Ward 1 Business Update: Art Force

Since relocating to Northeast Minneapolis from Plymouth four years ago, Art Force (which was formerly known as Corporate Art Force) has filled an important niche in the creative economy of the Arts District. They provide an essential link in the marketplace between artists and higher institutions and businesses, leading to increased sales and leases of art for office complexes, organizational headquarters and corporate campuses. Beyond that, Art Force offers comprehensive art assets management and the SmartArt Rotating Art Program.

As its newest innovation, Art Force has introduced a unique Art Consultant Certification program. The certification was developed as part of Art Force Academy, which was originally a tool for their staff but has now been expanded to provide resources, education and information to art consultants and related professionals, artists and the marketplace. Art Force is the only organization in the industry that offers a certification program for Art Consultants. For further information about Art Force Academy and the SmartArt Rotating Art Program, visit http://artforce.org/project/artist-2

Free Mini-MBA Course for Mpls Businesses

The Minneapolis office of the US Small Business Administration is offering a free intensive training course to area businesses. The Emerging Entrepreneurs training is open to small businesses located in the Minneapolis metro area with annual revenues between $400,000 and $10 million that have been in business for at least three years. The only costs are the business owner’s time and commitment to complete the curriculum. Participants should anticipate 100 hours of combined classroom, homework and peer-to-peer mentoring. A few of the past 22 Minneapolis participants include: Alexander’s Import Auto Repair, CorAzon, Gandhi Mahal, Guaranty Commercial Title, Manny’s Tortas and Mother Earth Gardens.

Thirteen classes will begin early/mid April and run through early November. Interested small business owners are invited to learn more about the initiative and request to have the one page application emailed by contacting the SBA office: Cindy Collett at 612-370-2312, cynthia.collett@sba.gov or Katherine Roth at 612-370-2320, katherine.roth@sba.gov. Applications are due March 11.

Business Spotlight: AccessAbility, Inc.

AccessAbility, Inc. (AAI), a First Ward non-profit organization located in the Mid-City Industrial neighborhood, is celebrating its 65th anniversary of providing services for people with disabilities and others with severe barriers to jobs and community inclusion. AAI provides immediate paid work and training for people who want to work, but due to serious challenges, need added support. This past month, its Project Connect program provided new work opportunities for more than 50 people. It also secured an exciting project for its Day Training & Habilitation program doing retail bag assembly for a local bag manufacturer’s new suitcase shipping product line. Throughout the year, AAI’s Evening Stars program hosts several events for adults with developmental disabilities from all around the Twin Cities area. Most recently, it hosted a Valentine’s Day dinner. To contact AAI about upcoming events, call 612-331-5958 or visit its websites at www.accessability.org and www.aabsi.com.