Neighborhood Development Center

The Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) is a nonprofit organization based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. It was established in 1993 by Western Initiatives for Neighborhood Development (WIND), a bank-owned community development corporation. The NDC focuses on providing support to emerging entrepreneurs in low-income, inner-city neighborhoods in St. Paul and Minneapolis, particularly targeting communities with high racial and ethnic diversity.

Mission

The NDC aims to harness the entrepreneurial potential within inner-city communities to revitalize these areas. By supporting local entrepreneurs, the organization seeks to strengthen the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents.

Programs

• Training and Lending: The NDC offers a 16-week training program that includes both classroom and one-on-one sessions. This program helps participants develop a comprehensive business plan, which can be used to secure funding. The NDC also maintains a loan fund to support qualified graduates of the training program.
• Community Support: The organization works closely with neighborhood partners to conduct outreach, host classes, and provide ongoing support to program alumni.
• Community Impact: NDC-assisted businesses contribute significantly to their neighborhoods, creating jobs and generating income for local communities.

Impact

As of its founding, the NDC has made substantial impacts in the Twin Cities area. It has provided over $1.7 million in loans to more than 78 borrowers and supports more than 200 businesses, each contributing an average of three jobs and returning about $1,400 per month to the community. The NDC works with diverse racial and ethnic communities, including Hmong, Latino, Somali, and American Indian populations.

Organization Structure

The NDC operates as a nonprofit organization, leveraging partnerships with local organizations to deliver its services effectively in eleven low-income neighborhoods in the Twin Cities area. It views community entrepreneurship as a key driver for economic revitalization and social change.

Strategic Focus

The organization focuses on using data-driven strategies to inform its work, particularly addressing racial disparities and economic challenges within targeted neighborhoods. It aims to build both social and economic impacts by empowering residents to become successful entrepreneurs.