What happens when you trust entrepreneurs to know what their businesses actually need? In this special episode, host Sam Bauman sits down with Shahir Ahmed, Vice President of Business Services at Neighborhood Development Center (NDC), to explore the groundbreaking Minnesota Promise Act, a $72 million grant program providing flexible funding to businesses in historically disinvested communities.

Unlike previous programs, this one trusts business owners to make their own decisions, whether that's upgrading equipment, launching a marketing campaign, or anything else that will help them succeed.

Shahir, who was once a student in NDC's training program himself, candidly discusses the systemic barriers facing entrepreneurs, from language and cultural differences to being labeled "unbankable" by traditional lenders, and how NDC's approach of "character lending" wrapped in technical assistance has seen promising results. 

Throughout the conversation, one theme emerges: the small businesses NDC serves aren't just selling products or services, they're creating spaces for community connection, modeling what entrepreneurship looks like, and proving that place should not determine potential.

Guest Info

• Guest: Shahir Ahmed (he/him)
• Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) (Website • Instagram)
• MN PROMISE Act (Website • Instagram)

Other Links:

• Midtown Global Market
• MEDA
• Lake Street Council

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Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Sam Bauman (she/her)
• About the Host: Sam is the President of Mellowlark Labs, a Twin Cities-based small business consulting agency. She has a masters degree in counseling psychology, a field she worked in for several years before applying her skills in business, and is certified in Organization Development.

Podcast Website

Sound Editing By: Adam Rondeau
Podcast Art By: Andy Bauman (website)