Brooklyn Park Helps Small Businesses Succeed and Survive
Nadia Wotrang started her restaurant, Nadia’s Jamaican Kitchen, more than two years ago in the northwest corner of Brooklyn Park, not far from Highway 610.
“The food is very authentic–as authentic as you will get in Jamaica. Not watered-down. It’s not completely spicy. It’s more flavorful,” said Wotrang. “That brings you back home.”
Nadia Wotrang opened Nadia’s Jamaican Kitchen in Brooklyn Park more than two years ago.
She says she couldn’t have opened–or stayed open–without business assistance through the City of Brooklyn Park.
“They helped me out with a SAC and WAC, so that was a great program to be on, and thank god my last payment is here, so that’s going to be paid off,” Wotrang said. “There’s also a program that they do, the micro business loan. I haven’t done that yet, but it’s part of something I want to do. All I have to do is get my paperwork in and I’ll be fine.”
Malcolm Hicks is director of economic, housing, and development for the City of Brooklyn Park, and he’s worked with Nadia at every step of the way.
“Nadia has come a very long way,” said Hicks. “Working with small businesses, I think that a lot of times they’re underestimated. Small businesses really are the backbone of community. They provide a lot of jobs, a number of jobs, I would think, between working with local residents and providing opportunities, and so we really want to insure those small businesses have as much as they can as far as assistance and resources to succeed.”
Hicks said, in addition to the SAC and WAC and microloans, the city also offers incubator services at its Small Business Center.
“Environment and location are very important when it comes to small businesses getting started, not only in location but also in mindset,” said Hicks about the center, which houses office and retail space for dozens of local businesses of many sizes and industries. “Being around other businesses that have gone through the same obstacles and challenges that they have provides a sort of relief and comfort as well.”
