Catalyst Community Partners

Causes: Economic Development

Mission: Catalyst community partners (catalyst) revitalies distressed commercial corridors by developing vacant properties and cultivating sustainable businesses that enhance livability and provide neighborhood jobs. Catalyst began its north minneapolis revitalization work in 2004 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in january 2008. Catalyst focuses on commercial property revitalization, business development and community engagement.

Programs: Commercial property revitalization since 2004, catalyst has completed 12 commercial projects in the west broadway area of north minneapolis, more than any other organization. Catalyst brings blighted, often historic properties back into service and creates jobs for local and minority construction workers. In the past seven years, catalyst projects have achieved 45 to 54 percent minority participation, triple the standard rate for commercial projects. Catalyst sets high standards of excellence, incorporating public art, safety improvements, architecturally designed facades and quality materials into every project. Its projects have received eight awards of excellence including "2011 naiop award of excellence for mixed-use", presented in 2012. Catalyst currently owns and manages three commercial properties, representing nearly 42,000 square feet and 15 tenants in the west broadway area. Catalyst also assists existing property owners and third party developers in completing their projects with high-quality community standards.

business development catalyst's redevelopment efforts brought an estimated in excess of 250 jobs and more than 40 employers to north minneapolis in the past eight years. Catalyst's kindred kitchen food incubator program supports local food entrepreneurs in launching and growing their small businesses. Catalyst actively recruits successful retail and services businesses to the west broadway corridor, expanding low-skilled jobs ideally suited for north minneapolis' under-employed residents working closely with the local business association and small business support organizations, catalyst also assists existing owners in improving their businesses through property renovation expertise and catalyst's loan fund.

community engagement catalyst promotes a comprehensive approach to community development by facilitating a community development committee and collaborating with multiple agencies and partners. Catalyst supports area- wide priorities including post-tornado recovery and transit-oriented development through its "better together" program, over 5,000 volunteer hours have contributed toward community beautification and enhancement projects.