Business Boot Camp is a new program of Open to Business designed specifically for our clients with existing businesses.  Over the course of four weeks, participants will engage in a multi-session curriculum tailored to their business needs and goals.  

Working with a team of advisors, participants will dedicate focused time to set strategic objectives, think critically, and develop strategies relevant to their unique situation.  Boot Camp graduates will finish

In January, MCCD’s Board of Directors voted to approve the 2021 Policy Agenda, which is now posted on our website. The policy agenda shares MCCD’s policy and advocacy priorities at all levels of government and shares the proposals that we think would meet our mission “to work collectively to build strong stable communities by

Open to Business (O2B) is the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) program offering free business counseling and an accessible loan program for prospective entrepreneurs and growing businesses. O2B partners with cities and counties around the Twin Cities region to pair experienced business advisors with small business owners who need technical assistance and financing options. We work with a broad spectrum of businesses, from entrepreneurs with an early stage idea to

If your business received emergency relief grant funds through the CARES Act, you will receive a 1099 for your 2020 tax reporting. If you have questions related to the 1099 you received, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Emerging Leaders in Community Development Mentorship Program--Now Accepting Applications for Mentees!

The Emerging Leaders in Community Development (ELCD) Steering Committee is proud to launch the 10th round of our mentorship program and are now seeking applications for mentees. We have had over 250 participants since the program began in 2010

We hope this letter finds you and yours safe and secure. As the world changes dramatically around

Last Friday, August 14, MCCD bid a congratulatory farewell to our long time Loan Program Manager, Mara O’Neill. Mara started at MCCD in 2011 and has been instrumental in the growth and success of our small business lending program. Mara is a tireless advocate for entrepreneurs, passionate about supporting small businesses and the community development sector, and a dedicated and very detailed-oriented loan program administrator. Mara volunteers frequently in the community, teaching

MCCD is proud to join a broad alliance of Twin Cities counties, chambers of commerce, community development agencies and other partners to build a local support network to help small businesses survive and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ... Read more

The following is a building safety guidance from the City of Minneapolis:

Urgent: Do not enter any damaged buildings

Please do not enter any damaged buildings. This is very dangerous. The City is blocking sidewalks to keep people away from damaged buildings and working with property owners to secure their properties and get emergency demolitions started as fast as possible.

Guidance on your damaged property

Property owners and

June 2, 2020

This past week has been a difficult one for our neighbors and community members following the horrific murder of George Floyd. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the broader community. We acknowledge that this violence is just one part of a system of oppression that permeates our society and culture. We cannot allow the targeting of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities to continue and we stand with those who call for

MCCD has been hosting weekly member conversations to discuss primary concerns as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. These calls include updates on local, state, and federal resources and policy changes, as well as opporunities to engage in advocacy efforts. Here, you'll find topic overviews and notes. Please contact Holly Bolstad (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.... Read more

COVID-19 has already significantly impacted people’s ability to pay their rent or mortgage, as well as impacting the development of affordable housing opportunities. The following is a regularly updated list of housing resources that might be of assistance. You can also contact one of our Public Policy team members, This email address is being

The Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), an association of community development organizations committed to expanding the wealth and resources of the Twin Cities through housing and economic development initiatives, has announced the selection of Elena Gaarder as its new Chief Executive Officer. Gaarder will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of long-time CEO Jim Roth.

... Read more

Small businesses across the country have closed or made drastic changes to their day to day operations to help prevent the spread of COVID19. While this undoubtedly presents a huge challenge, there are resources available. The following is a regularly updated list of resources that might be of assistance. You can also contact one of our Business Advisors (contact information on our Staff Directory) for

Because of public health concerns related to COVID-19, as of Monday, March 16, the MCCD office is closed to the public.

• MCCD staff are continuing to work during this time despite the office being closed. You can continue to reach people by phone and email.
• All MCCD events will be postponed and rescheduled.
• Meetings will occur over the phone or other virtual methods. If you are worried about a scheduled appointment, feel free to reach

Passed by Congress as a response to redlining and lending discrimination, the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) has delivered significant and targeted resources to encourage community development and place-based investment in communities forgotten or abandoned by the private market. Since CRA’s inception in 1977, banks have invested ... Read more

Job Summary:

The Administrative Coordinator facilitates the efficient operation of the organization by performing a variety of administrative tasks.

Duties/Responsibilities:

· Answers the general line and process general voicemail messages.

· Welcomes and directs visitors and clients.

· Maintains filing systems and various office documents (lists, contact info, etc) as assigned.

· Responds

MCCD's Senior Policy Advisor, Kari Johnson, advocates on behalf of MCCD and its members throughout the legislative session, while also acting as one of the policy co-chairs for the Homes for All Coalition and helping to lead

MCCD is excited to welcome two new business advisors, Noah Her and Carrie Mikkonen, to the team! Noah is the Business Advisor for Ramsey County, a new area for our Open to Business program, and Carrie is taking over for Anoka County after Kathleen's retirement earlier this summer. 

Meet Noah

I’m excited to get started working through the Open to Business