Wells Fargo, in partnership with Rebuilding Together, has recognized four Minneapolis small-business owners through its nationwide commercial-renovation competition: Wells Fargo Works for Small Business.
The "Neighborhood Renovation Program" small business contest netted three local finalists who received $10,000 toward facility renovation.
The winner is Hope and Healing Counseling Services. Hope received $25,000.
Four inner-city firms chosen for Wells Fargo-paid makeover
Wells Fargo selected four Twin Cities businesses that serve inner-city clients for up to $25,000 in remodeling.
The local firms in the running were:
• Wendy's House of Soul, a deli, and catering company that operates on W. Broadway Avenue in north Minneapolis. Owner Wendy Pucket, known for her "soul on a roll" specialty sandwich, will get a freshly painted exterior, new cooking equipment and counters.
• Marques Armstrong, a veteran mental health practitioner and his Hope and Healing Counseling Services of Minneapolis. Hope serves inner-city communities of color. Armstrong's two-office practice will expand into three new therapy rooms, thanks to the Wells Fargo grant.
• Mridi Warfa and his Ibrahim Restaurant on E. Lake Street will get new chairs and kitchen equipment for a restaurant that serves healthy food and is a community gathering space.
• Ian Silver-Ramp, who studied agriculture at the University of Minnesota, operates Mississippi Mushrooms, on the river in north Minneapolis.
On Thursday, many businesses will be closed or have shorter hours, so make sure you grab everything you need before Thanksgiving.