Northside Epicenter Updates from Anissa Keyes
In her search for a home for her business, Anissa Keyes founded a small business ecosystem in the former Camden Park State Bank Building.
Arubah Emotional Health Services, linked below, provides mental and emotional health services to support you on your restoration journey to sound health, resilience, and hope.
We are proudly Black woman owned and we are dedicated to racial justice and liberation for all.
PPNA’s Ashley Bradford checked in with Anissa Keyes on the progress for the NorthSide Epicenter for Black-owned businesses in the old Camden Park State Bank Building.
How is the NorthSide Epicenter coming along? How many Black-owned Businesses do you currently house in the space? We will have 20,000 sq ft. In the early start-up phase. Ultimately, there will be room for 15 business and we have 8 spaces left to fill. Northside will host a membership-based communal space for black professionals. The idea is use the ballroom area for networking and events that members host.
There is a master interest list going; once the space is 60 percent finished, Anissa will invite interested businesses to check out the location and sign leases. Anissa works with NEON and NDC to vet the business owners. She wants to be sure the tenants are ready for brick and mortar.
Where did you the idea to build a small business ecosystem come from?
Anissa wanted a space for Arubah, her healthcare business, to grow. She looked at the Camden space, discovered she had the power to change the area, and decided to fill the room with black business owners. While not planned, this project began as one dream that transformed into another dream.
What is your process for funding the space? Do you have private donors or Grants? The City of Minneapolis had a black-owned business loan program, and Anissa could cover around 30% percent of the cost of the project with this forgiveness loan. She is currently seeking additional loans, grants, and avenues for revenue.
“Strive to have the will and courage and match your commitments.”
WHO
Anissa Keyes and the Camden Park State Bank Building
WHERE
WHY
To help Black small business owners build generational wealth.
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