Neighborhood Development Center

NDC's Food Growers Plan It! gives farmers, growers, and food producers the tools to write a real business plan — marketing, finances, operations, all of it.

Applications close July 10. Classes start August 18 in Minneapolis. Apply today, as spots fill up. https://www.ndc-mn.org/entrepreneur-training/

Kobi Co. started with a young entrepreneur making candles to get through a tough time during the pandemic. With support from her mom, it grew into a full business rooted in self-care, creativity, and community.

MPR News recently featured Kobi and her mom as part of their “Power Pair” series, and it’s a great look at what it takes to grow a business together:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/06/04/power-pair-the-motherdaughter-duo-behind-kobi-co-candles https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/06/04/power-pair-the-motherdaughter-duo-behind-kobi-co-candles

Power Pair: The mother-daughter duo behind Kobi Co. candle and wellness brand MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a mother-daughter duo who are are spreading self-care and good vibes through their scented candle and wellness company.

We’re now recruiting for Project WISE.

This is a free program for entrepreneurs who want clearer financial systems and more confidence in their numbers. You’ll get support with bookkeeping, credit building, tax prep, and access to financial experts along the way.

It’s FREE, practical, one-on-one support designed to help you steady your operations and plan what’s next.

Learn more and apply: https://www.ndc-mn.org/wise/

Angelea’s Soul Food Kitchen just opened their St. Paul location, and they’re right here on the first floor of our HQ building on University and Dale.

If you’ve ever had their food, you know how special it is. If you haven’t, the Star Tribune just shared their story and how this family-run business, rooted in their mom’s recipes, is continuing to grow.

This is exactly why we do what we do. When local entrepreneurs have the support and space to grow, they create places people come together.

Welcome to the building, Angelea’s. We’re glad you’re here! Read more on StarTribune: https://www.startribune.com/angeleas-soul-food-kitchen-expands-to-st-paul-bringing-moms-scratch-made-recipes/601843140

At NDC, we believe that relationships are the foundation of everything we do, and Hope Asprey embodies that in her work every day. After serving as our Applicant Experience Specialist, where she helped small business owners navigate the tools and resources they need to thrive through the MN PROMISE Act, Hope has stepped into her new role as Donor Engagement Manager. In this chapter, she's channeling the same genuine care and deep understanding of our mission into building and nurturing the partnerships that make NDC's work possible.

Hope's journey within NDC reflects what we love most about our team: people who grow alongside the community they serve. Drawing on her firsthand experience as an entrepreneur along with years of journeying alongside other founders, she brings an authentic voice to donor conversations — she knows the stakes, she's seen the impact, and she's passionate about connecting supporters to that story. As Donor Engagement Manager, Hope is the person helping to ensure that NDC has the resources to keep showing up for small business owners and community members for years to come.

We're proud of Hope and can't wait for you to get to know her in this new role. If you're a current or prospective donor, a community partner, or someone who wants to explore how your support can make a difference, then Hope is your person. Reach out and say hello!

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Behind Plan It! Entrepreneur Training is a dedicated team invested in your success. From day one, you'll be part of a Class with a Trainer who takes the time to understand your idea, your goals, and your challenges — then walks with you through every step of building your business plan. Our team brings together experienced Trainers, supportive staff, and a network of resources, all working together to make sure you have what you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.

We've helped entrepreneurs just like you turn uncertainty into action. Now it's your turn.

Apply for Plan It today. ndc-mn.org/planit

From pilot program to national conference.

Dan recently presented results from NDC's Small Business Labor Law Pilot at the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) Conference alongside our research partners from Cornell and Rutgers, representatives from the Minneapolis labor agency, community bookkeepers, and a small business participant.

It was an opportunity to share what we've learned, highlight the impact of community-centered support, and contribute to broader conversations about strengthening small businesses and workers alike.

If you want to start a business, you need a real plan. Plan It! Entrepreneur Training helps you learn the fundamentals in a clear and practical way. Gain the confidence to take your next steps and build a strong foundation for your future.

Apply today or learn more now! These classes are also available in Spanish. ndc-mn.org/planit

At NDC, we've always believed that supporting entrepreneurs means supporting the whole person.

That's why Mindset Reset exists! This is a free, 6-week virtual program where entrepreneurs build real tools for stress, mindset, and sustainable growth.

Sign up today: https://ndc-mn.tfaforms.net/83