Equity in Action: How NDC and Partners Are Supporting Local Entrepreneurs

Written By Kristen Sison

At Collectivity we believe equity is more than a principle, it's a practice. This is embodied in our partnerships, especially those such as our collaboration with the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) who is stewarding the PROMISE Act grant within the Twin Cities. 

Minnesota launched the PROMISE Act to address the structural inequities that have hindered growth and community prosperity in specific neighborhoods of Minneapolis and Saint Paul post pandemic and social uprising. The PROMISE Act is more than a funding model; it is a vehicle for positive systems change.

We sat down with Melissa Gutierrez Nelson, Program Manager for the PROMISE Act at NDC, to reflect on the power of partnership, community-based infrastructure, and what equity in action really looks like.

Melissa Gutierrez Nelson, Program Manager at NDC

What is the PROMISE Act, and how did NDC come to lead this work?

“In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature enacted the PROMISE Act to provide targeted support for small businesses in key areas of Minneapolis and Saint Paul that have been disproportionately affected by long-standing systemic challenges including structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, limited access to capital, aging population, and economic underdevelopment.

As part of this initiative, the State of Minnesota selected the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) to administer the PROMISE Act Grant Program for the Twin Cities region. This honor reflects NDC’s 30-year legacy of empowering local entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities.” 

Collectivity believes NDC, with its wealth of experience supporting local entrepreneurs and advancing community development, was an ideal choice to lead this work. We are proud to work alongside NDC and other partners in developing the program’s architecture.

What kind of impact has the PROMISE Act had so far, especially when it comes to equity?

“In round one of the grant program, the PROMISE Act made a meaningful impact, especially for entrepreneurs who’ve historically been left out of traditional funding opportunities.

  • More than $8 million in grants awarded

  • 598 small businesses received funding

But the impact goes beyond dollars. The program is also helping level the playing field:

  • 1,387 hours of technical assistance provided

  • 1,069 applicants received hands-on support

  • 80% of applicants needed help navigating the process

  • 83% of grantees are BIPOC entrepreneurs”

The numbers tell a deeper story: the fact that 80% of applicants required and received navigation support affirms why strong infrastructure and intentional program design are crucial. Equity-centered systems aren’t just about who gets funded, they’re about how people are empowered and supported along the way.

This was a huge team effort—how did partners, including Collectivity, contribute to the work?

“The success of the PROMISE Act was made possible through strong partnerships with 17 community-based nonprofits deeply connected to the neighborhoods the program was designed to serve. We also worked alongside cultural organizations serving Latino, African, and Asian communities to ensure the program was accessible and inclusive. These partners were essential in providing outreach, application support, and technical assistance. Collectivity played a key role in helping us design and coordinate the community partner program, manage our technology and TA systems, and develop effective fraud mitigation strategies to ensure the integrity of the grant process.” 

Whether building backend infrastructure, co-creating technical assistance models, or convening partners, each of these practices is strengthened by an equity-centered approach. Our ultimate goal is for the community to meet this moment. Building systems alongside community is the secret ingredient for success.

Kristen Sison
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