week. He stated if approved, he will
provide information to City staff. Commissioner Lunde explained that each Commissioner will
be able to name two members to this Committee.
Mayor Elliott thanked Commissioner Lunde for his presentation and stated the City appreciates
everything Hennepin County is doing to help the community. He stated when the uprising
happened in Brooklyn Center, the City Council decided to not allow the use of tear gas or rubber
bullets. He noted the University of Minnesota scientists released a research report and some of
those members came to Brooklyn Center during the uprising and delivered comments on the use
of tear gas and rubber bullets. That report found that in the wake of the murder of George Floyd
in Minneapolis and the law enforcement response, 89 people were injured by those less-lethal
weapons, 32 were sent to the emergency room due to tear gas, 10 were hit in the eye by rubber
bullets, 16 suffered a traumatic brain injury, and 7 required emergency surgeries.
Mayor Elliott stated he visited the apartments across from the Brooklyn Center Police Department
and saw holes left in the walls that were left by rubber bullets and residents said they were
overcome by the tear gas coming into their apartments. Those residents also recounted the actions
they took, such as using children’s mattresses to brace against the window to absorb the impact of
the rubber bullets. Mayor Elliott stated he saw residents who have injured and the open wounds
left by rubber bullets.
07/26/21 -9-
Mayor Elliott referenced the recommendation from the American Lung Association that anyone
exposed to tear gas should immediately leave the area and seek higher ground. He noted, however,
that the folks in those apartments were not able to do that as there was unrest all around them and
many could not physically leave their apartments. The young people who experienced rubber
bullets hitting against their doors and windows still react to any loud sound or commotion outside
their building by hiding underneath their beds.
Mayor Elliott stated the use of tear gas has been outlawed by international war conventions, in
treaties, they are not allowed to use them in war, and the Brooklyn Center City Council
appropriately, forward-leaning, and forward-thinking in human rights, outlawed the use of those
tactics.
Mayor Elliott stated the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted on banning the use of
tear gas and rubber bullets. He noted Commissioner Lunde represents this area and voted against
that. Mayor Elliott asked Commissioner Lunde why he voted against banning the use as it is
inevitable that all departments will stop using those forms of munitions.
Commissioner Lunde stated you need to understand the measure had no power so it is what he
calls a ‘nothing resolution.’ He explained that Hennepin County does not have the power to tell
the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department what tactics they may or may not use. That is the fact
so the resolution carried no weight and he thinks it did a dis-service as it acts like the County Board
is doing something when they are not. Commissioner Lunde stated he does not vote for anything
resolutions as it changes nothing but made it look like the Board did something. He stated the
Board can influence, suggest, request, nudge, but they do not have the power to dictate to the
Sheriff’s Department the tactics they use.
Commissioner Lunde stated since then and in cooperation with the Sheriff’s Department, the
County Board did ask for research on what other tactics and methods could be used for crowd
control that would eliminate the need for ‘less lethal’ but injurious methods. He stated if money
needs to be appropriated to adopt those tactics or equipment, that is where the Board is at and will
cooperate with the Sheriff’s Department.
Mayor Elliott stated he appreciates Commissioner Lunde’s commitment to doing something. He
noted sometimes all we can do is at least voice our support for change. He noted Commissioner
Lunde had been the Brooklyn Park Mayor for a very long time and these bodies take symbolic
actions all the time, which Commissioner Lunde knows. Mayor Elliott stated the Brooklyn Center
City Council took action to call for the end of violence in certain parts of Africa, for instance.
They also took a vote to support the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, all things the
City Council does not necessarily have the power to do but their voice symbolically helps to move
the tide in the right direction.
Mayor Elliott stated it is in that spirit that he, as one representative in Brooklyn Center, would
implore Commissioner Lunde to support, even if it is simply symbolic by resolution and does not
direct the Sheriff’s Department on what they can and cannot do. He noted it would be one more
voice in the direction to move this closer to a better system to keep people safe. He stated it does
07/26/21 -10-
an incredible amount of good to support a resolution like that and encouraged Commissioner
Lunde, in the future, to put his voice on the scale toward moving us in that direction.
Mayor Elliott thanked Commissioner Lunde for his service and actions taken to help the
community by providing resources. He stated we are all in this together and part of one community
that is in the midst of transformation.
Commissioner Lunde stated he looks forward to that, noting he talks with Dr. Edwards and Ms.
Beekman often and will continue to reach out to the City to learn if there are ways the County can
do things differently or better and assure it is done hand-in-hand with the efforts of the City’s
teams.
7c. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-94 EXPRESSING RECOGNITION AND
APPRECIATION TO KELLI WICK, HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR FOR
OVER 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
Dr. Edwards introduced the item and acknowledged Kelli Wick’s 25 years of service to the City
of Brooklyn Center and tremendous work done on behalf of the City’s residents and businesses.
He described her contributions and raised his voice in acknowledging Ms. Wick, noting she came
to work for the City as a teenager and the City has benefited from her service and dedication.
At the invitation of Mayor Elliott, Youth Mayor Nnadi read in full a Resolution expressing
recognition and appreciation to Kelli Wick, Human Resources Director for over 25 years of service
to the City of Brooklyn Center.
Mayor Elliott thanked Ms. Wick for her many years of service to Brooklyn Center, stating the City
is grateful.
Dr. Edwards again extended his thanks and wished Ms. Wick the best in her future endeavors.
Councilmember Butler moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2021-94
Expressing Recognition and Appreciation to Kelli Wick, Human Resources Director, for over 25
years of Service to the City of Brooklyn Center.
Motion passed unanimously.
7d. BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY FINAL
REPORT
This item was tabled upon the adoption of the agenda.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8a. ORDINANCE NO. 2021-02 AMENDING CHAPTER 35 OF THE CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES REGARDING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF 6221
SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY
07/26/21 -11-
Dr. Edwards introduced the item, noting this has become before the City Council for first reading
and involves the Crest Apartments’ building expansion. He invited Ms. McIntosh to make the
staff presentation.
City Planner Ginny McIntosh stated this is the second reading and public hearing for 6221 Shingle
Creek Parkway, also known as the Crest Apartments located just south of City Hall. She reviewed
the background for this item, noting the Crest Apartments LLC applied to numerous requests
including site and building plan approval for a 48-unit building addition to providing more family
2- and 3-bedroom units, convert existing office space and existing 122-unit apartment building,
and related site improvements including the parking lot and stormwater improvements. There
were also requests to establish a Planned Unit Development (PUD), an amendment to the zoning
map and code to remove the property from the Central Commerce Overlay District, and an
amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to allow for greater density within the Commercial
Mixed Use designation.
Ms. McIntosh stated tonight the consideration is the establishment of a PUD and amendment to
the zoning map to remove the property from the Central Commerce Overlay District. The Planning
Commission reviewed this application on June 10, 2021, held a public hearing, and unanimously
recommended approval. On June 28, 2021, the City Council considered these requests and
unanimously approved the requests except the Comprehensive Plan amendment that requires an
additional step through the Metropolitan Council. On June 28, 2021, the City Council set the
second reading and public hearing for this evening. A public hearing notice was published in the
Sun Post on July 8, 2021.
Ms. McIntosh presented details of the request for a PUD and rezoning from R-7 to PUD/MXC,
which is Commercial Mixed Use underlying and aligns with the Comprehensive Plan’s
designation for this property. She explained PUDs allow flexibility and developments that would
not typically be allowed for with current regulations.
Ms. McIntosh stated the City is currently undergoing a major update to the zoning code as it has
not been updated in many decades. These PUDs are typically used to achieve a higher quality
development or meet other City goals in exchange for flexibility. However, the project must still
comply with Watershed, State, stormwater, erosion control, and wetland requirements. She noted
the major point is that the property is moving from R-7 to PUD/MXC.
Ms. McIntosh stated the second request is for the removal of this property from the Central
Commerce Overlay District, which is moot on residential uses. Therefore, residential is not an
allowed use in this district, which is home to a few multi-family residential properties that predate
this district. She described those multi-family residential properties and the number of units in
each. Ms. McIntosh stated with the zoning code update, the outcome is likely that this overlay
district will be revised or go away. She read the language that was published in the notice.
Ms. McIntosh reviewed the requested action tonight to open the public hearing, take public input,
close the public hearing, approve the second reading and adopt the ordinance, and adopt a
resolution for summary publication.
07/26/21 -12-
Councilmember Butler moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to open the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Randy Christensen stated he listened to the presentations on this application and thinks it will be
a great opportunity for Brooklyn Center to have some 3-bedroom units. He supported moving this
application forward.
No one else appeared to address this item.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to close the Public
Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to approve
Second Reading and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 2021-94 Amending Chapter 35 of the City Code
of Ordinances regarding the Zoning Classification of 6221 Shingle Creek Parkway.
Motion passed unanimously.
9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
None.
11. COUNCIL REPORT
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she would forego her report in the interest of time.
Councilmember Butler stated she met with Mn/DOT on the 252 Project to get an update on that
process. She also met with Councilmember Graves and a staff member of Georgetown
Townhouses.
Councilmember Ryan stated he met with Legislators regarding the final disposition of several State
legislative items after the session. He will report on them further at the next meeting.
Mayor Elliott stated he continues to meet with folks who are interested in helping implement and
provide technical support for the resolution. Once that process is up and running, he will provide
a formal update for the City Council.
12. ADJOURNMENT
07/26/21 -13-
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Mayor Elliott seconded adjournment of the City
Council meeting at 8:39 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER)
The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn Center,
Minnesota, certifies:
1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Regular
Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on July 26, 2021.
2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at
Brooklyn Center City Hall.
3. That the City Council adopted said minutes at its August 9, 2021, Regular Session.
Barbara Suciu, City Clerk Mike Elliott, Mayor
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:8 /9/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reggie Edw ards , A c#ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:A lix Bentrud, D eputy C ity C lerk
S U B J E C T:A pprov al of L icenses
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
- Moon to appr ove the licenses as pr esented.
B ackground:
T he following bus ines s es /pers ons have applied for C ity licens es as noted. Each bus ines s /person has
fulfilled the requir ements of the City O rdinance gov er ning respec#ve licens es , s ubmi7ed appropriate
applica#ons, and paid pr oper fees . A pplicants for rental dwelling licens es ar e in compliance w ith Chapter 12
of the C ity C ode of O rdinances, unless comments are noted below the property addr ess on the a7ached
rental report.
M e chanical L icenses
A bsolute Mechanical L L C 7338 O hms L ane
Edina M N 55439
I deal A ir, L L C 17900 A ztec S t. N W
A ndov er 5 5 304
P B S ervices L L C 9410 B ataan St N E
B laine 55449
S tafford H ome S er vice 6225 C ambridge S treet
S t. L ouis Park 55416
B udget I ssues:
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip#on Upload D ate Ty pe
Rental C riter ia 3/16/2021 Backup M aterial
Rentals 8-9-2 0 2 1 8/3/2021 Backup M aterial
Page 2 of 2
b.Police Service Calls.
Police call rates will be based on the average number of valid police calls per unit per
year. Police incidences for purposes of determining licensing categories shall include
disorderly activities and nuisances as defined in Section 12-911, and events
categorized as Part I crimes in the Uniform Crime Reporting System including
homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, auto theft and arson.
Calls will not be counted for purposes of determining licensing categories where the
victim and suspect are “Family or household members” as defined in the Domestic
Abuse Act, Minnesota Statutes, Section 518B.01, Subd. 2 (b) and where there is a
report of “Domestic Abuse” as defined in the Domestic Abuse Act, Minnesota Statutes,
Section 518B.01, Subd. 2 (a).
License
Category
Number of
Units
Validated Calls for Disorderly Conduct
Service & Part I Crimes
(Calls Per Unit/Year)
No
Category
Impact
1-2 0-1
3-4 units 0-0.25
5 or more units 0-0.35
Decrease 1
Category
1-2 Greater than 1 but not more than 3
3-4 units Greater than 0.25 but not more than 1
5 or more units Greater than 0.35 but not more than 0.50
Decrease 2
Categories
1-2 Greater than 3
3-4 units Greater than 1
5 or more units Greater than 0.50
Property Code and Nuisance Violations Criteria
License Category
(Based on Property
Code Only)
Number of Units Property Code Violations per
Inspected Unit
Type I – 3 Year 1-2 units 0-2
3+ units 0-0.75
Type II – 2 Year 1-2 units Greater than 2 but not more than 5
3+ units Greater than 0.75 but not more than 1.5
Type III – 1 Year 1-2 units Greater than 5 but not more than 9
3+ units Greater than 1.5 but not more than 3
Type IV – 6 Months 1-2 units Greater than 9
3+ units Greater than 3
Property Address Dwelling
Type
Renewal
or Initial Owner
Property
Code
Violations
License
Type
Police
CFS *
Final
License
Type **
Previous
License
Type ***
5803 Xerxes Ave N
Sonder Point
Multi 1 Bldg
143 Units Initial 5803 Xexes Ave N 0 II N/A II
5337 Queen Ave N 2 Family
2 Units Initial Edith Perlin 13 IV N/A IV
1330 67th Ave N Single Initial Mark Sibilev 3 II N/A II
1513 Humboldt Pl Single Initial
Calvin Johnson/Johnson Organization
Inc 6 III N/A III
1525 Humboldt Pl Single Initial
Calvin Johnson/Johnson Organization
Inc 2 II N/A II
1531 Humboldt Pl Single Initial
Calvin Johnson/Johnson Organization
Inc 7 III N/A III
1537 Humboldt PL Single Initial
Calvin Johnson/Johnson Organization
Inc 8 III N/A III
1543 Humboldt Pl Single Initial
Calvin Johnson/Johnson Organization
Inc 2 II N/A II
1549 Humboldt Pl Single Initial
Calvin Johnson/Johnson Organization
Inc 3 II N/A II
1555 Humboldt Pl Single Initial
Calvin Johnson/Johnson Organization
Inc 2 II N/A II
5603 Knox Ave N Single Initial Paul R Johnson 1 II N/A II
4201 Lakeside Ave #319 Single Initial Nancy Slattery 10 IV N/A IV
5308 Lilac Dr Single Initial Dani Araya 22 IV N/A IV
6324 Scott Ave N Single Initial Sayndee Sando 35 IV N/A IV
6125 Lilac Dr Multi 1 Bldg 65
Units Renewal LaNel Crossings Lang Nelson Assoc 17
(.26 per unit)I0II
6201 Lilac Dr Multi 1 Bldg 81
Units Renewal LaNel Crossings Lang Nelson Assoc 13
(.16 per unit)I0II
5440‐44 Bryant Ave N
2 Family
2 Unit Renewal Traiten Gunderson 0 I 0 I II
5909 June Ave N 2 Family 1Unit Renewal Jeffrey Davis 1 I 0 I I
1605 56th Ave N Single Renewal FYR SFR Borrower 7 III 0 III I
3818 61st Ave N Single Renewal Sherman Kho 6 III 0 III
1606 71st Ave N Single Renewal Gregory Lang 8 III
2 Valid Calls
6‐30‐21 Disturbance
7‐1‐21 Disturbance
IV II
6701 Bryant Ave N Single Renewal IH3 Property IL 6 III 0 III I
6628 Camden Dr Single Renewal Marie Rickmyer 4 II 0 II I
6020 Emerson Ave N Single Renewal Chad Tesmer 2 I 0 I I
2407 Ericon Dr Single Renewal Plia Thao ‐ met requirements 4 II 0 II III
7006 Morgan Ave N Single Renewal Hesham Abdel Hakim 7 III 0 III II
Rental Licenses for Council Approval on August 9, 2021
Property Address Dwelling
Type
Renewal
or Initial Owner
Property
Code
Violations
License
Type
Police
CFS *
Final
License
Type **
Previous
License
Type ***
Rental Licenses for Council Approval on August 9, 2021
7110 Riverdale Rd Single Renewal James Nelson/ACR Homes 2 I 0 I I
6242 Scott Ave N Single Renewal Chen Zhou/MSP Home Rental 4 II 0 II I
6913 Toledo Ave N Single Renewal Fred Hanus 1 I 0 I II
4718 Twin Lake Ave N Single Renewal Richard & Elizabeth Becht 3 II 0 II I
6400 Unity Ave N Single Renewal Michelle Vue 1 I 0 I III
4706 Wingard La Single Renewal Mains'l Properties 2 I 0 I I
* CFS = Calls For Service for Renewal Licenses Only (Initial Licenses are not applicable to calls for service and will be listed N/A.)
** License Type Being Issued
*** Initial licenses will not show
All properties are current on City utilities and property taxes
Type 1 = 3 Year Type II = 2 Year Type III = 1 Year
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:8 /9/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reggie Edw ards , A c#ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:M eg B eekman, Community D ev elopment D irector
S U B J E C T:Br ookly n Center Entrepreneurs hip M ar ket S trategy F inal Repor t
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
- Moon to accept the Brooklyn C enter Entrepreneur ship M arket S trategy Repor t
B ackground:
T he C ity has been wor king, in partnership w ith dev eloper A latus , P roject for P ride in L iv ing, and
Resurrec#ng World Faith M inis tries , on a development proj ect at the northeas t cor ner of Bas s L ake Road
and S hingle C r eek Park w ay. T he project is w ithin the ar ea known as the O pportunity S ite and w ould be
located on E DA -owned property.
A latus has partnered w ith P roject for P ride in L iving and Res urrec#ng Wor ld Faith Ministries on a mul#-
phased, mixed us e development program. The concept consists of approximately 7 5 0 new mul#-family
hous ing units in a wide range of price points , an event center, daycare, and appr oximately 25,000 squar e
feet of community -driv en entrepreneurial s pace. The program als o an#cipates 1-3 acres of public plaza
s pace, some of w hich w ould be provided to the entr epr eneurial s pace to be us ed for outdoor gathering and
pop-up market expans ion.
T he entrepreneurial s pace w ill be delivered by the development, but will be pr ogr ammed and des igned by
the C ity. The pur pos e of the s pace is intended to s erv e local entrepreneur s and bus ines s es.
A C E R and N EO O Par tner s w ere retained to conduct a market and feas ibility s tudy, engage local busines s
ow ners in the proces s , and iden#fy a guiding v is ion and branding for the entrepreneurial space. The
cons ultant team w as als o tas ked with developing an opera#ng model and profor ma, as w ell as assist the
City w ith iden#fy ing an ow ners hip and management s olu#on for the s pace.
N EO O Partners and A C E R hav e completed their wor k, and the final report is a?ached to this memo.
Representa#v es fr om N EO O Partners will pres ent on the final recommenda#ons , highlights from the s tudy,
and iden#fy next s teps for implemen#ng the proj ect at the J uly 26, City C ouncil mee#ng.
Br ookly n C enter Entr epr eneurship Mar ket S trategy Execuve S ummary
T he goal of the Entr epr eneurship M arket P laz a (E M P ) outreach and engagement effor ts w as to discover the
need of the community and the economic feas ibility of a bus iness Entrepreneur Market P laz a and maker
s pace that prov ides affor dable s pace for entr epr eneurs and local small bus ines s es to operate w ith acces s to
s hared technical as s is tance serv ices. The goal of the E M P marketplace is to prov ide an inclus ive, high quality
finis hed space w ith flexible leas e terms that encour age local bus inesses to collaborate as they grow and
expand their s erv ices .
T he project included outreach and engagement efforts lead by A frican Car eer Educa#on Resource., I N C
(A C E R), focus ed on iden#fy ing a V is ion, P ur pos e, and Branding for the E ntrepreneur Market P laz a to
dis cover appr opriate consumer market and community connec#on. T he feasibility study also included a
market analysis that included a look at the C ity o f B rooklyn C enter and the surro unding area’s community
co ntext, demogra phics, market o ppo rtunity, and financial considera#o ns. T he study includes surveying the
co mmunity and sta keholders in exploring wha t their needs are and what is desired in an E ntrepreneur Market
Plaza space. I nf o rma#on gathered from stakeholders, includes exploring and disc o vering what pro blem the
E ntrepreneur Market Plaza solves and the findings that inf o rm the recommenda #o ns.
T he Feas ibility s tudy is br oken into three parts :
1. Market S tudy : G ather and analyze data about community ac#vity, demogr aphics, bus iness dynamics ,
and exis #ng r es our ces and s uppor#ng entr epr eneurship.
2. Market O w ners hip and O pera#ons M odel: I den#fy the programming needs and infras tructure to
s uppor t local entrepreneurs hip and dev elop a plan for gov ernance and management of the market
plaza.
3. F inancial A nalys is : I den#fy opera#onal cos ts and facility needs
T he findings in this feas ibility s tudy provide a framew ork based on the bes t pr ac#ces of the top performing
incubators locally and na#onally. Bas ed on our r es ear ch w e found that there is no one policy, prac#ce or
program that w ill guar antee the s uccess of an incubator but that through the s ynergy of mul#ple prac#ces ,
policies and pr ogr ams gr eater outcomes can be achiev ed. For the C ity of Br ookly n Center, in order to
implement a community-led and driven incubator, it is important that incubators policies and programs be
designed trans par ently and in partnership w ith its B I P O C s mall bus inesses and entr epreneurship
community. I t is als o recommended that the incubator have an ac#ve marke#ng campaign from the
beginning of its des ign to ensure that the surr ounding community is awar e of its futur e benefits and can
con#nually inform its cus tomer-facing cultur e.
Bas ed on input collected from s mall bus ines s es and entr epreneurs, there is a need for affordable
high-quality office and r etail s pace. Those w ho par#cipated in focus groups expres s ed a need for technical
w rap around s erv ices that s upport the grow th of their busines s beyond bas ic technical assistance. Know ing
this , we believ e thes e is a real need and real opportunity for the incubator to make a s ignificant impact in
Brooklyn Center and the northw est metro. T his s tudy was completed with an approximate 14,000 squar e
foot incubator in mind, but other opportuni#es to pr ovide below market maker, office, or retail s pace s hould
be considered thr oughout the O pportunity S ite and C ity.
W hile there is below market retail and office s pace s parsely located throughout the city and nearby
s urrounding communi#es , it is ty pically aged, in-poor condi#on or not vis ible to the general public. I t is
recommended that during the des ign of the incubator, its programs and policies , that a pipeline of
interested bus ines s es be dev eloped to accurately es #mate how much s pace w ill be occupied on opening
day. W ithout this pipeline of busines s es, it is difficult to es#mate how much s pace will be needed beyond
w hat is currently being planned for.
T he ques #on of w hether the incubator is financially feas ible is primarily dependent on the public leader s hip
w illingnes s and commitment of long-term s ubs idies for the incubator to operate, as well as other revenue
s ources s uch as tenant rent and serv ice fees . B as ed on our analys is w e an#cipate an es #mated $353,0 0 0 in
public s ector funding needed to cov er the ini#al year of opera#ons . O ver the firs t four years of opera#ons
an es #mated $1.2 million will be needed to cover the total opera#ons and management of the incubator.
T hese cos ts are s ubject to change during the development of the incubator and will need to be updated
accordingly. C ons truc#on cos ts include both har d and s oL costs as a percentage of hard cos ts , as s uming
new construc#on. Thes e costs will als o need to be updated once des igns hav e been finaliz ed. A ppendix A
covers the as s ump#ons of the pro forma, w hich is s epar ate from this repor t.
Next S teps
T he mos t cri#cal s teps moving forward on the implementa#on of the incubator following this s tudy includes
iden#fying pr ogr am par tners , des igning the incubator, and upda#ng cost es #mates , dev eloping a pipeline of
interested bus ines s es and s ecuring funding commitments from public sector par tner s . A nother item that
w ill need to be cons ider ed early includes iden#fy ing whether the incubator w ill be immediately owned by
the Brooklyn C enter E D A or a non-profit en#ty and w hat the trans fer of ow ners hip will look like long term.
I t is recommended that the en#ty be publicly ow ned to minimize cos ts , per haps a non-profit developer, or
Community D ev elopment F inancial I ns #tu#on (C D F I ) to come to do an inter im acquis i#on of the incubator.
H owever, how the trans ac#on looks betw een the priv ate s ector partner and the city w ill need to be figur ed
out. Below is a lis t of other tas ks that w ill need to be completed throughout the development of the
incubator.
1. E stablish an incubato r o rganiza#on to manage and oversee opera#ons
- Prepare and fi le by-laws and ar#cles of incorpo ra#on
- File for tax exempt status
- Appoint bo ard and ho ld ini#al mee#ng
- E lect officers, a ppro ve mission, budget, and work plan
- R aise funds for incubator opera#o ns
- C reate incubator director job descrip#on and hire for po si#on
- D evelop policy manuals, f o rms, etc.
2 . D esign & C ons tr uct I ncubator
- D es ign incubator building
- S ecure matching funds for incubator
- Construct bus ines s incubator
- F inis h s pace, relocate incubator organiza#on, partners, anchors
3 . M arket & L eas ing
- S ecure commitments from economic development partners
- S ecure commitments from poten#al anchor tenants
- D evelop w eb pres ence and print marke#ng materials
- Begin pre-marke#ng incubator s pace
- D es ign I ncubator P rogramming
- I nv entory exis #ng pr ograms , clas s es, s erv ices fr om all s ources
- H ost monthly bus ines s netw orking events
- I den#fy pr ogr am and s erv ice gaps
- Coordinate exis #ng programming – “one s top s hop”
- Work with par tner s to dev elop new class es , programs, and serv ices
- I den#fy par#cipants for adv is ory boards
- I den#fy s erv ice pr ovider netw ork
Key F indings
By inves #ng in s mall minority-ow ned bus ines s es and entrepreneurs , the Entr epreneurship M arket
P laz a could pos i#v ely impact job crea#on for B I P O C residents . The C ity of B rooklyn C enter is the
most divers e city in the Minneapolis-S t. Paul- Bloomington M S A and is centr ally located in proximity
to s everal other firs t ring suburban ci#es w ith diverse popula#ons s uch B rook lyn Park, C olumbia
H eights , C ry s tal, F ridley and New H ope. T hough the city has a divers e res iden#al popula#on, its
minority ow ned busines s popula#on is s ignificantly low er than white-owned bus inesses . O f the
minority ow ned busines s es that exist only 10% have paid employees .
There is a r obus t innova#on and s mall bus ines s s upport ecos ystem in the r egion that could support
the Entrepreneur s hip Market P laz a. O r ganiz a#ons s uch as the Metr opolitan C ons or#um of
Community D ev elopers has a divers e members hip of community-bas ed or ganiz a#ons that can
provide culturally r elevant technical as s is tance to s mall bus inesses . H ennepin C ounty als o
adminis ters s everal programs and matching gr ants for s mall bus ines s gr ow th. Through the local
colleges and univ er s i#es , there are sev er al netw orking events and res ources that connect
entrepreneur s to one another, incubator programs and inves tor rela#ons hip opportuni#es.
A general incubator format that provides a v ar iety of s ervices ranging fr om idea#on to intensive
incuba#on is the best approach for Br ookly n Center bus inesses . Ther e is not a clear industry clus ter
in Brook lyn C enter so an incubator that s olely focus es on one indus tr y would mis s the opportunity to
s erve a divers e s et of busines s es. Mos t minor ity owned bus inesses in B rook lyn C enter fall w ithin
three indus try categories such as retail, pr ofes s ional s ervices , and health care. A cros s different
indus tr y clas s es s mall busines s ow ners are experiencing the s ame challenges w hich include finding
affordable retail & office s pace, market vis ibility and professional development.
A cus tomer centr ic market design is the bes t for mat for serv ing small bus ines s es and the s urrounding
community. Unlike tradi#onal incubators that ar e forma?ed to focus on prov iding office space and an
entrepreneur ial environment, the Entr epr eneurs hip M arket P laza s hould be cus tomer facing,
providing high v is ibility to customers , w hile ac#ng as a des#na#on center for the s urrounding
community. By doing so the Entrepreneurs hip M arket P laza fills a local mar ket gap by providing a
des#na#on for the weekday lunch popula#on and weekend leisure ou#ngs .
Most s ucces s ful incubators share s imilar bes t pr ac#ces for opera#ons and management. This
includes choos ing clients based on cultur al fit, poten#al for s uccess , r ev iewing client needs at entry,
s how cas ing clients to cus tomers and funders , and having robust pay ment plans for rent and services .
I ncubator s that had more relaxed, or no exit policies typically have les s than op#mal performance.
The siz e of the incubator is not a strong predictor of succes s . P rogr amming and management ma?er
most. H av ing the right s taff to client ra#o, as well as having experienced s taff and program partners
that under s tand the needs of s mall bus ines s es and entrepreneurs profes s ionally and culturally is
more impor tant.
Most not incubator s are non-profit models and on av erage receive 40% or mor e in funding from the
public s ector. I t is als o true that incubator s w ith larger budgets outper form thos e with budget
cons traints and the ty pe of revenue s our ces are important. Thos e receiv ing a larger por#on of
revenue from rent and serv ice fees typically out perform other programs .
Entrepreneurship and S mall Business Ecosy stem
T he v is ion for this s pace has evolv ed from its earlies t incep#on. D uring community engagement efforts
related to the 2 0 4 0 C omprehensiv e P lan and the O pportunity S ite M aster P lan, input was frequently
receiv ed that des cribed a des ire for Brookly n C enter to hav e something akin to the Midtown G lobal M arket.
Comments received from community frequently des cr ibe a desire for new commer cial uses in the
O pportunity S ite to be unique to Brooklyn C enter, cons is t of more local and mul#-cultural bus inesses , and
for the City to inv es t in r etail and commercial s paces that meet the needs of the diverse communi#es that
live in Brooklyn C enter.
At the s ame #me, engagement with local bus ines s es has iden#fied a s trong need for more affordable and
flexible commercial s paces , shared office s paces , s har ed warehous e and dis tr ibu#on opportuni#es , and
greater acces s to s mall busines s res ources and technical assistance.
W hat has emerged as par t of N EO O Partners and A C E R 's w ork on the market analys is and feas ibility of an
entrepreneur ial mar ket, as well as outreach w ith local s mall bus inesses , is that s mall and micro bus ines s es
currently w ithin the community have a divers e range of needs w hen it comes to their physical s pace, and
w here they ar e in terms of capacity and grow th. W hile inv es#ng in a mul#-cultur al market has great appeal
for residents and thos e that w ould be served by it, the r eality is that many Br ookly n Center bus inesses
w ould not be ready to leas e out and s ucces s fully occupy s uch a space without firs t building their capacity
and further s tabiliz ing their busines s model.
T he Entrepreneur s hip Market P laz a is envis ioned to be designed from the ground up to serv e the needs of
local busines s es and entrepreneurs , to prov ide flexible and affordable commer cial s pace for retail and
s ervice s ector bus ines s es , as well as ongoing technical assistance and act as a bus ines s resource center for
all busines s es in the C ity. H ow ev er, this space alone w ill not meet all the needs , nor prov ide all of the various
kinds of phys ical s pace, that is needed by bus ines s es in v arying s tages of their gr ow th cycle. A s a res ult, the
approach to s er ving bus inesses needs to be through the lens of crea#ng a s mall bus ines s ecosys tem that
includes a var iety of s paces at a variety of price points , along with various r es our ces to serv e busines s
needs . Key components of this ecosys tem include:
A bus ines s res ource center
Co-work ing office s paces and s hared w ork s paces
P laces des igned and intended for pop-up outdoor markets and food v endor s
Built-in or s emi-per manent kios ks and food tr ucks
A retail/public mar ket to provide mul#-cultur al r etail and services for area r es idents
S hared w ar ehous e and distribu#on s pace for busines s es in the import and dis tribu#on trades
A ffordable br icks and mortar commercial s paces
No one development w ill be able to provide all as pects of this ecosys tem. I ns tead, this ecosy s tem is an
approach to economic dev elopment that w ill be implemented ov er #me and in mul#ple phases .
B udget I ssues:
T here are no budget is s ues to cons ider at this #me.
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
A C E R and N EO O Par tner s hav e been conduc#ng focus groups w ith local bus ines s owners and
entrepreneur s . The input has shaped the mar ket s tudy as well as the vision and br anding for the s ite. The
cons ultant team w ill s hare a more detailed des cr ip#on of their engagement w or k as part of their
pres enta#on.
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
T he focus of the engagement and the project as a w hole is to serv e local B I P O C bus ines s ow ners . The
inten#on of the proj ect is to provide w ealth building opportuni#es and financial s tability for local B I P O C -
ow ned firms.
S trate gic Priories and Values:
Resident Economic S tability
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip#on Upload D ate Ty pe
Entrepreneur s hip M arket S trategy F inal Report 7/20/2021 Backup M aterial
Prepared by ACER Inc. & NEOO Partners Inc.
Brooklyn Center
Entrepreneurship
Market Strategy
OPPORTUNITY SITE - PHASE I
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 1
Project Name: City of Brooklyn Center Entrepreneur Market Project
Project Launch Date: November 13, 2020
Project End Date: May 31, 2021
Project Status: Completion
Project Team
Position Name Phone Number Email Address
Project Manager Denise Butler
dbutler@acerinc.org
Project Sponsor(s)
Key Stakeholders City Brooklyn Center,
Meg Beekman,
mbeekman@ci.brooklyn
-center.mn.us
Project Team Partners Pang Xiong
pxiong@acerinc.org
Beatrice Adenodi beatrice@mirrorink360.
com
Denetrick Powers powers@neoopartners.
com
Project Background
The need to undertake a feasibility study and Partnership Outreach & Engagements role, specific
to Vision, Purpose, and Branding was to aid in the development of an Entrepreneur Market Plaza
(EMP) in the Brooklyn Center identified opportunity zone, in partnership with 9 partners. We look
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 2
to solve the problem around affordable commercial space for BIPOC businesses, the connection,
and accessibility to small business resources. Also, to address visibility and inclusiveness.
Project Timeline
Project Milestones Projected Date Contact Person Additional Comments
Milestone 1 December 2020
Denise Butler
A preliminary draft was
created
Milestone 2 March 2021
Denise Butler
Community and Staff
presentations were
completed
Milestone 3 May 2021
Denise Butler
Complete strategy and final
report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The need to undertake a feasibility study and Partnership Outreach & Engagements role, specific
to Vision, Purpose, and Branding was to aid in the development of an Entrepreneur Market Plaza
(EMP) in the Brooklyn Center identified opportunity zone, in part nership with 9 partners. The
goal of the EMP outreach and engagement is to discover the need of the community and the
economic feasibility of a business Entrepreneur Market Plaza and maker space that provides
affordable space for entrepreneurs and local sm all businesses to operate with access to shared
technical assistance services. The goal of the EMP marketplace is to provide an inclusive, high -
quality finished space with flexible lease terms that encourage local businesses to collaborate as
they grow and expand their services.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 3
African Career Education Resource., INC conducted Partnership Outreach & Engagements,
specific to Vision, Purpose, and Branding for the Entrepreneur Market Plaza to discover
appropriate consumer market and community connection. The activities include developing a
proposed vision, purpose, and brand voice for the market and conducting research and analysis.
Activities also involved analysis in gathering and reviewing existing content, materials and
conducting outreach tasks in identifying constituents, key stakeholders, target businesses,
community organizations, and nonprofits to participate in focus groups, facilitate community
meetings, and outreach surveys; And collate and produce reports on results that include the final
report of findings and recommendations.
The feasibility study conducted for the Opportunity Site Entrepreneurship Market Plaza included
a look at the City of Brooklyn Center and the surrounding area’s community context,
demographics, market opportunity, and financial considerations. This information was gathered
using a variety of tools and methods, including interviews, case study research, GIS analysis, and
U.S. census data. The study includes surveying the community and stakeholders in exploring
what their needs are and what is desired in an Entrepreneur Market Plaza space, which is
approximately 14,000 SF. Information gathered from stakeholders, includes exploring and
discovering what problem the Entrepreneur Market Plaza solves and the findings that inform t he
recommendations.
The Feasibility study is broken into three parts:
1. Market Study: Gather and analyze data about community activity, demographics,
business dynamics, and existing resources and supporting entrepreneurship.
2. Market Ownership and Operations Model: Identify the programming needs and
infrastructure to support local entrepreneurship and develop a plan for governance and
management of the market plaza.
3. Financial Analysis: Identify operational costs and facility needs
The findings in this feasibility study provide a framework based on the best practices of the top
performing incubators locally and nationally. Based on our research we found that there is no
one policy, practice or program that will guarantee the success of an incubator but that through
the synergy of multiple practices, policies and programs greater outcomes can be achieved. For
the City of Brooklyn Center, in order to implement a community-led and driven incubator, it is
important that incubators policies and programs be designed transparently and in partnership
with its BIPOC small businesses and entrepreneurship community. It is also recommended that
the incubator have an active marketing campaign from the beginning of its design to ensure
that the surrounding community is aware of its future benefits and can continually inform its
customer-facing culture.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 4
Based on input collected from small businesses and entrepreneurs, there is a need for affordable
high-quality office and retail space. Those who participated in focus groups expressed a need
for technical wrap around services that support the growth of their business beyond basic
technical assistance. Knowing this, we believe these is a real need and real opportunity for the
incubator to make a significant impact in Brooklyn Center and the northwest metro. T his study
was completed with an approximate 14,000 square foot incubator in mind, but other
opportunities to provide below market maker, office, or retail space should be considered
throughout the Opportunity Site. While there is below market retail and office space sparsely
located throughout the city and nearby surrounding communities, it is typically aged, in -poor
condition or not visible to the general public. It is recommended that during the de sign of the
incubator, its programs and policies, that a pipeline of interested businesses be developed to
accurately estimate how much space will be occupied on opening day. Without this pipeline of
businesses, it is difficult to estimate how much space w ill be needed beyond what is currently
being planned for.
The question of whether the incubator is financially feasible is primarily dependent on the public
leadership willingness and commitment of long -term subsidies for the incubator to operate, as
well as other revenue sources such as tenant rent and service fees. Based on our analysis we
anticipate an estimated $353,000 in public sector funding needed to cover the initial year of
operations. Over the first four years of operations an estimated $1.2 million will be needed to
cover the total operations and management of the incubator. These costs are subject to change
during the development of the incubator and will need to be updated accordingly. Construction
costs include both hard and soft costs as a percentage of hard costs, assuming new construction.
These costs will also need to be updated once designs have bee n finalized. Appendix A covers
the assumptions of the pro forma, which is separate from this report.
Next Steps
The most critical steps moving forward on the implementation of the incubator following this
study includes identifying program partners, designing the incubator, and updating cost
estimates, developing a pipeline of interested businesses and securing funding
commitments from public sector partners. Another item that will need to be considered early
includes identifying whether the incubator wi ll be immediately owned by the Brooklyn Center
EDA or a non-profit entity and what the transfer of ownership will look like long term. It is
recommended that the entity be publicly owned to minimize costs, perhaps a non-profit
developer, or Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) to come to do an interim
acquisition of the incubator. However, how the transaction looks between the private sector
partner and the city will need to be figured out. Below is a list of other tasks that will need to
be completed throughout the development of the incubator.
1. Establish an incubator organization
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 5
a. Prepare and file by laws and articles of incorporation
b. File for tax exempt status
c. Appoint board and hold initial meeting
d. Elect officers, approve mission, budget, and work plan
e. Raise funds for incubator operations
f. Create incubator director job description and hire for position
g. Develop policy manuals, forms, etc.
2. Design & Construct Incubator
a. Design incubator building
b. Secure matching funds for incubator
c. Construct business incubator
d. Finish space, relocate incubator organization, partners, anchors
3. Market & Leasing
a. Secure commitments from economic development partners
b. Secure commitments from potential anchor tenants
c. Develop web presence and print marketing materials
d. Begin pre-marketing incubator space
4. Design Incubator Programming
a. Inventory existing programs, classes, services from all sources
b. Host monthly business networking events
c. Identify program and service gaps
d. Coordinate existing programming – “one stop shop”
e. Work with partners to develop new classes, programs, and services
f. Identify participants for advisory boards
g. Identify service provider network
Key Findings:
• By investing in small minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, the
Entrepreneurship Market Plaza could positively impact job creation for BIPOC
residents. The City of Brooklyn Center is the most diverse city in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-
Bloomington MSA and is centrally located in proximity to several other first ring suburban
cities with diverse populations such Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights, Crystal, Fridley and
New Hope. Though the city has a diverse residential population, its minority owned
business population is significantly lower than white-owned businesses. Of the minority-
owned businesses that exist only 10% have paid employees.
• There is a robust innovation and small business support ecosystem in the region
that could support the Entrepreneurship Market Plaza. Organizations such as the
Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers has a diverse membership of
community-based organizations that can provide culturally relevant technical assistance
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 6
to small businesses. Hennepin County also administers several programs and matching
grants for small business growth. Through the local colleges and universities, there are
several networking events and resources that connect entrepreneurs to one another,
incubator programs and investor relationship opportunities.
• A general incubator format that provides a variety of services ranging from ideation
to intensive incubation is the best approach for Brooklyn Center businesses. There is
not a clear industry cluster in Brooklyn Center so an incubator that solely focuses on one
industry would miss the opportunity to serve a diverse set of businesses. Most minority -
owned businesses in Brooklyn Center fall within three industry cat egories such as retail,
professional services, and health care. Across different industry classes small business
owners are experiencing the same challenges which include finding affordable retail &
office space, market visibility and professional development.
• A customer centric market design is the best format for serving small businesses
and the surrounding community. Unlike traditional incubators that are formatted to
focus on providing office space and an entrepreneurial environment, the
Entrepreneurship Market Plaza should be customer facing, providing high visibility to
customers, while acting as a destination center for the surrounding community. By doing
so the Entrepreneurship Market Plaza fills a local market gap by providing a destination
for the weekday lunch population and weekend leisure outings.
• Most successful incubators share similar best practices for operations and
management. This includes choosing clients based on cultural fit, potential for success,
reviewing client needs at entry, showcasing clients to customers and funders, and having
robust payment plans for rent and services. Incubators that had more relaxed, or no exit
policies typically have less than optimal performance.
• The size of the incubator is not a strong predictor of success. Programming and
management matter most. Having the right staff to client ratio, as well as having
experienced staff and program partners that understand the needs of small businesses
and entrepreneurs professionally and culturally is more important.
• Most not incubators are non-profit models and on average receive 40% or more in
funding from the public sector. It is also true that incubators with larger budgets
outperform those with budget constraints and the type of revenue sources are important.
Those receiving a larger portion of revenue from rent and service fees typically outperform
other programs.
PROJECT
The story of a small business center in Brooklyn Center begins with community. While the
community was participating in station area planning associated with the METRO Blue Line
Extension Light Rail Transit (LRT) project community organizations such as African Career
Education Resources, Inc. (ACER) CAPI, Lao Association, Blue Line coalition, along with resi dents
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 7
and businesses identified the desire to develop an ethnic market similar to that of Little Mekong,
and little Africa in Saint Paul in the City. The business community has expressed the need to own
their commercial building to address affordability, predatory leasing, and better access to high
traffic. The development of an ethnic market does require the development of a new building to
create a welcoming and appropriate space for the community to gather and do business.
The city has embarked on a joint venture with Alatus to explore either purchasing or leasing
about 14k square feet of space in their upcoming market-rate apartment housing project.
Our team will be presenting to the city of Brooklyn Center Council our preliminary findings and
results of our outreach and engagement findings.
Brooklyn Center is a community of more than 30,849 residents and more than 888 businesses.
Located in the Northwest Metro of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, the city is home to BIPOC
majority residents that represent a diverse ethnic and cultural background. Sixty percent of
Brooklyn Center residents identify as a person of color, and 1 in 4 residents speaks a language
other than English at home. Brooklyn Center’s diversity makes it a distinctive and vibrant place.
The diversity in Brooklyn Center does not stop at its residents. The City’s business community is
home to large fortune 500 companies such as Wal-Mart, but also has a well-diverse selection of
locally culturally respective owned businesses that serve the community directly. As the most
diverse city in the State of Minnesota, Brooklyn Center is dedicated to creating an environment
that is centered around, diversity, inclusion, and innovation.
Brooklyn Center has diverse micro-businesses, locally owned, a person of color-owned, women-
owned, and immigrant-owned. Businesses and local business organizations have identified the
need for affordable and flexible spaces for new small businesses and entrepreneurs. The re is also
a need for technical assistance and coordinated programming that brings businesses and
entrepreneurs in the community together to share services and grow their businesses.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 8
Branding, Vision & Mission
Overview:
Our warm/inviting brand voice came from identifying the problems that the community is
struggling with and the solutions that the entrepreneur marketplace addresses in the facility.
Through the initial research done by the City of Brooklyn Center, feasibility studies, and focus
groups that were conducted, we were able to come up with mood boards that mirror the vision
of what community members and small businesses would like to see in the community. We feel
what was missing was Innovation, growth, resources, and visibility with the ability to express
culture. Through the two branding concepts, we believe that we capture the essence of what we
discovered that the community needs and the resources the BIPOC businesses needed to level
up. The words picked for the values draw upon the common words used in a brainstorming
session, research, and focus groups.
Methods
Community Survey
2 Focus Groups: Business Owners, and Community Members
1:1 Engagements
Potential Names for the Entrepreneur Market:
Cultural Garden Plaza - Seeding the World
Parkway Cultural Plaza- Discover More
Vision:
Create multigenerational wealth within the communities
Mission:
Our mission is to provide local BIPOC business the opportunity to create a cultural exp erience
that is innovative, supportive, and inclusive to the community we service
Entrepreneur Market Plaza Space Description:
The Entrepreneur Market Plaza space is a community-led vibrant global marketplace that
provides an immersive experience for communities to discover and support BIPOC business in
the community. We create different economic opportunities for entrepreneurs to seed their
businesses in a thriving environment that is progressive and sustainable. Our mission is to
provide local BIPOC businesses the opportunity to create a cultural experience that is innovative,
supportive, and inclusive to the communities. Our Entrepreneur Market Plaza marketplace is
located at the intersection of Hwy 10 & Shingle Creek in Brooklyn Center.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 9
Feasibility Study
The feasibility study conducted for the Opportunity Site Entrepreneurship Market Plaza included
a look at the City of Brooklyn Center and the surrounding area’s community context,
demographics, market opportunity, and financial considerations. This information was gathered
using a variety of tools and methods, including interviews, case study research, GIS analysis and
U.S. census data. Working with ACER, NEOO Partners participated in community engagement
sessions to gather community feedback, answer questi ons and gather insight into what the
needs and desires of residents and businesses.
Regional Setting
The City of Brooklyn Center is located in Hennepin County, which is part of the Minneapolis-St.
Paul-Bloomington Metro Statistical Area (MSA). Other counties in the region include Anoka,
Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright Counties. This
region is currently home to 55% of the state’s population and accounted for 81% of the state’s
net population growth since 2010. The City of Brooklyn Center lies within five miles of Ramsey
County, the second most populous county, and Anoka County, the fourth most populous county
in the MSA. The City of Brooklyn Center lies just west of the Mississippi river and is well positioned
to access highways I-94, I-694 and state highway 100. This may result in some advantages for
the city such as direct access to both principal cities of the region, Minneapolis & St. Paul.
The central proximity of the city in the region is a significant factor in the city’s growing diversity.
As the cost of living continues to grow in its larger neighbor, Minneapolis, residents have
continued to spread northwest to other neighboring cities such as Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove
and Plymouth. The city is located within a 20-minute drive to five of the six most populated cities
in the region, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth and Maple Grove. The region is
home to 21 fortune 1000 headquarters and 15 fortune 500 headquarters with 5 of thos e
headquarters located within a 15-minute drive.
This analysis focuses on a core area made up of 10-minute and 15-minute drive time trade areas.
These trade areas are made up of the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Robbinsdale,
Crystal, Fridley, Columbia Heights, New Brighton, Maple Grove, Mounds View, St. Anthony,
Osseo, Coon Rapids, Spring Lake Park, Roseville and Champlin.
Demographically, the Cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park are the most diverse in the
state with residents of color making up 60% or more of the total population. The city of Columbia
Heights is the 5th most diverse city in the state with approximately 40% of its population made
up of residents of color.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 10
Business Dynamics
In 2012, Brooklyn Center had an estimated 2,132 firms with or without employees. Though
Brooklyn Center’s BIPOC population is greater than 60%, minorities only make up an estimated
41% of total businesses. The number of minority-owned businesses with employees is
significantly lower making up only 20% of the total businesses with paid employees. Only 10%
of the total number of minority-owned businesses have paid employees. The total number of
white-owned businesses with paid employees is almost double this, making up 18% of the total
number of white-owned businesses.
In 2017, a total of 517 businesses were reported as employer firms. The education, health care
and social service, and retail industries have the highest number of employer firms with 129 firms
in the education, health care and social service industry and 94 in the accommodations and retail
industry. Approximately 13% of the businesses in Brooklyn Center are family-owned and
employee an estimated 10% of the employed population in the city. Of th e total number of
employer firms in Brooklyn Center, 41% reported that individuals were their customer base and
21% reported other businesses as their customer.
Over the last couple of decades, multiple retailers have closed their locations in Brooklyn Center.
Brookdale mall, which use to be the city’s main shopping center closed in 2010 after several of
its anchor tenants closed their doors, including Steve and B arry’s, JC Penny’s, and Sears. In 2019,
Target closed its Brooklyn Center location along with many others nationwide, as their strategy
now focuses on small-format stores in densely populated urban areas. Shingle Creek Crossing,
which is currently the city’s main shopping center, is anchored by a Wal -Mart supercenter and
surrounded by casual clothing and accessory, and fast -food retailers.
Workforce and Demographics
Brooklyn Center has an estimated total population of 30,849 persons. Despite experiencin g a
total population decline over the last 50 years, Brooklyn Center has seen substantial growth in
its communities of color. Brooklyn Center’s total population of non -white residents is 61.74%,
including residents who identify as two or more races. This i s a 7.63% increase from 2010. The
city reached its peak population in the 1970’s at just over 35,000 residents followed by loss in
double digit percentages before rebounding in the 2000’s. The city has only seen a 2 -3% growth
in population over the last decade but is expected to grow 14% over the next couple of decades.
There are a total of 10,708 housing units in Brooklyn Center. Of the total number of housing
units 68.7% are single family units, 12.6% are between 2 -19 units, and 18.5% are 20 units or
more. 69.4% of the housing units in Brooklyn Center are greater than 50 years old with only 208
units built since 2000. The median home value is $172, 8000 with a median mortgage cost of
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 11
$1,407. Of the total number of housing units 60.7% are owner -occupied while 39.3% are renter
occupied. More than 50% of the occupied units paying rent in Brooklyn Center pay 30% or
greater of their housing income on rent.
The total population of persons aged 16 and over is 22,495. Prior to COVID -19, the City of
Brooklyn Center had an estimated labor force population of 16,774 or 74.6% of the total
population. In November of the same year COVID-19 happened, labor force participation
dropped to a low of 68.1%. During the COVID -19 pandemic the height of unemployment
reached a high of 13.5% in May 2020. By November 2020 unemployment had dropped to 6.5%
which is 2.9% higher than what it was in March 2020 before COVID -19 impacts occurred. The
median earnings for persons 16 years and over is $31,996. For full -time, year-round workers the
median wage earnings is $40,132.
Resources supporting innovation and entrepreneurship
The Minneapolis-St. Paul region has a robust eco-system to support entrepreneurs that includes
organized events and meetups, competitions, co-working spaces, makerspaces, Entrepreneur
Market Plazas and accelerators and colleges/universities. Within this ecosystem there are also a
number of non-profit and government sponsored organizations and services that provide
technical assistance on basic business needs such as marketing, business plan assistance,
accounting, and micro-financing. A partial list of these might include:
• Neighborhood Development Center
• Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers
• Minnesota Score
• Small Business Development Center
• University of Minnesota
• Target Accelerators
• Grow North Minnesota
• Twin Cities Maker and others.
Other resources in the region include Hennepin County’s Elevate Business program that provides
businesses advising services on topics such as accounting, finance, legal, marketing, social media
and human resources. The County’s program has a network of business advisors and
organizations that cover multiple language and cultural needs at no additional cost to the
business owner. Many of the regions culturally specific organizations participate in the county’s
program and provide culturally competent staffing and resources for the region’s ethnic
entrepreneur and small business community. The Metropolitan Consortium of Community
Developers also provides resources for small businesses through their membership of local
community organizations. Many of these organizations such as, African Development Center,
Asian Economic Development Association and the Latino Economic Development Center all
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 12
provide culturally competent programming and technical services for small businesses and
entrepreneurs.
Based on conversations with local entrepreneurs and service providers, some of the challenges
experienced by providers include providing businesses with low -cost financing, aligning existing
services with business needs and finding experienced mentors and consultants that are culturally
competent. There are several local CDFI’s that provide multiple financial products for small
businesses such as micro loans and grants, but that funding is often limited in its availability and
amount. Though many of the existing service providers provide basic services that include
business planning, accounting, and marketing, there is often a mismatch between where
businesses are in their development and the type of service provided. An example of this is when
small businesses are provided marketing consulting services in order to help them capture more
businesses but really what is needed is consulting services focused on busi ness operations and
integration that make business processes more efficient. Lastly, there has been a shortage of
culturally competent consultants that understand the different cultural norms and historical
context for ethnic groups when starting businesses. Though available consultants may be
experienced and can provide technical expertise for issues experienced by small businesses, for
ethnic groups that practice group economics, have certain religious restrictions for certain
financial products, such as non-interest loans and ethnic groups that practice anti -colonialism,
consultants can sometimes be blind to these issues and unaware of how their language and
approach may be harmful.
In the practice of small business incubation, the various needs of entrepreneurs and small
business owners can be attended to by a number of incubation models. Most small business
incubators fall under one of four business models which includes local economic development,
academic/scientific, corporate and private investment. Each of the four models share similarities
in their offering but these offerings change based on who they are targeting and what their
objective is. Non-profit business models such as those used by local economic development
authorities tend to be generalists and target small businesses, while academic non-profit models
tend to focus on internal projects and providing support that help owners commercialize their
product or find new sources of financing. On the other end of the spectrum, corporate and
private investor models tend to be for -profit models where the main objective is to profit from
investments. One benefit of for-profit models is that they tend to have more access to financial
resources, though the projects and businesses they take on have higher risks.
Business Incubator Model Comparison
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 13
Local Economic
Development Academic/Scientific Corporate Private Investors
Goal Non-profit Non-profit For-profit For-Profit
Main Activity Generalists High-Tech Radical Innovation Radical Innovation
Objectives
Job creation,
economic
development,
support target
groups
Commercialization, new
sources of financing, image
Develop employee talent,
monitoring new tech/business
models/markets, profits
Profits from selling
stock from portfolio of
companies
Targets Small businesses
Internal projects, external
projects
Internal/external projects
related to company activity
High-risk, High-return
start-ups
Offerings
• Hosting/shar
ed services
• Admin
Assistance
• Consulting/c
oaching
• Access to
financing
• Technical advice
• Concept testing
• Seed Capital
• Intellectual
property advice
• innovation
ecosystem
• Financial resources
• prototype/market
testing
• Access to
commercial markets
• strategic
partnerships
• Venture
management/
advice
• Financing
resources
• Legal services
• Personal
networks
Key Problems
• Stability of
resources
• Quality of
management
• Governance/ris
k of conflicts
about
objectives
• Legitimacy
outside institution
• Legal
status/operational
flexibility
• Management
quality
• Strategic position in
corporate structure
• Management
independence
• Mission durability
• Conflict between
owners of start-
ups/corporate
• Sourcing of
top-quality
projects
• Leveling
payment in
incubator and
services
provided
• Development of
participants at
entry and
liquidation
Trends Social Entrepreneurship
Rapid development with
support from public
programs
Testing of concepts in multiple
companies, very likely to
develop
High levels of restricting
and consolidation, still
looking for a successful
model
Source: “Best Practices for Managing Incubators” by Rahul Patwardan
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 14
Local Comparable Projects
The Minneapolis and St. Paul region has a number of ethnic marketplaces that offer a diversity
of retail and professional services accessible to its ethnic community members. Several of the
existing marketplaces were established by community members who identified a need for more
culturally relevant products and services, as well as a need to protect small business owners and
entrepreneurs from being displaced by providing opportunities for ownership. Some of the
larger and more established marketplaces such as Mercado Central and Midtown Global market
were supported by local small business service providers and non-profits such as Neighborhood
Development Center.
Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) is a local non-profit organization that provides
training and technical assistance and small business loan services to entrepreneurs and small
business owners. They also create spaces for small businesses to grow by redeveloping existing
property or building new. Their most popular development is the Midtown Global Market, which
is a vibrant economic and cultural center that is home to over 45 businesses. NDC, along with
the City of Minneapolis, entrepreneurs, and community organizations found a use for a vacant
Sears building, which many feared would be another big box retailer. Midtown Global Market is
primarily leased by food service businesses and small retailers but there are a few service
providers that operate out of the space as well.
NDC was also a crucial partner in the development of Mercado Central, which is a Latino lead
marketplace that houses a mix of professional service, food service and retail businesses. NDC in
partnership with Project for Pride in Living (PPL) supported a cooperative of Latino businesses
by purchasing and redeveloping a building in south Minneapolis, which is now owned by the
cooperative of businesses after 16 years. Mercado Central is managed by an executive director
who reports directly to the cooperatives board. Though Mercado central is owned by a
cooperative legal structure, the cooperative members are exploring the establishment of a non -
profit organization which they plan to use to raise funding in the form of grants and tax -
deductible donations.
NEON, or the Northside Economic Opportunity Network, is non-profit organization that offers
business technical assistance and specializes in developing food service businesses. Currently
they occupy approximately 6,500 square feet of office space in North Minneapolis with plans to
expand in the future. Though not a traditional market or retail space, NEON does offer small
office and hot desk space for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
NEON Mercado Central Midtown Global
Market Hmong Village Karmel Mall
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 15
Square Footage ~6,500 ~28,000 ~86,084 ~105,000 ~174,302
# Of Businesses ~7+ ~ 48 ~45 ~186 ~120
Types of
Businesses
co-working,
retail, food
service,
professional
services
Retail, Food
Service,
Professional
Service
Retail, Food
Service,
Professional
Service
Retail, Food
Service,
Professional
Service
Retail, Food
Service,
Professional
Service
Location North
Minneapolis
South
Minneapolis
South
Minneapolis St. Paul South
Minneapolis
Entrepreneur Market Plaza/Market Structure and Approach
Based on data collected through ACER during COVID -Impact relief efforts and NAICS industry
data, the Entrepreneur Market Plaza/market should focus on the following industries:
· Retail
· Professional/Scientific/Technology
· Health care/social services
Though these are the primary industries present in the region and among entrepreneurs of color,
the market should also cater to the needs of the general public, acting as a destination center
for the day employment population, and weekend recreational activities. By catering to the needs
of both the public and entrepreneurs the Entrepreneurship Market Plaza will create a dynamic
environment that supports the retention and expansion of local entrepreneurs.
Key Elements of a Successful Incubator
There are several key elements that successful small business incubators share. Some of those
key elements are considered “must haves”, meaning that they are crucial to the start-up phase
of the incubator and its financial solvency. Other key elements are those that would be “good
to have”, meaning that they are not necessary for the startup of the incubator but should be
considered as the incubator grows.
Key Elements of a Successful Incubator
Must-Have Good to Have
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 16
Leading Entity: Have a leader who is
responsible for the incubator start -up and
on-going operations.
Events: Host pitch days, networking happy
hours and other events to support and grow
businesses.
Location Services: Offer below-market
amenities, office/retail space, shared-services,
etc.
Application Evaluation & Selection: Choose
tenant businesses based on clear, relevant
requirements to ensure quality.
Strong Partnerships: Proactively engage local
government, institutions, business leaders.
Post-incubator Placement Assistance: Plan
for and support tenant business graduation
and next steps.
Programming & Mentorship: provide basic
business technical assistance, customized
assistance and mentorship opportunities.
Early Customer Programs: Create processes
for incubator partners to become early
customers of tenant businesses.
The Kauffman Foundation, whose programs support the research and practice of
entrepreneurship, recommends 7 principles that we believe should be followed that encourag es
entrepreneurship leadership, entrepreneur’s ownership in the programming and the long -term
success of the programs and its participants. Those principles are the following:
7 principles for Designing an entrepreneurship ecosystem:
1. Put entrepreneurs front and center
2. Foster conversations
3. Enlist collaborators.
4. Live the values
5. Connect people (bottom up, top down, outside-in)
6. Tell the community’s authentic story
7. Start, be patient
Put entrepreneurs front and center
The most critical component of a community of entrepreneurs is that they lead it and work
closely with collaborators in order to make it work. This includes listening to entrepreneurs in
order to design solutions that are entrepreneur centric.
Foster conversations
The primary focus of an entrepreneurship ecosystem is that knowledge and resources move
between those that are involved. This includes developing programming that creates interactions
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 17
among peers, develops conversations that inspire hope and support aspirations and is rooted in
action, which is a key driver for entrepreneurial success.
Enlist collaborators
A thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem is one that has a culture of invitation. This includes being
radically inclusive, eliminating barriers based on age, culture, race, gender, or neighborhood. It
also includes enhancing the diversity of connections and acting as a keystone by filling in gaps
in the ecosystem.
Live the values
In order for an ecosystem to be successful it needs leaders who lead in a different way than what
is traditionally shown. This doesn’t mean that the community is hierarchical but that it
encourages leadership throughout the ecosystem and supports leaders who lead from behind
and empower others through listening and being connectors.
Connect people
The central element of a thriving ecosystem is one built on trust, collaboration and mutual gain.
In order to build this thriving ecosystem, there is a need to build community across all its social
boundaries by developing new communities out of old boundaries and developing social
feedback loops that encourage and accelerate the flow of information.
Tell the community’s authentic story
It is important to focus on a community’s specific story rather than trying to emula te a peer
community or a community such as Silicon Valley. The best way to do so is learn the history of
entrepreneurs and their businesses, while creating ways for these stories to be shared.
Start, be patient
There is a need to take a long-term view of the change that entrepreneurs can bring to a
community. This could take a decade or two to see any lasting results. The process of building a
successful entrepreneurial community is emergent rather than linear, which means it is of great
importance not to only measure success by traditional economic metrics and reports but also by
the stories that are happening in real time.
Programming
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 18
Based on conversations with local entrepreneurs, visibility, affordability, and skills that develop
professionalism were the top three needs identified that should be addressed by the EMP. Using
small business relief grant data collected by ACER, we analyzed needs and business types for
over 150 small businesses. Among those businesses, the primary needs included access to
customers, finance and accounting and ability to scale inventory as the primary needs. The
businesses examined primarily operated in the retail, health care and beauty, and professional
service (taxes, construction, marketing, e tc.) industries. After having examined these businesses,
a general business technical assistance program may be implemented to reach a broad range of
business types, while also offering some specialty services focused on e -commerce and
professional and management skills. Examples of services that might be offered to entrepreneurs
include the following:
Programming:
- Business Planning & Basics
- Technical Assistance (marketing, accounting, legal, e-commerce, HR)
- Market Development
- Access to Capital
- Product Development/Feasibility
- Coaching/Mentoring
- Networking Opportunities
- Presentation Skills
- Decision making
- e-commerce & cyber security
Customer:
- Day workforce (Monday – Friday)
- General public (Early Evening/Weekends)
Clients:
- General Assistance (Business Development)
- One-time customized assistance (Business Development)
- Long-term individual assistance (Virtual Incubation)
- Incubation client (Physical tenant)
Clients of the Entrepreneur Market Plaza programming will be broken into four levels of client
service. The first level of service is general business assistance which is available to all who enter
the EMP. This includes those exploring the idea of starting a business and those still in the startup
phase of their business.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 19
The second level of service is similar to general assistance but for those who have a specified
need that may require service one time or infrequently. Examples of this include customer
relationship management training, market research, or legal services for document review.
The third level of service can be described as virtual incubation due to the nature of the
entrepreneur needing long-term support but not necessarily needing a physical location to work.
This may include entrepreneurs needing assistance with taxes and accounting, developing
systems for hiring and human resources, or in need of specialty services such as management
training, presentation training, or decision-making skill-building.
The fourth level of service will be catered towards entrepreneurs who are i n need of a physical
location and will have access to a comprehensive package of services. These include
entrepreneurs and small businesses with an established business but lack visibility and are in
need of marketing support to build their clientele. It a lso includes retail and service-based
businesses who can utilize pop-up space to establish a brand presence as they work towards
scaling their operations. By being physically located in the EMP these entrepreneurs will have
access to resources on site as well as frequent contact with advisors and mentors.
Business Capital Needs
Most small businesses are funded early on out-of-pocket by the entrepreneur. Due to this most
small businesses and entrepreneurs are finding themselves making decisions that h ave
potentially negative impacts such as leasing spaces that are affordable but have poor
infrastructure or visibility, not investing in the proper advertising opportunities or not properly
managing cash flow so that their business is always operating in a deficit. On top of having to
fund businesses out of pocket, many small businesses and entrepreneurs operate as a sole
proprietor taking on a lot of the financial and legal risk if their business was ever to endure any
hardship. Lastly, another challenge that these businesses experience is the lack of bank financing
due to their personal financial positions or the understanding that banks typically finance the
growth of businesses rather than the start of them.
The primary capital needs of the small business and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn Center are micro -
grants and 0%-low interest loans. Most small businesses and entrepreneurs need access to loans
that are below $100,000, which for many banks are costly and risky. By providing micro -grants
and low-interest capital, local entrepreneurs and small businesses can access needed financing
for acquiring assets, pursuing new opportunities, covering operating expenses, or replacing
capital assets and repairs.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 20
Rather than provide financing directly to small business owners, the role of the incubator
should be to identify potential resources for funding and assisting small business owners in
presenting a case for funding. This can be accomplished through services that address business
planning, market research, strong product offerings, and demonstration of financial and
management experience.
The incubator should also plan to work with the economic development authority and lenders
to develop programs that address specific business needs as they arise. Leadership of the
incubator should be familiar with alternative sources of funding such as grant opportunities
and programs, as well as emerging practices such as community lending platforms and
collaborative consumption.
Facility and Infrastructure Needs
Given the types of businesses that have been identified, we anticipate that the facility will consist
of office space and supporting uses (conference rooms, phone/breakout areas), two to three
food service uses, and small footprints of retail space.
When exploring the size of an incubator, there are several things that should be considered
that will impact the cost of infrastructure, furniture and equipment needed for business
tenants. Size varies from incubator to incubator but the most appropriate size for an incubator
is one that can achieve critical mass of business tenants, which is between 20 -30 clients.
Secondly the size of the incubator should allow for client’s expansion into the incubator,
keeping in mind the goal of helping clients expand and grow their operations and profitability.
It is ideal if unit sizes vary within the incubator as experience has shown that incubators do not
work well when all the business units are the same size.
Proposed Facility Space requirements
• Private office – 150 Square feet
• Open workspace - 64 to 100 square feet
• Large conference room - 1500 square feet
• Small conference room – 500 square feet
• Retail – 300 to 500 square feet
• Food Vendor – 200 to 500 square feet
Ownership, Operational & Management Form
The recommended structure for the Entrepreneurship Market Plaza is for it to be formed as a
non-profit organization that is directly supported by the City with contributing support from
other small business supporting organizations that have the capacity, expertise and cultural
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 21
competence to provide the desired level of service. The City of Brooklyn Center should own the
building with an exit strategy that transfers long -term ownership to a community-led entity
such as a community-based investment cooperative.
The non-profit organization will be responsible for the management of the facility and the
programs and will lease space from the city. Once ownership of the building is transferred to
the community-owned and led entity, the non-profit organization will act as an anchor tenant.
Establishing a separate organization from the City has many advantageous benefits that
include:
• Having greater flexibility to act quicker and with fewer restrictions on the activities it is
engaged in.
• The incubator would not be entirely dependent on upon local government budgets. It
would have the ability to develop funding strategies separate of the city.
• As tax-deductible organization it is capable of receiving foundation and grant support.
• A separate non-profit organization is in better position to protect client confidentiality
and not subject to any open records laws.
The initial board of the organization should be appointed by the Brooklyn Center Economic
Development Authority. There should be special attention given to making sure the
entrepreneurship and small business community is well represented on the board. The board
should be balanced between city officials and staff that can maintain a strong relationship
between the organization and city, and professionals who have first-hand knowledge of what it
means to be an entrepreneur and the issues facing small businesses. A well -balanced board
might have the following make up:
• Small business owner (retail)
• Small business owner (business services)
• Small business owner (manufacturing/shipping)
• Small business owner (technical services/IT)
• Financial sector (banking/accounting)
• Attorney
• EDA member
• City Council member
• Regional Partner (county or university)
The role of the board will be to provide strategic oversight and direction of the incubator. They
are not expected to be involved in the day-to-day management of the facilities or services.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 22
City Role
The City of Brooklyn Center should initially play the primary role in developing the small
business incubator. Specific roles will be to inform the incubator organization, purchase the
building, and invest in needed improvements. The city should expect to be a lead advocate,
partner and funder of the incubator. Over the long-term the city should expect to make annual
contributions towards operations.
Management
Staffing the Entrepreneur Market Plaza should be based on the number of long -term individuals
assisted and intensive incubation clients that will be serviced by the Entrepreneur Market Plaza.
On average one full time equivalent employee can manage 8-9 clients. This means that if there
is an average of 10-18 clients will be physically located on site or needing intensive service, that
the Entrepreneur Market Plaza should plan to launch with an Executive Director and two full time
staff dedicated to the provision of resources and services.
The incubator should expect to have a full-time director during its initial startup phase. The
individual hired for this position should have prior experience managing incubators including
business development and fund-raising experience. Some initial responsibilities include:
• Assist in developing the strategic plan and annual workplans
• Building relationships with public and private organizations that may support the
mission
• Market the incubator and screen potential tenants
• Establish and manage the incubators professional service, advisor and mentor networks
• Provide financial management, prepare annual budgets, and report routinely to the
board
• Manage fundraising and grant activities
• Collect data to measure outcomes
• Manage operations of the facility
During the initial development of the incubator the director will be primarily focused on
logistical issues developing the incubator, developing programs and marketing services. One
full-time employee should be hired to support the director during the startup phase of the
incubator with the expectation of taking on full responsibility of program development and
marketing services in the future as business council.
Client Intake, Progress, and Graduation
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 23
Client intake should be focused on identifying the needs, goals and level of business
development needed. The strategy envisions 4 levels of client services with varying level of
screening needed for each. For clients looking for general assistance or customized individual
assistance, little to know screening may be needed as costs may be recovered through class or
individual program fee models. For more intensive clients such as those needing physical or
virtual on-going assistance, where costs may be heavily subsidized, more stringent
requirements during the screen process should be considered to justify the investment. These
requirements should be set by the incubators board.
It commonly takes 3-4 years for an incubator to reach its max capacity, where during the initial
years of operations incubators may have less restrictive criteria for client intake. Some of the
commonly used evaluation criteria includes:
• Market viability (marketing plan)
• Ability to execute (business plan)
• Targeted industry sectors (professional services, retail/consumer products, health care
and social services)
• Potential job creation
• Selling to non-local market
Most incubators will try to graduate tenant businesses after 3 years, but this is not always the
case, and some businesses may remain a tenant for five to seven plus years. One of the
ultimate goals of the incubator should be to graduate viable and sustainable businesses that
can own or lease commercial space at market rate. On-going monitoring of business progress
and setting up tiered lease structures are two measures that can be used to help graduate
businesses.
Operational Costs
Only one out five incubators are fully funded by tenant lease and program fee revenue. Most
incubators receive on annual contributions from economic development entities that subsidize
program operations. Typical funding for an incubator includes federal and state grants,
municipal dollars, institutional gifts, and private capital. On -going public subsidy is typically
harder to source and maintain than start-up capital. Usually, a combination of public subsidy
and tenant lease payments is used to operate the incubator long term.
Local business leaders, anchor institutions, and local government are typically the most crucial
funding sources during the initial start-up of a business incubator. Additionally, grants from the
federal EDA are sometimes available but the application process can be extremely competitive,
and the pool of funds have declined over recent years. It should also be noted that ED A
funding can come with a lot of strings attached that restrict the use of the property for several
years. EDA funding is most times exclusively available for incubator set up and not for on -
going operations.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 24
Common Funding sources include:
• Local Foundations
• Local Universities and Community Colleges
• Local Chamber of Commerce
• Local County Government
• High Net worth Individuals
• Economic Development Administration Opportunities
The success of an incubator is not dependent on the size or age of the incubator but
incubators with larger budgets typically outperform those with smaller budgets. Incubators
with more financial resources have more capacity to deliver services, however th e sources of
funding and how they are used are equally important. Incubators that invest more resources in
staffing and program delivery tend to have better client outcomes, and those incubators that
have a larger portion of revenue coming from tenant lease payments and service fees perform
better than other programs. Below is an example of initial expenses during the start-up phase
of an incubator. These costs are based on incubators between 1,000 – 10,000 square feet in
size and those who service between 15-30 tenants.
Incubator Start-up Operating Costs
Low High
Staff (x1) $62K $71K
Marketing $14K $36K
Client Services $60K $120K
Hardware/IT $17K $28K
Admin/OH $31K $122K
Other $97K $122K
Infrastructure $20K $30K
Total $301K $529K
Source: infoDev.org/businessincubation
Below is a cost guide based on office tenants in North America from 2019 -2020. These costs
are broken out over three levels from basic office build outs (low) to high end luxury office
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 25
suites (high). For the Entrepreneurship Market Plaza, a medium to high level build out will
provide quality office and retail space that serves the needs of business tenants while providing
a high-quality destination center for visitors. For businesses that require space with a sense of
creativity, collaboration and technology, costs for fitting out the space increase towards the
high end of the cost guide.
Office Fit-out Cost Guide (per square foot)
Low Medium High
Total Project Costs $95 $117 $228
Construction Costs $56 $65 $152
Furniture, Fixtures &
Equipment $23.90 $30.85 $45.43
Professional Fees $5.44 $8.61 $14.47
Technology $8.93 $11.05 $14.67
Source: North American Fit-Out Cost Guide 2019/2020, CBRE
Assessment Tool
This section provides additional tools that may be used to help administer the incubator. It
includes metrics that may be used to assess program performance and impact, and a job
description for a facility manager.
The business incubator may be assessed on the two dimensions of operational performance
and program performance. Operational aspects refer mainly to the budgetary and physical
performance of the incubator, while program performance addresses the statistical data and
perceptions of programs and services offered by the incubator.
Operational Assessment
• Budgetary Performance
Revenues by source • Lease revenue and facility rental
• Fees for programs or services
• Grants
• Cash and in-kind contributions • Other sources of revenue
Expenses
• Facility-related expenses • Staff and overhead expenses
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 26
• Programming expenses
Net operating revenue
Percentage of costs recovered • Incubator Facility Performance
Occupancy/vacancy rate
Turnover among incubator tenants
Business mix of tenants • Organizational Performance
Number and type of partners (funders, mentors, service providers, etc.)
Partners continuing on from the prior year
Program Assessment
• Businesses started after using incubator services
Woman and minority business formation
• Attendance at classes and other events • Utilization of incubator services
• Total number of clients and new clients by type
Incubator tenants • Jobs created (FT/PT)
• Wages
• Growth in revenues
• Survival rate • Terminated companies
Affiliate clients
• Jobs created (FT/PT)
• Wages • Growth in revenues
• Survival rate
• Terminated companies • Number of graduate businesses
Percent of graduates still in business
Percent located in River Falls or percent located in Pierce and St. Croix
Counties
Length of stay in incubator prior to graduation
Jobs created (FT/PT)
Wages
Growth in revenues
• University research opportunities created • University student placement (interns or regular hires)
• Technologies commercialized
• Research and start-up funding raised with incubator assistance
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 27
• Clients should be uniformly surveyed to assess perceived value of the incubator facilities
and services. This would include a short survey for all participants in classes, training
programs, and events, addressing the relevance of the topic, quality of instruction or
assistance, need for more or less detail, value offered for the registration fee, and similar
topics. A similar survey should be used to assess the quality of one -time assistance
programs. A more substantial survey of tenants and affiliate clients should be
conducted annually. Survey questions should explore:
o Quality of incubator facilities
o Need for additional facilities
o Need for additional equipment
o Quality of assistance provided – advisors, mentors, etc.
o Need for additional services
o Perceived impact of incubation services on business success
Business Incubator Manager Job Description
The Business Incubator Manager is responsible for programming and operations of a
mixed-use business incubator serving resident and affiliate businesses. The Business
Incubator Manager exercises independent judgment, decision making skills, and discretion
in the performance of the position’s duties. Performance in this position will be measured
by the number and success of businesses assisted through incubator services, as well as
the relevance and quality of programs or services offered to businesses. Specific duties of
the Business Incubator Manager include:
Incubator Development
• As the business incubator is in the development stage, the Business Incubator Manager
will be expected to play a lead role in designing and codifying policies and procedures
to govern the facility, it programs, and its relationships with clients, services providers,
and partners.
Programming Responsibilities
o Develop and manage entrepreneurial education programs, seminars, business
skills training, and networking opportunities for incubator tenants, affiliate
clients, and the general business community.
o Plan and execute a marketing and public relations campaign designed to
increase awareness of the business incubator and its programs, and to recruit
new tenants and affiliate clients.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 28
o Provide direct support and counseling to incubator tenants and affiliate clients
on basic business topics and business planning, and guide businesses to
additional public or private resources that may help them to address more
substantial issues.
o Establish and maintain a network of high-quality service providers who can
provide training, mentoring, advisory services, or resources to the incubator, its
tenants, and affiliate clients.
o Carry out a community outreach program develop and sustain relationships with
government agencies, economic development partners, businesses,
organizations, and individuals who may provide continued political, technical, or
financial support for the business incubator. Provide collaboration with area
economic development partners.
o Sustain close relationships with critical resources at the UW-River Falls, provide
support for expanded campus facilities, assist in technology commercialization,
and support faculty and student entrepreneurship.
Operational Responsibilities
o Manage the day-to -day operations of the business incubator, including
maintenance, access and security, facility or equipment scheduling, utilities and
services, procurement of services and materials, and other administrative
functions
o Develop annual operating plans and budgets, prepare monthly financial and
activity reports for board review, and recommend actions for board
consideration.
o Ensure compliance with legal requirements for operations, including
compliance with local, state and federal codes, OSHA and environmental
requirements, IRS and Wisconsin Department of Revenue filings, etc.
o Schedule and conduct monthly board meetings and coordinate the activities of
any committees.
o Identify and complete applications for grants funding and carry out other fundraising activities.
o Conduct recruitment, screening, intake, and regular review of incubator tenants
and affiliate clients. Negotiate and structure of client agreements and leases,
including the collection of rents and fees. Keep accurate files and records of each
client company and any related correspondence.
o Track and report performance of the business incubator, its
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 29
tenants, and affiliate clients. Requirements:
o Bachelor’s degree in business or closely related field, master’s degree preferred.
o Minimum of five years’ experience in business with start-up experience
preferred. Candidates with experience in business incubator management are
also preferred.
o Demonstrated knowledge of contract management, budgeting, fund raising,
and project management. Candidates should also have expertise in the content
areas of opportunity analysis, capital formation and financing, business plan and
business model development, technology commercialization, customer
development and lean startup, and risk assessment and risk management.
o Excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication and problem-solving skills.
o Experience working with confidential and sensitive information.
o Flexibility and availability for working beyond the regular 8 -hour workday and
attending occasional weekend and evening meetings. Occasional travel may be
required.
References
i. Baboolall, David., Cook, Kelemwork., Noel, Nick., Stewart, Shelley., Yancy, Nina.,
“Building supportive ecosystems for Black-owned US Businesses.” McKinsey & Company.
29 Oct. 2020. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-and-social-sector/our-
insights/building-supportive-ecosystems-for-black-owned-us-businesses#
ii. Schulman, Carolyn. “Best Practices for Technical Assistance Programs Serving Black and
Hispanic Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners.” Milken Institute. Sept. 2018.
https://milkeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/reports-pdf/Best-Practices-for-TA -
Programs-FINAL_2.pdf
iii. Leimenstoll, Will., Fryberger, Carolyn., “Incubator Guide: Is an incubator right for your
community?” NC Growth-SmartUp. Spring 2020. https://createprosperity.unc.edu/wp-
content/uploads/2020/06/IncubatorGuide_NCGROWTH_5_2020_1.pdf
iv. Lewis A., David., Harper-Anderson, Elsie., Molnar A., Lawrence., “Incubation Best
Practices That Lead to Successful New Ventures.” U.S. Department of Commerce,
Economic Development Administration. 2011.
http://edaincubatortool.org/pdf/Master%20Report_FINALDownloadPDF.pdf
v. “Financing an Incubator.” InfoDev, https://www.infodev.org/business-incubation-
toolkit.
vi. “Planning an Incubator.” InfoDev, https://www.infodev.org/business-incubation-toolkit.
vii. “The Dream Center: Incubator Business Plan.” City of Auburn, WA.
https://www.ipzauburn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IPZ-Incubator-Business-
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 30
Plan.pdf
viii.“Business Incubator Feasibility Study.” River Falls, WI.
https://www.placedynamics.com/assets/riverfalls.pdf
ix.“North America Fit-Cost Guide 2019/2020.” CBRE.
http://cbre.vo.llnwd.net/grgservices/secure/NAM%20Fit-
Out%20Cost%20Guide%202019-
20%20Redux%20Final.pdf?e=1622650802&h=f4a970026b0682f14d609737012d4d41
x.Frost, Bill., “The 10 Best States to Laucnh Your Startup (and 10 to Avoid).” Business.org. 4
Dec 2019. https://www.business.org/business/startup/top-cities-for-entrepreneurs-
and-startups/
xi.“Minnesota Startup Accelerators: The Ultimate Guide.” Tech.mn. 28 Jan 2021.
https://tech.mn/news/2021/01/28/minnesota-startup-accelerators-the-ultimate-guide
xii.“Business Incubators.” Reference for Business.
https://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Bo-Co/Business-Incubators.html
xiii.“Small Business Credit Survey: 2020 Report on Employer Firms.” Federal Reserve Bank.
2020.
https://www.fedsmallbusiness.org/medialibrary/FedSmallBusiness /files/2020/2020-
sbcs-employer-firms-report
xiv.“Food Halls of North America.” Cushman & Wakefield. 2018.
http://www.hendricksonjohnson.com/files/CW -Retail-FoodHalls-2018%20(1).pdf
xv.“Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building Playbook 3.0” Kauffman Foundation.
https://www.kauffman.org/ecosystem-playbook-draft-3/ecosystems/
Other Resources:
•U.S. Economic Development Administration Funding Opportunities
•U.S. Economic Development Administration Incubator Best Practices
•Launch MN
•Small Business Administration: Office of Investments and Innovation Resources
•InBIA: Global Network of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builders
•Kauffman Foundation Grants
•Grants.gov
•Minority Business Development Agency
•National Association for the Self-Employed
•List of MN Incubators/Accelerators
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 31
Trade Areas: 10-minutes & 15-minutes’ Drive Time
Source: ESRI ArcGIS
Appendix A.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 32
Total Native Foreign born
Label Estimate Esti mate Esti mate
Total population 30,849 2 3,494 7 ,3 55
SEX AND AGE
Mal e 47 .9 %47.5%49.3%
Female 52 .1 %52.5%50.7%
Median age (years)31.9 29.3 38 .3
RACE AND HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN
One race 97 .3 %96.8%98.8%
White 44 .5 %53.5%15.9%
Blac k or African American 29 .0 %26.5%37.1%
American Indian and Alaska Nati ve 0.4%0.5%0.0%
Asian 16 .3 %12.2%29.3%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Isl ander 0.1%0.2%0.0%
Some other race 7.0%4.0%16.6%
Two or more races 2.7%3.2%1.2%
Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race)13 .5 %9.1%27.3%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 38 .3 %48.6%5.4%
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINM ENT
Popul ation 25 years and over 19,654 1 3,495 6 ,1 59
Less than high school graduate 14 .7 %6.6%32.3%
Hi gh school graduate (includes equivalency)30 .3 %31.4%28.0%
Some col lege or associ ate's degree 34 .7 %39.9%23.2%
Bachelor's degree 15 .1 %16.4%12.3%
Graduate or professional degree 5.2%5.7%4.1%
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Popul ation 16 years and over 22,495 1 5,743 6 ,7 52
In labor force 74 .6 %72.5%79.5%
Employed 70 .4 %68.3%75.4%
Unemployed 4.0%4.2%3.7%
Not in labor force 25 .4 %27.5%20.5%
CLASS OF WORKER
Private wage and salary workers 89 .0 %86.9%93.4%
Government workers 8.1%9.4%5.2%
Self-employed workers i n own not incorporated business 2.8%3.5%1.4%
Unpaid family workers 0.1%0.2%0.0%
OCCUPATION
Management, busi ness, sci ence, and arts occupations 28 .1 %32.1%19.7%
Service occupations 20 .8 %16.6%29.7%
Sales and office occupations 21 .8 %26.7%11.6%
Natural resources, construction, and mai ntenance occupations 7.8%7.6%8.2%
Producti on, transportati on, and material moving occupations 21 .5 %17.0%30.8%
INDUSTRY
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 0.4%0.6%0.2%
Construction 5.7%4.8%7.8%
Manufacturing 18 .0 %13.1%28.4%
Whol esale trade 3.0%3.8%1.4%
Retai l trade 13 .4 %15.3%9.3%
Transportation and warehousi ng, and utiliti es 4.0%4.4%3.2%
Informati on 1.4%1.6%0.9%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 5.7%7.7%1.4%
Professional, sci enti fic, and management, and administrati ve and waste
management services 10 .6 %10.2%11.4%
Educational servi ces, and health care and social assistance 23 .0 %23.0%22.9%
Arts, entertainment, and recreati on, and accommodation and food servi ces 8.3%7.7%9.6%
Other services (except public admi nistration)3.9%4.5%2.5%
Publi c administration 2.7%3.4%1.2%
INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2 019 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)
Mean earnings (dol lars)69,584 7 1,909 64,35 2
Median Househol d income (dollars)59,550 6 0,871 57,32 7
POVERTY RATES FOR FAMILIES FOR WHOM POV ERTY STATUS IS DETERMINED
All famili es 13 .7 %10.8%19.0%
Occupi ed housi ng units 10,394 7,57 5 2 ,8 19
HOUSING TENURE
Owner-occupied housi ng units 60 .7 %65.9%46.8%
Renter-occupied housi ng units 39 .3 %34.1%53.2%
Source: U.S. Census American Communi ty Survey 5-year estimates 2 019
SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NATIVE AND FOREIGN-BORN POPULATIONS
Appendix B.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 33
Geograpic
Area
2017 NAICS
Code
Meaning of
NAICS Code Year Total # of
Firms
Total # of
Establ i shmen
ts
Sales Value of
Shipments or
Revenue
Annual
Payrol l
Total # of
Employees
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
42 Wholesale
trade 20 1 7 23 2 3 420,614 31,5 6 6 597
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
44 -4 5 Retail trade 20 1 7 53 6 4 830,799 66,1 7 1 2,053
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
48 -4 9
Transportation
and
warehousing
20 1 7 D D D 2,79 1 20 to 99
employees
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
51 Information 20 1 7 9 1 1 N 4,55 4 80
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
52 Finance and
insurance 20 1 7 14 1 6 N 4,36 8 104
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
53
Real estate and
rental and
leasing
20 1 7 32 3 4 39,494 5,10 9 148
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
54
Professional,
scientific, and
technical
services
20 1 7 60 6 0 89,211 45,4 7 3 490
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
56
Administrative
and support
and waste
management
and
remediation
services
20 1 7 40 4 1 110,695 60,5 2 6 1,719
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
61 Educational
services 20 1 7 D D D D 2 50 to 499
employees
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
62
Health care
and social
assistance
20 1 7 117 1 4 1 203,984 89,0 3 1 2,781
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
71
Arts,
entertainment
, and
recreation
20 1 7 6 6 4,680 1,34 8 115
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
72
Ac commodati
on and food
services
20 1 7 54 5 9 70,470 17,8 8 7 1,067
Brooklyn
Center city,
Minnesota
81
Other services
(except public
administration
)
20 1 7 27 2 7 21,210 7,90 6 344
Source: U.S. Economi c Census 2017
Summary Statistic s for Brooklyn Cente r Industry 2017
Appendix C.
BROOKLYN CENTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET STRATEGY
pg. 34
Rac e Gender Total # of
Fi rms
Sal es recei pts
or val ue of
shipments
for Total # of
Fi rms
Total # of
Firms wit h
pai d
employees
Tot al sal es or
value of
shi pments
for fi rms
wi th paid
employees
Total # of
paid
employees
Total annual
payrol l
Tot al # of
fi rms
without
empl oyees
Sal es recei pts
or val ue of
shipments
for Total # of
Fi rms
without
empl oyees
Al l firms All firms 2,132 1 ,96 2 ,26 1 41 4 1,9 17,965 10 ,54 8 43 4,68 1 1 ,718 44,2 96
Al l firms Femal e-
owned 7 56 48,6 54 5 1 3 8,7 03 487 10 ,03 3 7 06 9,9 51
Al l firms Male-owned 1,166 8 34,990 22 4 8 03,6 98 3 ,74 2 14 3,39 5 9 43 31,2 92
Whi te All firms 1,211 8 04,899 22 5 7 73,8 90 3 ,28 2 14 1,75 7 9 87 31,0 10
Bl ack or
Afric an
Ameri can
All firms 4 64 24,4 62 2 0 1 6,6 54 431 4 ,707 4 43 7,8 08
Asian All firms 3 23 71,5 58 5 7 6 6,2 78 723 12 ,04 3 2 66 5,2 81
Chinese All firms 3 6 S 1 8 S 20 to 99
employees S 1 8 S
Vietnamese All firms 4 7 S 2 S 0 to 1 9
employees S 4 4 S
Other Asian All firms 2 11 40,5 84 1 9 3 8,2 72 290 4 ,671 1 92 2,3 12
Some other
rac e All firms 4 3 8 8 2 0 0 0 0 4 3 8 82
Mi nori ty All firms 8 82 99,3 72 8 2 8 3,7 47 1 ,17 6 17 ,10 6 8 00 15,6 24
Nonminority All firms 1,135 8 01,617 22 0 7 73,0 74 3 ,26 0 14 1,40 1 9 15 28,5 44
Source: U.S. Census Economic Annual Survey 2 012
S tatistics for All U.S. Firms by Indust ry , Gender, Eth nicity, and Race for Brookly n Cen ter in
L ab el Esti mate
L aos 1 ,0 5 8
Thai l and 6 3 8
Vi etnam 1 8 2
Ethi opi a 3 5 8
K enya 2 5 7
L i beri a 1 ,3 1 3
Ni geri a 3 8 6
Ot her W estern Afri c a 1 7 8
Guat emal a 3 2 6
Mexi c o 1 ,5 4 9
Sourc e: U.S. Census Ameri c an Communi t y Survey 2 0 1 9
Top 10 Pl ac e of Birth for Fore ign Born Popul ation
Appendix D.
Entrepreneurship Market Plaza
Assumptions
Model Start Date 6/1/2022 <-- Adjust to real start date here
Project Information
Project Name Entrepreneurship Market Plaza <-- Name of the Incubator
City Brooklyn Center
County Hennepin
State Minnesota
Type New Construction <-- NEW CONSTRUCTION OR RENOVATION
Acreage -<-- ENTER ACREAGE HERE
Construction Assumptions
Cost of Land -$ <-- From property records or landowner directly
Cost per Square Foot (including site dev. and hard costs)275$ <--Get an estimate from local contractors (excludes parking)
Soft Costs (as percentage of Hard Costs)20%<-- Stick with 20% unless clear rationale for change
Efficiency Ratio 0.90 <-- Reduce if some incubator space is 'non-leasable' space
Operating Assumptions
Rent/Income Growth annually 3.0%<-- Income (Rent) increases over time
Expense & Reserve Inflation 2.5%<-- Expenses rise over time with inflation
Reserve(s) Interest Rate 0.0%<-- Are your reserves earning interest in a bank account?
Initial Vacancy Rate 100.0%<--How full will the incubator be on opening day?
Long Term Vacancy Rate 7.0%<-- Expect some long term vacancy to be conservative
Annual Replacement Reserve per sq ft 14,000$ <-- Reserves for re-leasing space (cleaning, repainting, repairs etc.
Annual Op Ex Reserve per sq ft 14,000$ <-- Reserves to manage unexpectedly high operational costs.
Income Assumptions
Total Square Feet 14,000 <-- SF of total space
Tenant Income $10 139,440 <-- Annual Tenant Income
Service fees -16,800 <-- Annual Total $
Grants -250,000 <-- Annual Total $
Total # of Tenants 14 406,240 <-- Total Income
Per Square Foot Monthly Rent/1000 SF Workspace Monthly Rent per Section
Initial Rent per Square Foot 0.83$ 830$ 11,620$
Year 2 Rent 0.85$ 855$ 11,969$
Year 3 Rent 0.88$ 881$ 12,328$
Year 4 Rent 0.91$ 907$ 12,697$
Year 5 Rent 0.93$ 934$ 13,078$
Operating Assumptions & Expenses
Annual Total Total Monthly Per Square Foot
Administrative Personnel (Set based on annual total)120,000$ 10,000$ 8.57$
Professional Services (Set based on annual total)120,000$ 10,000$ 8.57$
Insurance (Set based on annual total)5,000$ 417$ 0.36$
Landscaping Maintenance (Set based on annual total)14,000$ 1,167$ 1.00$
Legal Expenses (Set based on annual total)10,000$ 833$ 0.71$
Utilities (Electricity etc.) (Set based on annual total)42,000$ 3,500$ 3.00$
Marketing (Set based on annual total)14,000$ 1,167$ 1.00$
Total 325,000$ 27,083$ 23.21$
Property Taxes (likely zero if space is publicly owned)-$ -$ -$
Financing Assumptions
Grant 1: Economic Development Agency (EDA)<-- This info is used to determine right % for your community based on income levels.
Max investment rate if A/B unemployment/per capita
income provision met 80%Investment rate for community:50%
Max investment rate if C/D unemployment/per capita
income provision met 70%
^ Input correct % for your
community here for model.
Max investment rate if E/F unemployment/per capita
income provision met 60%
Max investment rate if G/H unemployment/per capita
income provision met 50%
Reimbursement Schedule 25/50/75/90/100
Grant 2 ex. Local Government
Grants or Local EDA 500,000$
Reimbursement Schedule <-- For informational purposes only; not built into model
Construction Loan
Percent of total cost 50%
Interest Rate 6.00%<-- Highly dependent on macro-economic factors
Project Timing
Months between site acq. & construction start 6 <-- Estimated planning process time
Construction Initiation 12/1/22 <-- Dependent on initial start date set at the top
Construction Length (Months)18
Construction Completion 6/1/24
Receipt of EDA Grant (Reimbursement)10/1/23 <-- If applicable
Receipt of Grant 2 6/1/24 <-- If applicable
Appendix E.
Entrepreneurship Market Plaza
Uses of Funds
Use of Funds Total Cost
Cost of Land -$ <-- Value of the land or building
Hard Construction Costs (including site dev.)3,850,000$ <-- Hard Cost per SF number multiplied by the incubator's square footage.
Soft Costs (as percentage of Hard Costs)770,000$ <-- A certain percentage of the total hard costs.
Donation of Land?0 <-- Is the land or building donated?
Other Donations?-$
Project Costs Before Financing 4,620,000$ <-- Total cost excluding loan interest etc.
Interest on Construction Loan 69,300$
Project Costs After Financing 4,689,300$ <-- Total cost including loan interest etc.
Breakeven Year 12 Years
Total Cost to Build ($4,689,300)
Total Grants Revenue for Construction $4,689,300
Gross Revenue to Breakeven Year $5,356,452
Gross Operating Expenses to Breakeven Year ($5,344,576)
Net Revenue at Breakeven Year $11,876
Top-Level Returns Information
Appendix F.
Entrepreneurship Market Plaza
Sources of Funds
Permanent Sources Source Organization Amount Commencement Date
Percent of Total
Development Cost
(before financing)
Grant 1 Ex. Economic Development Administration $ 2,310,000 50.00%
Grant 2 Ex. Local Nonprofit 500,000$ 10.82%
Grant 3 Ex. Municipal Government 1,810,000$ 39.18%
Total 4,620,000$
Total Sources (before financing)4,620,000$
Construction Sources Source Organization Amount Commencement Date
Percent of Total
Development Cost (after
financing)
Construction Loan 1 Ex. Local Bank 2,379,300$ 50.74%
Grant 1 Ex. Economic Development Administration 2,310,000$ 49.26%
Grant 2 Ex. Local Nonprofit 500,000$ 10.66%
Grant 3 E. Municipal Government 1,810,000$ 38.60%
Total 6,999,300$
Total Sources (after financing)$4,689,300
Construction/Renovation Loan Information
Loan Balance (based on Total Uses before financing)2,310,000$
Interest Rate 6.00%
Monthly Draw $128,333
Construction/Renovation Timeline (Months)18
Interest Accrued (Monthly)5,775$
Interest Accrued (Annually)69,300$
Name of Lender:Ex. Local Bank
Appendix G.
Cash Flow Table 1
Actual Month 6/1/2022 7/1/2022 8/1/2022 9/1/2022 10/1/2022
Construction Cash Flow (by Month)Total 1 2 3 4 5
Sources
Grant 1 - EDA 2,310,000 0 0 0 924,000 924,000
Grant 2 500,000 100,000 0 0 40,000 0
Grant 3 1,810,000 1,810,000 1,519,225 0 0 0
Construction Loan 1 2,379,300 2,379,300 2,379,300 3,507,750 3,116,975 2,766,200
Uses
Total Development Cost (before financing)(4,620,000)(385,000)(385,000)(385,000)(385,000)(385,000)
Construction Loan Interest Payment (69,300)(5,775)(5,775)(5,775)(5,775)(5,775)
Construction Loan Payoff (Less Interest)(2,310,000)0 0 0 0 0
Final Balance 3,898,525 3,507,750 3,116,975 2,766,200 2,375,425
Appendix H.
11/1/2022 12/1/2022 1/1/2023 2/1/2023 3/1/2023 4/1/2023 5/1/2023 6/1/2023
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
924,000 1,848,000 1,848,000 1,848,000 2,772,000 2,772,000 3,498,775 3,416,000
0 40,000 0 0 40,000 0 0 40,000
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2,375,425 1,984,650 1,633,875 1,243,100 852,325 501,550 0 0
(385,000)(385,000)(385,000)(385,000)(385,000)(385,000)(385,000)0
(5,775)(5,775)(5,775)(5,775)(5,775)(5,775)(5,775)0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2,310,000)
1,984,650 1,633,875 1,243,100 852,325 501,550 2,882,775 3,108,000 1,146,000
Cash Flow Table 2
Operating Cash Flow 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
Gross Revenue
Tenant Income 139,440 139,440 143,623 147,932 152,370 156,941
Service fees 16,800 17,304 17,823 18,358 18,909 19,476
Grants 250,000 256,250 262,656 269,223 275,953 282,852
Other Income (Events, Training Sessions etc.)
Total 406,240 412,994 424,103 435,512 447,232 459,269
Less Vacancies (406,240)(28,910)(29,687)(30,486)(31,306)(32,149)
Effective Gross Income 0 384,084 394,415 405,027 415,925 427,120
1,183,526
Operating Expenses
Marketing Expenses (14,000)(14,350)(14,709)(15,076)(15,453)(15,840)
Administrative Personnel (120,000)(123,000)(126,075)(129,227)(132,458)(135,769)
Professional Services (120,000)(123,000)(126,075)(129,227)(132,458)(135,769)
Insurance (5,000)(5,125)(5,253)(5,384)(5,519)(5,657)
Landscaping Management (14,000)(14,350)(14,709)(15,076)(15,453)(15,840)
Legal Expenses (10,000)(10,250)(10,506)(10,769)(11,038)(11,314)
Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.)(42,000)(43,050)(44,126)(45,229)(46,360)(47,519)
Replacement Reserves (14,000)(14,350)(14,709)(15,076)(15,453)(15,840)
Operating Exp Reserves (14,000)(14,350)(14,709)(15,076)(15,453)(15,840)
Total Operating Expenses (353,000)(361,825)(370,871)(380,142)(389,646)(399,387)
Net Operating Income (353,000)22,259 23,545 24,884 26,279 27,733
Return on Cost (0.08)0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
Cumulative Cash Flow (353,000)(330,741)(307,196)(282,312)(256,032)(228,299)
Appendix I.
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
161,649 166,499 171,494 176,638 181,938 187,396 193,018 198,808 204,772
20,060 20,662 21,282 21,920 22,578 23,255 23,953 24,671 25,412
289,923 297,171 304,601 312,216 320,021 328,022 336,222 344,628 353,243
471,633 484,332 497,376 510,774 524,537 538,672 553,193 568,107 583,427
(33,014)(33,903)(34,816)(35,754)(36,718)(37,707)(38,723)(39,768)(40,840)
438,618 450,429 462,560 475,020 487,819 500,965 514,469 528,340 542,587
(16,236)(16,642)(17,058)(17,484)(17,921)(18,369)(18,828)(19,299)(19,782)
(139,163)(142,642)(146,208)(149,864)(153,610)(157,450)(161,387)(165,421)(169,557)
(139,163)(142,642)(146,208)(149,864)(153,610)(157,450)(161,387)(165,421)(169,557)
(5,798)(5,943)(6,092)(6,244)(6,400)(6,560)(6,724)(6,893)(7,065)
(16,236)(16,642)(17,058)(17,484)(17,921)(18,369)(18,828)(19,299)(19,782)
(11,597)(11,887)(12,184)(12,489)(12,801)(13,121)(13,449)(13,785)(14,130)
(48,707)(49,925)(51,173)(52,452)(53,764)(55,108)(56,485)(57,897)(59,345)
(16,236)(16,642)(17,058)(17,484)(17,921)(18,369)(18,828)(19,299)(19,782)
(16,236)(16,642)(17,058)(17,484)(17,921)(18,369)(18,828)(19,299)(19,782)
(409,372)(419,606)(430,096)(440,849)(451,870)(463,167)(474,746)(486,614)(498,780)
29,247 30,823 32,464 34,172 35,949 37,799 39,723 41,725 43,808
0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
(199,053)(168,230)(135,767)(101,595)(65,646)(27,847)11,876 53,601 97,409
Entrepreneurship Market Plaza
Reserves Balance
[Budgeting for reserves ensures the incubator has money to manage unexpected tenant turnover and operational challenges.]
Reserve Type 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Replacement Reserves 14,000$ 14,350$ 14,709$ 15,076$ 15,453$ 15,840$ 16,236$
Operating Expenses Reserves 14,000$ 14,350$ 14,709$ 15,076$ 15,453$ 15,840$ 16,236$
Reserves Total 28,000$ 28,700$ 29,418$ 30,153$ 30,907$ 31,679$ 32,471$
Reserves Cumulative 28,000$ 56,700$ 86,118$ 116,270$ 147,177$ 178,857$ 211,328$
Appendix J.
2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037
16,642$ 17,058$ 17,484$ 17,921$ 18,369$ 18,828$ 19,299$ 19,782$ 20,276$
16,642$ 17,058$ 17,484$ 17,921$ 18,369$ 18,828$ 19,299$ 19,782$ 20,276$
33,283$ 34,115$ 34,968$ 35,842$ 36,738$ 37,657$ 38,598$ 39,563$ 40,552$
244,611$ 278,727$ 313,695$ 349,537$ 386,275$ 423,932$ 462,531$ 502,094$ 542,646$
Council/E D A Work
S ession
Council Chambers
A ugust 9, 2021
AGE NDA
AC T I V E D I S C US S IO N I T E M S
1.B C I nno-Hub Concept Review and Discussion
P E ND I NG L I S T F O R F UT URE WO RK S E S S IO NS
1.Pending I tems
C ouncil/E DA Work Session
DAT E:8/9/2021
TO :C ity C ouncil
F R O M:D r. Reggie Edwards, A c#ng City Manager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:M eg Beekman, C ommunity D evelopment D irector
S U B J E C T:B C I nno-H ub C oncept Review and D is cus s ion
Requested Council A con:
B ackground:
A s part of the construc#on of M unicipal L iquor S tore #1, the City cons tructed an a8ached s hell commercial
s pace of approximately 3,500 square feet. This space was cons tructed at a cos t of roughly $318,000 and
w as financed through the liquor store fund. A s s uming that the cos ts of cons truc#on w ould be paid over 15
years , the annual debt service would be approximately $27,000 per year. For lease term analysis that equates to
approximately $7.50 per square foot, prior to any common area maintenance (C A M) charges. T he C ity's C A M
rates are $3 per square foot, which does not include property taxes because the property is exempt. E s#mated
market rates per square foot of equivalent leasable space are $22 to $28, with addi#onal C A M fees of $8 to $12
per foot.
At the #me the shell space was constructed, the plan was to have the E DA acquire it at some point in the future
from the liquor store and u#lize it to support small business development.
At the June 10, 2019, City Council Work S ession, the C ouncil dis cus s ed the future tenant s pace, directed the
F inance D irector to move forw ard w ith its cons truc#on, and dis cus s ed how it might be u#lized in the future.
The discussion included an array of op#ons for the future use of the space that repres ented varying levels
of city commitment and involvement. The op#ons pres ented for discussion were:
1. No build.
2. Build addi#onal s pace w ith inten#on to s ell building and property to highest and best bid.
3. Build addi#onal s pace with inten#on to sell building and achieve C ouncil pr iori#es (i.e. Res ident
Economic S tability), but maintain s ome property rights over future use. The City w ould retain some
ability to have a voice on future us e bas ed on criteria of the us er(s ) and property use.
4. Lease at market rates to highes t/bes t proposal.
5. Lease w ith intent to achieve specific Council priori#es (i.e. Resident Economic S tability), with no
opera#ng subsidy assumed.
6. Lease with intent to achiev e specific C ouncil priori#es (i.e. Resident Economic S tability), w ith an
opera#ng subsidy assumed.
The Council directed that the s pace be built and indicated that the s pace should be used to s upport small
and local bus inesses as part of the s trategic priority of Res ident Economic S tability. F urther, the Council
indicated s ome willingness to s ubs idiz e the us e of the s pace, but did not indicate a lev el or amount of
s ubs idiz a#on they w ould be comfortable with.
The s pace has s ince been cons tructed, and is currently just a s hell. A ddi#onal finishing is required before it
can be used, w hich is es #mated at $100 per s quare foot, for a total es#mated cos t of approximately
$350,000.
Opons Explored
S taff has been exploring op#ons for the us e of the s pace and s poken w ith s ev eral s mall bus iness resource
providers to be8er understand how the s pace might best be u#lized. O p#ons that have been explor ed have
included:
Leasing the s pace to a s mall bus ines s , s uch as a res taur ant, at below market rents - T his w as
examined in partnership w ith s ev er al bus ines s res ource providers to iden#fy s pecific poten#al
tenants .
Es tablishing a micro-bus ines s incubator to support s mall and emerging entrepreneurs - N EO N
explored this concept for a #me, but have since moved on from it.
Es tablishing a busines s res ource hub - Currently propos ed by PA A D I O C ons ul#ng
B C I nno-H ub P roposal
Paadio Consul#ng has submi8ed a propos al for the us e of the s pace. Their full proposal is a8ached to this
report. T heir v is ion is to create a s mall bus ines s and w orkforce resource hub to deliver diverse and inclusive
programming for economic empowerment and oppor tunity to fast-track pos t-pandemic economic recovery
& rebuilding.
They are pr opos ing to u#lize the s pace to s er ve Brooklyn C enter res idents and entrepreneurs by providing
s mall bus ines s technical as s is tance, wor kfor ce dev elopment training and market place matchmaking. The
bus iness model for the space includes :
1. P roviding leaders hip in equitable and inclus ive bus iness innova#on and community development
2. D elivering Micro-Busines s grow th s upport, coaching, consul#ng, w orks pace, mee#ng s pace, virtual
office, mailing, and recep#on s ervices that provides addi#onal pathw ays for wealth-building
3. Crea#ng an inclusive busines s networking marketplace, a matchmaking s ervice linking s mall and large
bus inesses in mutually beneficial partners hips
4. H os#ng U pS killing w orkforce development programming from community partners
Paadio is proposing to leas e the s pace from the City and ov ers ee its build-out into a func#oning and usable
s pace. A s the manager of the B C I nno-H ub, their role w ould include:
D elivering micro business programming and services - technical assistance training
Bringing in and managing third-party training and development programming
Engaging diverse s takeholders in micro-s cale economic empow erment
H os#ng community collabora#ve programming and leaders hip events
Crea#ng a leadership space for equitable and inclus ive bus iness prac#ce
They envis ion the space as a community res ource, out of which themselves and other community partners ,
as well as the City, can deliver programming, resources and assistance to local bus inesses and
entrepreneurs. They envis ion a flexible programming model that allow s the delivery of s ervices to evolve
and innovate over #me to meet changing community needs.
A s a resource hub, the space would rely on partners hips to deliver micro-bus iness development, workforce
development, youth outreach and training, and management. Paadio has iden#fied and reached out to
various poten#al partners and begun developing those rela#ons hips and connec#ons.
Paadio has developed a launch #meline that includes using a phas ed approach, allow ing them to leverage
exis#ng core competencies to create early succes s , while building on community partners hips to
incrementally increase the service offerings over a 36 month period.
Paadio is also working on a busines s model w ith the goal of stabiliz ing the opera#ons over #me and
becoming self s us taining. Their ini#al funding s ources w ould include:
Equity inves tment
City financial s upport
P hilanthropic and corporate s pons orships and grants
P rogram revenue from co-working s paces , office rentals , pod service fees and event hos#ng
Paadio has provided an ini#al budget and opera#ng model, w hich is a8ached to this report. They have
es#mated a build-out cos t es#mate of $385,000, with firs t year s tart-up expenses of $32,000.
Paadio is s eeking to rais e $500,000 of capital to ini#ate this project.
Requested A con
Paadio is s eeking a M emorandum of U nders tanding from the C ity, indica#ng the C ity's support of the
project and w illingnes s to partner on fundrais ing and con#nued program development efforts.
S imilar to a preliminary development agreement, Paadio is seeking a formalized partners hip w ith the C ity to
allow them access to the s pace and #me to iden#fy funding partners , raise res ources , and develop
formalized partners hips w ith organiza#ons to deliver programming.
Paadio is not s eeking dedicated C ity funding at this #me; however, they w ant to explore and discuss the
City's w illingnes s to provide the s pace at no cost, as part of their ini#al build-out and 36 month opera#ons
launch. A ddi#onally, A merican Res cue P lan funds may be a poten#al source of funding that will be explored
as part of the fundrais ing strategy for the s pace.
The 2021 E DA budget has iden#fied $50,000 of funds to s upport the build-out and use of this s pace. I f the
City Council is suppor#ve of this concept, thes e funds may be u#liz ed to further s upport its development
and build-out.
Paadio Consul#ng will provide a presenta#on at the June 28 mee#ng, and be available to ans w er Council
ques#ons about their concept.
Policy I ssues:
W hat quesons does the C ouncil have about this concept proposal?
I s the C ity C ouncil supporve of entering into a M O U with Paadio C onsulng to indicate the C ity 's
support of the project and provide resources to support fundraising and program development
efforts?
A re there any concerns the C ity C ouncil has, that should be explored or considered as part of the due
diligence for this project?
B udget I ssues:
The 2021 E DA Budget has iden#fied $50,000 to be us ed for the build-out and development of this space.
A nracist/Equity Policy Effect:
The purpos e of this project is to forward the City's s trategic priority of Res ident Economic S tability, by
crea#ng a bus iness resource center to s erve and connect local entrepreneurs .
S trategic Priories and Values:
Resident Economic S tability
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip#on U pload D ate Type
B C I nno-H ub P roposal 6/18/2021 Backup M aterial
B C I nno-H ub Timeline and P roforma 6/23/2021 Backup M aterial
P res enta#on 8/18/2021 P resenta#on
PROPOSAL FOR “BC INNO-HUB”
A BUSINESS INNOVATION HUB IN
SUBMITTED BY:
Paadio Consulting
1007 West Broadway Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55411
CONTACT PERSON: Jude Nnadi
CONTACT INFO: jude.nnadi@paadio.com
REF: Site Location:
Shell building at 1350 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
PROJECT TITLE: BROOKLYN CENTER INNO-HUB
INTRODUCTION
Paadio Consulting exists to transition all people from subsistence to surplus.
Micro enterprises and individuals at the economic margin lack the available time
and capital needed to invest effectively in growth. To build equitable and
inclusive prosperity in Brooklyn Center, Paadio Consulting proposes to launch an
Innovation Hub in the city’s shell building at 1350 Shingle Creek Parkway.
The Brooklyn Center Inno-Hub will create a diverse and inclusive center for
economic empowerment and opportunity to fast-track post-pandemic economic
recovery & rebuilding.
TABLE of CONTENTS:
Title and Introduction 1
Table of Contents 2
Subsistence and Surplus Models of Personal Economics 3
BC Inno-Hub Project Summary 4
Lead Project Partner and Core Competencies 6
Section 1: Key Needs and Issues 7
Community Needs 7
Contextual Factors 8
Community Assets 9
Section 2: Vision and Strategy 10
Goals 10
Objectives 10
Target Audience 11
Section 3: Programs Partnerships and Process 12
Programs 12
Project Partners 14
Project Launch Timeline 16
Section 4: Management Operations and Request 17
PROJECT SUMMARY:
The BC Inno-Hub will perform 4 core functions:
1. Provide leadership in equitable and inclusive business innovation and community
development
2. Deliver Micro Business growth support, coaching, consulting, workspace,
meeting space, virtual office, mailing, and reception services, within an
Opportunity Zone that provides additional pathways for wealth-building
3. Create an inclusive business networking marketplace, a matchmaking service
linking small and large businesses in mutually beneficial partnerships
4. Host UpSkilling workforce development programming from community partners
Leveraging the Paadio Consulting team’s expertise in microbusiness development and
many partners in economic and community development, The Inno-Hub will provide
resources, training, technology, and mentorship to grow and retain entrepreneurial and
skilled talent in Brooklyn Center and the Twin Cities region.
The Inno-Hub will give the city government, leading corporations, and nonprofits a
productive forum to connect with entrepreneurs, problem solvers, newcomer business
leaders, and emerging workforces.
“BC INNO-HUB is a Unique Social Enterprise, Driven by Public-Private Partnership, Maximizing Value for
the City’s Residents and Businesses”
Paadio Consulting requests free access to the 3500 sf. vacant business space at 1350
Shingle Creek Parkway in Brooklyn Center, to create BC Inno-Hub, a center for
inclusive business development and opportunity. This catalyzing enterprise will:
● Help local micro businesses network and grow.
● Connect leading businesses with diverse partners.
● Train local emerging talent creating improved career pathways.
● Prototype and showcase potential development avenues to engage the
community on projects such as the Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site.
● Attract revenue and resources to Brooklyn Center
BC Inno-Hub will provide facilities and tools to nurture new ideas and creative business
initiatives. Our resources, support, and programming will help our community become
more resilient, advancing economic success and prosperity at the individual level. BC
Inno-Hub will create initiatives to generate business linkages and partnerships between
micro businesses, large companies, the city, nonprofits, and foundations. BC-Inno-Hub
will foster a positive environment conducive for all stakeholders large and small to
collaborate, create, and innovate together in a supportive network.
LEAD PROJECT PARTNER and CORE COMPETENCIES:
Paadio Consulting is a social enterprise dedicated to transitioning all people from
economic subsistence to persistent prosperity and abundance. Paadio’s ventures help
newcomers, people at the economic margins, and micro entrepreneurs build the
capacity to invest meaningfully in growth and development. Our core competencies are
in leadership in inclusive economic development, micro business support, and building
diverse equitable business partnerships. We are bridgebuilders between micro
enterprises, big business, BIPOC communities, and regional government. We connect
businesses of all sizes with the resources and partnership they seek.
Paadio has an extensive network of economic development specialists ready to deploy
micro business support services and deliver DEIB matchmaking services to large
corporations. Paadio’s partner organizations are poised to deliver UpSkilling workforce
development solutions to Brooklyn Center.
Our services include coaching, training, facilitation, management and consulting,
delivering diverse, equitable, and inclusive business development resources and
programming. Our focus is local and regional including Brooklyn Center and the Twin
Cities region.
Paadio works in close collaboration with municipalities and fiscal sponsors to deliver
innovation and opportunity in economic empowerment, microbusiness management,
corporate DEIB matchmaking, technology training, career advancement,
entrepreneurship, workforce development, and youth development. Paadio partners
with nonprofit organizations, corporate entities, and foundations to fund and execute our
empowerment programming. Through Paadio’s management of the Innovation Hub,
Brooklyn Center will see an influx of resources and funding for inclusive economic
development.
Economic empowerment at the individual level is a question of access to opportunity,
and not just the opportunity itself. Reducing the barriers to increasing incomes for
Brooklyn Center residents is what the BC Inno-Hub is founded to solve.
Paadio’s Role:
● Deliver micro business programming and services
● Source and manage third-party training and development programming
● Engage diverse stakeholders in micro-scale economic empowerment
● Host community collaborative programming and leadership events
● Create a leadership space for equitable and inclusive business practice
SECTION 1: KEY NEEDS & ISSUES
A. Community Needs:
Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery and Inclusive Opportunity for All
Stakeholders:
Residents of Brooklyn Center need the resources to emerge from the dual crisis of
the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic and social disparities created by systemic
racism. The creation of multi-generational wealth is needed to elevate our community
and our children’s prospects. Creating discretionary income fosters true freedom of
choice, economic equity, and the power to invest in family, home, business, and the
community of Brooklyn Center.
Micro Business Owners need tools, resources, and access to sustain
operations, network with complementary business, grow revenue, and scale up
business.
Unemployed and under-employed residents need to find career inspiration,
hone relevant skills, and connect with higher-income employment opportunities.
Nonprofits focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging will need points
of access to connect with constituencies with need.
Corporations lack the connections to fully enact inclusive and equitable
procurement and employment policy. They seek community partners in leading
initiatives to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society.
City Governments lack the network of diverse vendors, suppliers, partners, and
employees to fully embody and enact inclusive equitable civic policy. Cities need
skilled, passionate, collaborative, and creative partners to create and extend a
web of supportive services and resources to empower all residents to reach
greater prosperity.
We will have reached equity and inclusion in our cities when all citizens engage with
and fully benefit from all segments of our governing apparatus.
B. Contextual Factors:
Paadio has identified several factors influencing need for an inclusive innovation hub:
1) The city has shifted significantly post-COVID and the community outcry with civil
unrest. There is an increasing pressure, need, and will to focus on diversity,
equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) across the city, region, and state, as our
nation places greater focus on issues of social justice, economic equality, civil
rights, and civic fairness.
2) Large corporations and the business community have an increasing desire to do
business at all levels with diverse populations, but generally lack the
relationships to follow through on expanding meaningful engagement in channels
other than sales, such as employment, procurement, and investment.
3) Brooklyn Center is the most diverse city in Minnesota, and one of the most
diverse cities in the midwest. As such, our community has the most to gain from
successful implementation of DEIB initiatives. Our hub will help accelerate and
amplify the benefits of a diverse community, and foster investment in the city. As
a city that is regionally ahead of the curve, in terms of shifting demographics and
diversity, we have the opportunity to test and perfect new models for success,
and act as leaders for our state and nation.
4) Average incomes within Brooklyn Center are lower than Hennepin County as
measured for each racial segment. To improve the quality of life in Brooklyn
Center we need to raise incomes for our whole community and build and attract
new economic resources.
5) Brooklyn Center has few resources and support systems available for economic
and career empowerment, particularly as it relates to individuals and micro
businesses.
C. Community Assets:
Brooklyn Center is uniquely positioned to lead in diverse, equitable and inclusive
economic development. The following factors can contribute to Brooklyn Center’s
leadership in solving a local, regional, and national challenge facing our democracy:
● We are Small - change is easier when you start at a small scale
● We are Flexible - with a smaller city infrastructure we can move quickly
● We are Diverse - our differences are our strength; many perspectives lead to
holistic and sustainable solutions
● We are Emblematic of shifting regional and national demographics - the region
and the nation are looking to us to see how we solve our issues
● We have a Motivated newcomer population - our country has been built on the
ingenuity and hard work of immigrants realizing an evolving American Dream
time and time again. We are the engine of innovation.
SECTION 2: VISION & STRATEGY
A. Goals:
The overall vision of Paadio is encapsulated in the following statement:
We exist to make systemic prosperity the normal way of life, by bridging the gaps
between large economic players and micro entities in the shared business
ecosystem. We empower invisible entrepreneurs by catalyzing personal
economic growth using a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging lens.
Through the services of the BC Inno-Hub we aspire to revitalize local economies, create
generational wealth, and support the city’s inclusive economic development focusing on
post pandemic recovery.
B. Objectives:
The objectives of BC Inno-Hub will bridge gaps and expand opportunities for systemic
change in the following areas:
1. Provide thought leadership in equitable and inclusive innovation and
development.
a. Generate, and infuse new ideas into the city’s leadership, management,
and deliverables to residents
b. Create a space for ideation, experimentation, business prototyping, and
mentorship to help the City realize the mission and vision of its
Opportunity Site, as well as the full potential of other redevelopment sites.
2. Provide direct support and service to micro business owners and job seekers
3. Create a matchmaking service connecting small diverse business entities with
large economic partners.
4. Create a hub venue for inclusive economically-focused initiatives, fostering
collaboration between residents, city government, business owners, nonprofits,
foundations, regional corporations, and innovation experts.
C. Target Audiences:
This project would be focused on supporting:
● Micro Businesses (businesses grossing <$250k/yr with 0-5 employees)
● Community Career Changers and Youth
● Local and Regional Entrepreneurs
● BIIPOC community
● Local Government systems
● Corporations seeking DEIB partnerships
SECTION 3: PROGRAMS, PARTNERSHIPS, and PROCESS
Paadio proposes to develop the BC Inno-Hub in a phased approach designed to create
value quickly, reduce risk, scale with time, and attract valuable external financial
resources and expertise to the city. By combining the diverse competencies of Paadio
Team Consultants with existing and future community partners the Inno-Hub will be able
to quickly scale up program offerings over the first 36 months of operation.
A. Programs:
BC Inno-Hub program offerings and services align with the core competencies of
Paadio Consulting as well as those of its key partners, and are grouped into four areas.
Please reference our Timeline worksheet on page 17 that provides a visual
overview of phased launch of programming.
DEIB Leadership and Innovation -
● DEIB Business Consulting - provide strategic services to corporations,
governments, and foundations seeking to build diversity, equity, inclusion, and
belonging into their vision, mission, operations, offerings, and investment.
● EDA Micro Business Summit - Host regional collaborative conference sharing
strategy, policy, and programming to support and accelerate micro business
growth across the Twin Cities.
● Inclusive Procurement Summit - Host summit accelerating growth in inclusive
practice in corporate procurement. Share end to end solutions for building
diversified partner and vendor portfolios.
● DEIB Collaboration Summit - Host community development summit focused on
building synergistic partnership and joint venture leading to inclusive and
equitable outcomes in personal economics and social power.
● Inclusive Recruiting Summit - Host regional summit sharing best practices for
diverse talent attraction, inclusive recruiting, and equitable pipeline development.
● Workforce Equity Lab - launch collaborative incubator for nurturing
experimental initiatives in workforce diversification.
Micro Business Growth Services -
● Micro Business Navigation Coaching - provide individual guidance to micro
entrepreneurs on growth strategy, operations, system navigation, and investment
● CoWorking Space Rental - provide virtual office, coworking and semi-private
workspace, meeting space, and office technology to local micro businesses
● Micro Business Boot Camps - provide short weekend and evening intensives
teaching core business skills for microbusiness with topics including accounting,
marketing, finance, technology, legal, procurement, HR, creative
● Micro Business Accelerator - create a micro business focused multi-month
intensive to nurture, grow and professionalize micro-business concepts,
technology development, customer acquisition, marketing, investment, hiring,
etc.
● Micro Business Pod Services - launch cluster of direct services from local and
virtual providers creating the fractional employment opportunities in specialty
business management competencies to catalyze seamless scaling of micro
business. Create aggregated customer opportunities for professionals in
accounting, finance, legal, marketing, creative, IT, etc.
● Micro Business Incubator - long term host and guide an in-house collaborative
cohort of micro businesses. Candidates for incubation would come from
graduates of the accelerator with a concentration on promoting BIIPOC
entrepreneurship and DEIB business practice
DEIB Business Matchmaking Marketplace -
● DEIB Matchmaking Service - Our Navigator team will provide consultation and
direct service to corporations in identifying, developing, and closing on diverse
and inclusive partnering opportunities.
● Local eMIX Forums with Meet and Greet, Networking Events - Host business
networking events structured to introduce large and small players to each other
● Procurement Link Forum - Host physical networking opportunities for
institutions and vendors (this programming currently exists in a virtual format).
UpSkilling Workforce Development -
● Youth Career Inspiration in partnership with BrookLynk - We will coordinate
closely with the BrookLynk Director and her team to add unique value to the
existing programs and the expanded programming coming soon. The Youth
Career Inspiration Program will provide events for youth to network with
recruiters and hiring managers, as well as people working in specific career
fields.
● Coding Academy - This is high level upskilling and reskilling in technologies that
include cybersecurity, Application Programming Interface (API), coding and Data
Analysts. We have started building relationships with local trainers as well as
Trilogy - (One of the largest technology training organizations in the US.
● On-the-Job training -The Hub will facilitate on-the-job training between
employers and a pool of local talents. We will design the program with the
stakeholders to identify the areas of need and match with local applicants. The
employers will pay some percentages of the pay rate while we augment with
sponsoring partners.
● Mentor-Protege-Program - facilitate a collaborative growth program for larger
organizations to subcontract small jobs to microbusinesses, provide mentorship,
training and supportive environment for the protege to learn the ropes, earn
revenue, and build capacity. The proof of concept is well established by MnDOT.
We will modify it to achieve the designed outcome
B. Project Partners
As a hub of resources, skill, and vision the BC Inno-Hub will draw on a deep well of
knowledge and experience from the Paadio Consulting team and our group of talented
partners. With partners in micro business development, workforce development,
technical solutions, economic and community development funding, DEIB advocacy,
and real estate management, we are positioned to deliver a comprehensive suite of
supportive offerings and innovation that no single organization could deliver alone.
● Micro Business Development Support Partners:
○ ACER: microbusiness economic development
○ Mirror Ink360 -- full spectrum of branding and marketing services.
○ Significant Advantage -- small business development, training, coaching,
and technical assistance.
○ Impact Zone Strategies -- small business owner professional
development, leadership training, and HR services.
○ MIX -- Meetups, Networking, Forums, Investment and Business Service
Matchmaking since 2019 supporting Brooklyn entrepreneurs & innovators.
Digital platform and space design partner.
○ Joule Micro Nation -- focused on freelancers and micro business
development, networking, and training.
○ TVA Tax, Accounting, and Legal -- CPA and Legal services in Brooklyn
Center focused on small businesses and individuals needing tax strategy
and education.
● Workforce Development Partners:
○ AfriMentor - Equips, empowers, and positions black immigrants with
skillsets that foster career development, personal income, and wealth-
building
○ BrookLynk - We will coordinate closely with the BrookLynk Director and
her team to add unique value to the existing programs and the expanded
programming coming soon. Our focus is on matching job seekers with
mentoring and on the job training in an apprenticeship-style.
○ Prosperity Ready - Develops ready-now immigrant talent programs,
provides navigation, and places participants with pre-committed hiring
organizations.
○ Whitestone Personal and Professional Marketing - Customized job
transitions
○ We Network Now - Connect professionals of African descent to
opportunities and demystify professional and personal success.
● Technical Partners:
○ HandsOn Twin Cities -- Technical partner in developing digital supports for
micro business
○ Target Corporation -- Technical partner in developing communication for
fundraising, corporate partnerships, and the digital platform for supplier
diversity search, networking, and matching.
○ City of Brooklyn Park EDA -- Technical partner in development of DEIB
Procurement programming
● Funding Partners:
○ Partnership with various Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and
foundations for fiscal sponsorship on projects and programs.
○ Donald Shea -- Former executive director of US Chamber of Commerce,
raised over 10M for public/private initiatives.
● Potential Collaborative Programming Partners: [Community Partners]
○ LIBA -- Community-based organization providing fundamental business
services to African-owned businesses and other BIIPOC populations.
○ ACER -- Community-based organization providing career and micro
business services to the African immigrant community and other BIIPOC
populations.
○ CAPI -- Community-based organization providing career and micro
business services to Asian immigrant community and other BIIPOC
populations.
○ MAC -- Community-based organization providing community engagement
with and advocacy for Africans in Minnesota, with multiple initiatives in
Brooklyn Center.
○ MEDA -- CDFI providing access to capital, lending services and technical
assistance for entrepreneurs of color.
○ ADC --- CDFI providing access to capital and financial training.
● Spatial Management Partners:
○ NEON - Offers coworking spaces, expert guidance from NEON Business
Advisors, mentorship, business incubation and development, training,
workshops.
○ Brady Real Estate Development -- Space planning, budgeting, cost
analysis, and space management. Opportunity zone expertise.
C. Program Launch Timeline
Paadio proposes to reduce risk in the development process by using a phased
approach. This will allow us to leverage existing core competencies and create fast wins
for stakeholders, collaborating through our established relationships with community-
based organizations and CDFIs like NEON, Metro IBA, LIBA, ACER, MEDA, ADC,
Women-Venture, and NDC. Together with our experienced partners we will be able to
incrementally launch a strong suite of offerings over our first 36 months. This
collaborative approach will allow the BC Inno-Hub to rapidly build excitement,
participation, success, and further funding sources and programming opportunities. As a
customer/client-focused business we will adjust our program planning based on both
measured outcomes and direct feedback from our diverse set of stakeholder groups.
Our four focus areas create a strategic roadmap when viewed in sequence.
● Providing DEIB leadership events and programming up front is designed to
create visibility for the hub and attract new clients, participants, partners, and
funders.
● Rapidly deploying micro business support services brings in a diverse clientele of
local entrepreneurs seeking to build wealth through private enterprise.
● Building on micro business support with UpSkilling workforce development
programming will attract motivated local job seekers who seek to build wealth
through employment.
● This powerful combination of diverse entrepreneurs and job seekers is exactly
the community that corporations seeking to build inclusive and equitable
business practices wish to engage.
In this way, building DEIB leadership events and consulting, micro business support
services, and upskilling workforce development programming together create the venue
and the supply part of our DEIB Business Matchmaking Marketplace. Corporations,
representing the demand part of the matchmaking marketplace, see the value of the BC
Inno-Hub’s proposed integrated services as it creates a pipeline and pathway for
inclusive equitable business practice that otherwise does not exist. Innovation is in
creating a viable symbiotic relational space for small and large economic players to
connect and share value.
SECTION 4: MANAGEMENT & OPERATION OF THE HUB
Paadio will provide the strategy, planning, build-out, management, and operation of the
Inno-Hub space with a cultural appreciation of the city of Brooklyn Center’s
demography.
A. Business Model
The term “hub” is the foundation of our business model. Our local research with
corporate and government procurement and workforce professionals has highlighted
the increasing cost of the gaps they are facing that are impacting talent acquisition,
employee engagement, supplier diversity, and customer retention. The overall lack of
context for building relationships with the local community at large, and the BIIPOC
community in particular, is becoming more painful. One pillar of our model is to create
revenues by providing corporate and government partners with high value direct
channels and a physical + digital context of the Inno-Hub to network with local micro
businesses and job seekers, and for providing collaborative and practical programs that
engage the local community in multicultural and multigenerational innovation on behalf
of larger businesses.
Even in this smaller format, event space is in high demand. Our plan provides for a
highly flexible space that can be configured for different types of uses and events. We
will produce DEIB-focused events for the business community that celebrate the vibrant
cultures in our surrounding communities, introduce immersive cultural experiences for
corporate clients, and provide event planning, management, and hosting services
through our dynamic event partners and local vendors who provide in-demand services
to the business clients and entrepreneurs who will frequent this space.
Our emphasis is on providing relevant high value propositions to our clients in the
macroeconomic environment, while fundraising to subsidize and sponsor the
advancement of micro business and job seekers in the community. This sets our
business model apart from typical coworking and event spaces.
SUMMARY OF INNO-HUB FUNDING SOURCES:
● Paadio startup investment
● Brooklyn Center financial support
● Foundation, Corporate, and Nonprofit sponsorship and grants in collaboration
with public and private partners.
● Internally generated revenue
○ coworking space renting
○ office renting
○ Pod service fees
○ Event hostings
○ corporate training
○ Township Retreat & Immersion
■ Full Immersion - minimum of a full working day
■ Partial Immersion - After hours - evenings
■ concierge services
○ build partnership Earl Brown Center for sizes beyond the Hub.
○ Identify areas of group tour expressing our diversity and richness in
culture
○ partner with community based organizations for culturally immersive
diversity networking, entertainment and cultural appreciation.
B. Budget Summary:
PROJECT COST ESTIMATES:
(reference Budget Worksheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IJ0_Sdb9IqblGnX9NskL9FnFsLp-
q_uQ03noC3JGWDI/edit?usp=sharing)
Buildout Startup Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
buildouts est. at
$80/sf x 3500sf
set up expenses fixed costs per
month phase 1
fixed costs per
month phase 2
fixed costs/mo
phase 3
$ 280,000 $ 32,000 $ 12,220
$ 146,640
$ 18,400
$ 220,800
$ 22,100
$ 265,200
FFE est. $30/sf for
phase 1
$ 105,000
DIRECT
REVENUES:
Phase 1 revenues Phase 2 revenues Phase 3 revenues
$ 220,125 $ 597,525 $ 774,600
GROSS MARGIN
ESTIMATES:
23% 28% 34%
FUNDRAISING $500,000
C. Requests to the City EDA:
In summary, Paadio is grateful to the City EDA and Council for the opportunity to build
and manage the Inno-Hub for collaboration and gathering that supports the micro
business community and advances other initiatives in the city.
Our specific requests:
● Paadio is requesting free access from the City to use the empty space (approx.
3,500 sq ft) that is located close to the Opportunity Site to create BC Inno-Hub.
● Paadio is requesting budgetary support and/or subsidies to accelerate initial
startup and nurture early operations.
● Paadio is requesting partnership with the city in acquiring additional resources
from third party funding sources.
○ Work with Paadio to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to define
the partnership with the City EDA.
○ Allow Paadio to secure the space during the Inno-Hub project
development, estimated to take about six months to define the detailed
buildout and business plan and raise funds.
○ Provide a letter of intent and assistance in identifying local allies who are
most likely to welcome the opportunity to provide funding and other forms
of support for the Inno-Hub and its services.
D. PreLaunch TIMELINE:
● Present proposal to City Council
● Receive Approval to Proceed with MOU between City and Paadio
○ Place hold on usage of proposed Inno-Hub space
○ Develop funding sources in partnership with city
● Develop formal MOU with EDA by Aug 30, 2021
● Finalize site development / buildout plan by Oct 15 2021
● Obtain permits and complete initial phase buildout by Dec 30 2021
● Equip the space for soft launch by January 15 2022
CLOSING STATEMENT:
Thank you to the City Council, Mayor, and EDA for your consideration of our BC Inno-
Hub Proposal. We are excited by the opportunity to create broad value for the
community that is realized by diverse stakeholders. We are grateful to the City of
Brooklyn Center for supporting ongoing efforts to innovate in both business and
equitable and inclusive practice. We look forward to co-creating regional leadership in
inclusive economic development with the city.
Sincerely,
Jude Nnadi and the Paadio Consulting Team
COWORKING think zero waste / circular
economy Source
Assumptions Startup costs $448,001 $0 Build out list Furniture list Fixture list Equipment list Software list Supplies List Labor List Process Development List Sourse Account Name Description
not required by city security deposit $0 start with vanilla shell reception desk lighting fixtures front desk pc WIndows 10 Copy machine paper Set up team Strategic Plan Advertising and Promotion Advertising, marketing, graphic design, and other
promotional expenses
city contribution lease up front fees $0 reception chairs wall fixtures front desk copy machine Microsoft Office 365 branded notebooks Pre-opening Day team Business Model Auto and Truck Expenses Fuel, oil, repairs, and other maintenance for
business autos and trucks
internal team at lower cost build outs at $80/sf $280,000 include 1 "family" room for
infants lobby chairs bathroom fixtures routers Adobe Creative Suite branded gel pens
Process development
team 8 Business Process Maps Bank Service Charges Bank account service fees, bad check charges and
other bank fees
sanitary sewer hookup $5,000
find liquidator deals $39 furniture $30,000 lobby buildouts?lobby tables [ref. kitchen fixtures]ethernet cables Miro whiteboard markers
Procedures for all critical
functions Blueprints and Reproduction Blueprints, photostats, and other printing expense
find liquidator deals
fixtures (bathroom, kitchen, lights, speakers,
security, tech)$40,000 [ref. kitchen buildouts]lobby shelves I.T. closet fixtures widescreen tv/monitors Acuity whiteboard erasers Policies Bond Expense Construction bonds expenses directly related to
jobs
find liquidator deals equipment (tech, kitchen, copy/printer)$65,000 Microsoft Surface Hub 2.0 sharpie markers Building and Property Security Building and property security monitoring
expenses
First month / Set up $800 LAB lounge couches lounge counter tops Business Licenses and Permits Business licenses, permits, and other business-
related fees
set up of space (tech, equipment, furniture, etc.)$800 - smart board lounge chairs lounge cabinets dishwasher plates Commissions Paid Commissions paid to outside sales reps and agents
multicultural media
website design & development $3,000
- smart adjustable table lounge coffee tables lounge sink microwave/convection oven mugs
Computer and Internet Expenses
Computer supplies, off-the-shelf software, online
fees, and other computer or internet related
expenses
digital marketing $3,000 - high intensity lighting lounge laptop desks lounge sink faucets espresso machines silverware Conferences and Meetings Costs for attending conferences and meetings
print advertising $500 - wet counter (sinks)lounge bookshelves teapots teacups Chemicals Purchased Costs of chemicals used in farming operations
supplies $1,500 - refrigerator / cooler lounge dining table composter coffee Construction Materials Costs Construction materials costs
contract admin labor (CM, admin, IT/lab)$8,000 lounge dining chairs can crusher tea Continuing Education Seminars, educational expenses and employee
development, not including travel
insurance $1,200
sugar
Accounting Fees
Outside (non-employee) accounting, audit,
bookkeeping, tax prep, payroll service, and related
consulting
professional services - legal $3,000 Legal Fees Outside (non-employee) legal services
Quality System set up professional services - accounting $1,200 long tables for
coworking honey
process development $5,000 Contracted Services Direct labor costs for contract (non-employees)
performing services for clients
utilities Depreciation Expense Depreciation on equipment, buildings and
improvements
internet Dues and Subscriptions Subscriptions and membership dues for civic,
service, professional, trade organizations
security Equipment Rental Rent paid for rented equipment used for business
Equipment Rental for Jobs Rent paid for rented equipment used on jobs
$28,000 Special Events Brand vangelism, and special events
SPACE EXPENSES Total toward space per sf long benches for
coworking spices Facilities and Equipment Expenses related to office, storage, and other
space
Buildout per sf $0 $80 Fertilizers and Lime Fertilizers and lime purchased for farm operations.
FFE per sf $0 $30 Food Purchases Food purchases including meats, vegetables, and
all ingredients for Restaurants
$0 workstations
(standing/sitting)dishwasher detergent Freight and Shipping Costs Freight-in and shipping costs for delivery to
customers
Fixed costs desk chairs dishwasher rinse aid Freight and Trucking Amounts paid for freight or trucking of farm
products.
lease (nnn)$1 stools Freight Costs Costs of freight and delivery for merchandise
purchased
software subscriptions $500 dish detergent Fuel for Hired Vehicles Fuel costs for hired vehicles
HR/Payroll subscription $150 Norwex cloths Gasoline, Fuel and Oil Gasoline, fuel or oil used for farm machinery
banking fees $20 Norwex towels General Liability Insurance General liability insurance premiums
POS $100 Life and Disability Insurance Employee life and disability insurance premiums
supplies $800 Professional Liability Professional liability (errors and omissions)
insurance
Paadio Community Manager $4,800 Workers Compensation Worker’s compensation insurance premiums
CTO - I.T. Training, Help Desk, Technical Assistance $1,200 Equipment Insurance Insurinf your equipment or facilities
Administration & Reception $4,200 Interest Expense Interest payments on business loans, credit card
balances, or other business debt
insurance $200 Janitorial Expense Janitorial expenses and cleaning supplies
professional services - legal $100 Job Materials Purchased Construction materials used on jobs
professional services - accounting $150 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Landscape maintenance, gardening, and pool
maintenance costs of your building
professional services - bookkeeping $300 Linens and Lodging Supplies Costs of linens and other supplies for guest rooms
professional services - custodial $200 Marketing Expense Advertising, marketing, graphic design, and other
promotional expenses for our company
Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, & Amortization Materials Costs Cost of materials used on jobs
Monthly Overhead / Operating Costs:$12,220 Meals and Entertainment***Business meals and entertainment expenses,
including travel-related meals (may have limited
deductibility, specially after 01/01/2018)
CEO & Navigators who we are and why we exist Media Purchased for Clients Print, TV, radio, and other media purchased for
clients
where we are going Medical Records and Supplies
practices
Cost of Sales $220,125 Merchant Account Fees Credit card merchant account discount fees,
transaction fees, and related costs
# of transactions/mo Ministry Expenses Ministry expenses for non-profit / churches
per transaction fees 2.50%$5,503 Office Supplies Office supplies expense
the unit economics of the business running full
speed, clear break even points: throttling utilization;
what does a new MIX add in terms of EBIDTA
path from zero to opening, makes sense of burn
marketing 10%$22,013 Other Construction Costs Other costs directly related to jobs such as waste
disposal, onsite storage rental, etc.
sales commissions 15%$33,019 impact investor money?Other Job Related Costs Other costs directly related to jobs such as waste
disposal, onsite storage rental, etc.
set up costs 5%$11,006
how we're going to spend it and why
Outside Services Payments to outside contractors (non-employees)
for projects, consulting, or short-term assignments
dedicated office set up 3%$6,604 who we're going to present to Parts Purchases Purchases of parts for use on customer repairs or
resale
program facilitation leans on outsourced 44%$96,855 Payroll Expenses Payroll expenses
partners to reduce costs and risks Postage and Delivery Postage, courier, and pickup and delivery services
Sq Ft 23.00%$50,629 Printing and Reproduction Printing, copies, and other reproduction expenses
rent psf Product Samples Expense Cost of products used as floor samples or given to
customers for trial or demonstration
CAM psf Professional Fees Payments to attorneys and other professionals for
services rendered
Gross psf per yr $0 Purchases – Hardware for Resale Purchases of hardware items for resale that are
not tracked or counted in inventory
Annual Rent $0 Purchases – Parts and Materials Purchases of parts and other supplies used on
service and maintenance jobs
Monthly Rent $0 Purchases – Resale Items Purchases of items for resale that are not tracked
or counted in inventory
Purchases – Software for Resale Purchases of software items for resale that are not
tracked or counted in inventory
Reference Materials Coding books, anatomical charts and models, etc.
Rent Expense Rent paid for company offices or other structures
used in the business
Repairs and Maintenance
Incidental repairs and maintenance of business
assets that do not add to the value or appreciably
prolong its life
Research Services Research costs including legal library and
subscriptions for research services
Restaurant Supplies
Supplies purchased for restaurant operations.
Includes dishes, cookware, and other items not
classified as inventory or fixed assets
Salon Supplies, Linens, Laundry Costs of supplies used in the course of business
(includes linens and laundry services)
Seeds and Plants Purchased Seeds and plants purchased for producing farm
income.
Shop Expense Miscellaneous shop supplies and related shop
expenses (rags, hand cleaning supplies, etc.)
Small Medical Equipment Purchases of small instruments and equipment
not classified as fixed assets for medical practices
Small Tools and Equipment Purchases of small tools or equipment not
classified as fixed assets
Storage and Warehousing Amounts paid to store farm commodities.
Subcontractors Expense Subcontracted services performed by other
contractors
Taxes – Property Taxes paid on property owned by the business,
franchise taxes, excise taxes, etc.
Telephone Expense Telephone and long distance charges, faxing, and
other fees Not equipment purchases
Tools and Small Equipment Purchases of tools or small equipment used on
jobs
Travel and Meetings Expenses related to travel, meetings, conferences
Conference, Convention, Meeting Conducting, or sending staff to, program-related
meetings, conferences, conventions
Travel Expense Business-related travel expenses including airline
tickets, taxi fares, hotel and other travel expenses
Travel Expenses for Drivers Business-related travel expenses including hotel
and meals for drivers
Truck Maintenance Costs Maintenance, repairs, tires, etc. on trucks,
tractors, and trailers for hire
Uniforms Uniforms for employees and contractors
Utilities
Water, electricity, garbage, and other basic
utilities expenses of your office or business
facilities
Vaccines and Medicines Vaccines, medicines, and other drugs for medical
practices
Worker’s Compensation
Insurance Worker’s compensation insurance premiums
services Year 1:$220,125 Est. Rev/Mo:$64,550 Year 1:month 1 month 2 month 3 month 4 month 5 month 6
Year 2:$597,525 at mid-capacity $220,125 $6,800 $7,850 $8,150 $14,825 $14,625 $14,925
Year 3:$774,600 23%COS $1,564 $1,806 $1,875 $3,410 $3,364 $3,433
open services for the community list of paid services BASIS FOR BUDGET $146,640 OVERHEAD $12,220 $12,220 $12,220 $12,220 $12,220 $12,220
community services with fiscal sponsorship from
Community-Based Organizations like CAPI, ACER,
LIBA, NEON
(assume the hub is open 10 hrs/day, 20 days/mo)Sponsorship can offset / subsidize costs
#/mo unit type unit rate rev est.
CASHFLOW -$6,984 -$6,176 -$5,945 -$805 -$959 -$728
business lounge with business book library mailing service $75/month
subsidized by
partners to
provide
accessibility
20 users $75 $1,500 150 300 450 600 750 900
food and beverage bar/counter reception and phone answering service $150/month
subsidized by
partners to
provide
accessibility
10 users $150 $1,500 150 300 450 600 750 900
restrooms vendor/supplier matching service $150/month
(large vendors
pay to be
promoted to
users)
20 users $150 $3,000 300 450 600 750 900 1050
wifi private furnished day offices $750/month
subsidized by
partners to
provide
accessibility
3 users $750 $2,250 750 1500 1500 2250 2250 2250
POSITION BROOKLYN CENTER "AT THE CENTER"work rooms (marketing, design, prototyping)$35/hour
subsidized by
partners to
provide
accessibility
100 hours $35 $3,500 700 700 700 875 875 875
to create value for cities & school districts conference room $35/hour
subsidized by
partners to
provide
accessibility
100 hours $35 $3,500 700 700 700 875 875 875
as well as corporations phone booths $35/hour
subsidized by
partners to
provide
accessibility
100 hours $35 $3,500 0 0 0 875 875 875
-- through the power of diversity events:
subsidized by
partners to
provide
accessibility
$0
-- through demonstrating inclusion and cultural appreciation space rental $100/hour 20 hours $100 $2,000 500 500 500 1000 1000 1000
-- through specific services for connecting with and event production $50/hour 20 hours $50 $1,000 0 0 0 0 0 0
engaging people of different cultures and languages event management $50/hour 20 hours $50 $1,000 0 0 0 0 0 0
entertainment or speakers fees vary (split for
Inno-Hub)1 $500 $500 0 0 0 500 0 0
Offer packages to cities, school districts, and corporations sound system rental $50/hour 10 hours $50 $500 0 0 0 0 0 0
light system rental $50/hour 4 hours $50 $200 0 0 0 0 0 0
A/V equipment rental $50/hour 10 hours $50 $500 0 0 0 0 0 0
training $100/hour
subsidized by
partners to
provide
accessibility
20 hours $100 $2,000 500 500 500 1000 1000 1000
coaching $100/hour
subsidized by
partners to
provide
accessibility
8 hours $100 $800 200 200 200 200 200 200
technical assistance / navigation $75/hour
subsidized by
partners to
provide
accessibility
40 hours $75 $3,000 1500 1500 1500 2000 2000 2000
FOCUS MORE HERE:
innovation tool kit corporate or govt
clients 4 $1,200 $4,800 0 0 0 0 0 0
facilitation sessions corporate or govt
clients 2 $1,200 $2,400 0 0 0 1200 1200 1200
(reference Jude + Zark's list of funding sources)$0
microbusiness pods -- service fees 6 $400 $2,400 0 0 0 0 0 0
corporate training 8 $300 $2,400 0 0 0 1200 1200 1200
township retreat & immersion 0.5 $7,200 $3,600 0 0 0 0 0 0
partnerships with other event centers like Earle Brown 2 $100 $200 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 $5,000 $5,000 0 0 0 0 0 0
(through food, entertainment, media)
networking events and services 3 $500 $1,500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500
matching services 10 $1,000 $10,000 0 0 0 0 0 0
$0
$0
20 $100 $2,000 0 0 0 0 0 0
import/export connections, consulting, partner with
U.S. and Minnesota Trade Office, Global Minnesota
kiosk with interactive touch smartboard with preset
resources for people to connect with, chosen based
on good fit with BC community
sponsored interactive art installation that people can
touch and create for constantly changing designs
special events that celebrate diversity and cultural
appreciation
month 7 month 8 month 9 month 10 month 11 month 12 Year 2:month 13 month 14 month 15 month 16 month 17 month 18 month 19 month 20 month 21 month 22 month 23 month 24
$21,800 $21,600 $21,900 $29,450 $28,950 $29,250 $597,525 $50,150 $38,350 $38,850 $52,125 $45,025 $45,125 $57,050 $49,850 $57,050 $49,850 $57,050 $57,050
$5,014 $4,968 $5,037 $6,774 $6,659 $6,728 28%$14,042 $10,738 $10,878 $14,595 $12,607 $12,635 $15,974 $13,958 $15,974 $13,958 $15,974 $15,974
$12,220 $12,220 $12,220 $12,220 $12,220 $12,220 $220,800 $18,400 $18,400 $18,400 $18,400 $18,400 $18,400 $18,400 $18,400 $18,400 $18,400 $18,400 $18,400
$4,566 $4,412 $4,643 $10,457 $10,072 $10,303 CASHFLOW $17,708 $9,212 $9,572 $19,130 $14,018 $14,090 $22,676 $17,492 $22,676 $17,492 $22,676 $22,676
1050 1200 1350 1500 1500 1500 265200 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500
1050 1200 1350 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500
1200 1350 1500 1500 1500 1800 2100 2500 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000
2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250 2250
1050 1050 1050 1400 1400 1400 1750 1750 1750 2625 2625 2625 3500 3500 3500 3500 3500 3500
1050 1050 1050 1400 1400 1400 1750 1750 1750 2625 2625 2625 3500 3500 3500 3500 3500 3500
1050 1050 1050 1400 1400 1400 1750 1750 1750 2625 2625 2625 3500 3500 3500 3500 3500 3500
1500 1500 1500 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000
500 500 500 500 500 500 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
500 500 500 500 500 500 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
500 0 0 500 0 0 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500
100 100 100 250 250 250 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500
50 50 50 100 100 100 150 150 150 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200
100 100 100 250 250 250 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500
1500 1500 1500 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000
300 300 300 400 400 400 500 500 500 700 800 900 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000
1200 1200 1200 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400
0 0 0 0 0 0 1200 1200 1200 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400
1200 1200 1200 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400
0 0 0 0 0 0 7200 0 0 7200 0 0 7200 0 7200 0 7200 7200
200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200
0 0 0 0 0 0 5000
1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500
2000 2000 2000 4000 4000 4000 8000 8000 8000 10000 10000 10000 10000 10000 10000 10000 10000 10000
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000
Timeline month 1 month 2 month 3 month 4 month 5 month 6 month 7 month 8 month 9 month 10 month 11 month 12 month 13 month 14 month 15 month 16 month 17 month 18 month 19 month 20 month 21 month 22 month 23 month 24
5 6 8 8 8 10 11 12 14 16 17 18
DEIB Leadership and Innovation
DEIB Business Consulting
EDA Micro Business Summit (ongoing support for networking and matching micros with business services and opportunities for procurement)
Inclusive Procurement Summit (ongoing support for networking and matching micros with business services and opportunities for procurement)
DEIB Collaboration Summit
Innovation Tool Kit Launch
Inclusive Recruiting Summit
DEIB Art Installation
Workforce Equity Lab
Micro Business Growth Services
Micro Business Navigation Coaching
CoWorking Space Rental
Micro Business Bootcamps
Pop-Up Marketplace
Micro Business Accelerator
Micro Business Pod Services
Micro Business Incubator
DEIB Business Matchmaking Marketplace
Hosted local eMIX Forums with Meet and Greet, Networking Events
Connection into the local Procurement DEIB Program
DEIB Matchmaking Service - Provided by Navigators
UpSkilling Workforce Development
Career Listening Center providing innovative access to On-The-Job Training & Apprenticeships (pave the way for the WEL)Workforce Equity Lab
Coding Academy
Youth Career Inspiration - bridge between business and youth in support of BrookLynk Programs
8/18/2021
1
City Council Work Session – August 9, 2021
Meg Beekman, Community Development Director
BC Inno‐Hub Concept Review
Background
2
•June 10, 2019 – Council directed that 3,500 square foot commercial shell be
constructed as part of the construction of Municipal Liquor Store #1
•3,582 foot additional building space (shell)
•$318,000 total cost of construction
•$27,000 annual cost ($318,000 repaid over a 15 –year period)
•Equates to $7.50 per square foot, prior to common area maintenance (CAM)
charges
•City CAM rates are $3/foot
•Additional finishing costs could fall in the range of $150k to $300k (Likely
higher now)
•Estimated equivalent leasable space in the range of $22 to $28 per square foot
8/18/2021
2
Potential Options for Space
3
1. No build
2. Build additional space with intention to sell building and property to
highest and best bid.
3. Build additional space with intention to sell building and achieve Council
priorities (i.e. Resident Economic Stability), but maintain some property
rights over future use. The City would retain some ability to have a voice
on future use based on criteria of the user(s) and property use.
4. Lease at market rates to highest/best proposal.
5. Lease with intent to achieve specific Council priorities (i.e. Resident
Economic Stability), with no operating subsidy assumed.
6. Lease with intent to achieve specific Council priorities (i.e. Resident
Economic Stability), with an operating subsidy assumed.
Options Explored
4
•Leasing the space to a small business, such as a restaurant, at below
market rents ‐This was examined in partnership with several business
resource providers to identify specific potential tenants.
•Establishing a micro‐business incubator to support small and emerging
entrepreneurs ‐NEON explored this concept for a time, but have since
moved on from it.
•Establishing a business resource hub ‐Currently proposed by PAADIO
Consulting
8/18/2021
3
BC Inno-HUB Concept Proposal
5
•Vision: Create a small business and workforce resource hub to deliver
diverse and inclusive programming for economic empowerment and
opportunity to fast‐track post‐pandemic economic recovery &
rebuilding.
•Serve residents and businesses by providing a hub for:
•Technical assistance and training
•Flexible micro work places, shared working spaces and reception services
•Pop‐up markets and retail sales
•Matchmaking services between small and large businesses
•Workforce development training and job pathways
BC Inno-HUB Concept Proposal
6
•Paadio is proposing to lease the space from the City and oversee its
build‐out into a functioning and usable space. As the manager of the BC
Inno‐Hub, their role would include:
•Delivering micro business programming and services ‐technical assistance
training
•Bringing in and managing training and development programming –partner with
community and regional organizations, City and private entities
•Managing pop‐up markets and micro‐retail opportunities
•Hosting community collaborative programming and leadership events
•Creating a leadership space for equitable and inclusive business practice
8/18/2021
4
BC Inno-HUB Concept Proposal
7
•Phased launch timeline of 36 months
•Initial: Build‐out, Co‐working space rental, Pop‐up market place, Micro‐business technical
assistance and training
•Secondary: Develop community partnerships to grow resources and programming based on
community need
•Grow into: Workforce development and youth training programming, expand business incubator
and accelerator, matchmaking services for small and large businesses
•Business Model to stabilize operations includes:
•Private equity investment
•City financial support (EDA and/or ARPA)
•Philanthropic and corporate support
•Program revenue
BC Inno-HUB Concept Proposal
8
•Budget:
•Estimated build‐out: $385,000
•First year start‐up costs: $28,000
•Annual operating costs: $146,640
•Paadio is seeking to raise $500,000 to initiate project
•Requesting the City enter into an MOU – indicating City’s support and
use of resources to support fundraising and program development
efforts
•Similar to PDA –provides rights to the property and time to complete feasibility
and raise funds
•May include other terms if project moves forward: rent waiver, use of EDA funds
to continue feasibility and fund raising efforts
8/18/2021
5
BC Inno-HUB Concept Proposal
9
Presentation by Paadio Consulting
Policy Issues
10
1. What questions does the Council have about this concept proposal?
2. Is the City Council supportive of entering into a MOU with Paadio
Consulting to indicate the City's support of the project and provide
resources to support fundraising and program development efforts?
3. Are there any concerns the City Council has, that should be explored or
considered as part of the due diligence for this project?
C ouncil/E DA Work Session
DAT E:8/9/2021
TO :C ity C ouncil
F R O M:D r. Reggie Edwards, A c#ng City Manager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:D r. Reginald Edw ards , A c#ng C ity M anager
S U B J E C T:Pending I tems
Requested Council A con:
Earle Brow n Name Change for P ublic P roperty
Council Policy for C ity C harter requirement of Mayor's s ignature on all contracts
S trategic P lans for years 2018-2020 and 2021-2023
Review S pecial A sses s ment Policy
Tobacco O rdinance
Emerald A s h Boer Policy Review
Civilian D is cipline Review Commi8ee
Community-W ide S urvey
A8orney R F P P rocess
B ackground:
B udget I ssues:
A nracist/Equity Policy Effect:
S trategic Priories and Values: