Blaine BizConnect - December 2022

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

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

Recent Business Openings

Buck Landscaping

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Buck Landscaping offers top-rated landscaping services to Blaine and the entire north Twin Cities Metro. A full-service landscaping team, offering project assessment, design, and free quotes. Whether it's patios, retaining walls, or hardscape, Buck Landscaping has you covered.

New Options at Northtown

2 Pink Squirrels - 398 Northtown Drive NE
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2 Pink Squirrels is a contemporary take on the soda fountains of yesteryear with a cheeky twist. They are a family-friendly full-service bar crafting vibrant, creative cocktails for adults & delectable, adventurous milkshakes for everyone. They guarantee you’ll leave with a smile on your face.

Northtown Bistro - 398 Northtown Drive NE

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The Northtown Bistro offers flavorful and fresh pasta & flatbreads from a casual neighborhood cafe. Enjoy their variety of made-to-order pasta, flatbreads, gourmet soups and sandwiches, and dessert. Come to the Northtown Mall Food Hall for a great meal inside or take out to enjoy at home.

Irie Vybz Jamaican Restaurant & Bar LLC - 76 Northtown Dr NE
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Irie Vybz provides customers with fresh, delicious, and high-quality food in a unique take on Caribbean cooking. Great tasting, authentic Jamaican cuisine rich in spices and deep flavor. This is a locally owned business that prides itself on providing good quality food with authentic flavors of the Caribbean and great customer dining experiences in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere right outside the Northtown Mall.

Sushi & Noodles - 398 Northtown Drive NE
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Whether it’s an Unagi Roll, Burmese Noodles, or anything in between. Sushi & Noodles in the Northtown Mall Food Hall boast concepts and flavors that are big and bold. Offering an amazing selection of sushi, Asian noodles, fish, and appetizers, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Recent City Council Approvals

• Granted a conditional use permit to allow for the outdoor storage of 43 semi-trucks/trailers in addition to the trucks/trailers allowed for each dock door in a heavy industrial district at 10320 Naples Street NE. 
• Granted a conditional use permit to operate a major auto repair shop with outside storage of six vehicles in light industrial zoning district at 9155 Davenport Street NE. 
• Granted a conditional use permit to conduct passenger vehicle service in a light industrial zoning district at 9221 Baltimore Street NE. #400.
• Approved tobacco and tobacco products license for Super USA Gas Plus.
• Approved a therapeutic massage enterprise license to Elevate Fitness & Massage.
• Approved on-sale and intoxicating liquor licenses for Pal Mar Mexican Restaurant and Mariscos, 4 Taps LLC, and El Norte Mexican Bar & Grill.
• Approved a private wine and 3.2 on-sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor licenses for Fresh Picked Pizza. 
• Approved renewal of currency exchange license for Al’$ Check Cashing and Your Exchange.

Minnesota DEED Announces Automation Loan

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) launched the Automation Loan Program in November as part of the recently announced $97 million through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). 

This program provides companion loans from DEED to cover financing gaps and expand financing opportunities for businesses purchasing machinery, equipment, or software to increase productivity and automation.   

DEED loans through the new program can be worth up to $500,000 and need to be made in conjunction with private financing. Applications are open now. Full terms and requirements are available on DEED’s website. 

Regardless of the terms of the other private financing, the ALPP loan will have the following terms: 

• Loan amounts up to $500,000
• 1 percent interest rate
• The term will be 5 to 7 years based on the life of the asset
• Payments may be deferred 6 to 12 months
• If requested by lead lender, DEED can take a subordinate position on collateral

The loan may not be used for the same purpose as any federally guaranteed private financing being used for the project.

The Automation Loan Participation Program is the fifth of six programs so far announced as part of the new SSBCI initiative. Other programs include: 

The Growth Loan Fund, providing direct loans to innovative seed- and early-stage technology businesses.

The Minnesota Loan Guarantee Program, provides 80 percent loan guarantees for qualified loans made by enrolled institutions.

The Direct Investment and Multi-Fund Investment Programs, two venture capital programs offered by the University of Minnesota investing in Minnesota-based seed- and early-stage businesses in the advanced manufacturing, agtech/foodtech, climate tech, life sciences, software, and technology sectors.  

There are additional details about this program – plus numerous resources for businesses – in the DEED Small Business Hub. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and helping DEED get the word out about this automation funding opportunity.

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

2023 is just around the corner! Has your business started scheduling community events to get the word out about your business? The Blaine Parks and Recreation Department holds several events throughout the year that offer opportunities for business participation. Whether your target customers are pet parents, families, or those with daring taste buds the Blaine Parks and Recreation Department has events for everyone! 

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

Learn more about Social Media Advertising and Search Engine Optimization to grow your business with Open to Business 

Open to Business provides free, confidential business counseling to current and prospective entrepreneurs. Their experienced consultants work with small business owners to access the technical assistance and financing options they need to succeed. One of the many services Open to Business offers is marketing assistance that includes social media advertising to get your ads to the correct customers and search engine optimization ensuring your website hits the top of the search engine results. Open to Business can help your business establish brand reputation and provide the engagement that results in long-term customer relationships.

Open to Business counseling is available in multiple languages. For more information contact Carrie Mikkonen at 763-438-7315 or at cmikkonen@mccdmn.org.

City Offices Closed for the Holidays

Blaine City Hall will be closed Friday, December 23 - Monday, December 26 for the Christmas holiday and Monday, January 2 for the New Year. Staff at Blaine City Hall wish our business community and residents, happy holidays and a prosperous new year!

More Information

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

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