Nacho’s Mexican Grill, Hopkins, MN
About NDC
We support entrepreneurs, from startup to expansion.
NDC believes our success and innovation is a result of regular, systematic evaluation. We know our work only matters if it has a real and definable impact on our entrepreneurs and their communities.
Our Story
Neighborhood Development Center was founded in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1993 by Mihailo Temali, a son of immigrants, on a foundational belief: that the people who live in a community are best positioned to strengthen it. For over 30 years, NDC has provided training, mentorship, lending, and business support to entrepreneurs across the Twin Cities — turning neighborhood business ideas into thriving enterprises.
Today, more than 500 NDC-assisted businesses are open and operating, creating jobs, building generational wealth, and anchoring the neighborhoods they call home.
NDC builds strong entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs build strong neighborhoods.
“The talent was already here — neighbors with skills, ideas, and pride in where they lived, making do in quiet ways. What if vacant storefronts finally gave them a proper home?”
Mihailo Temali, NDC Founder
Our values
Entrepreneurship
Locally-owned small businesses are powerful tools for revitalizing communities. They create jobs, fuel economic activity, promote community role models and leaders and establish dynamic community gathering places.
Partnership
Community partnerships allow us to earn the trust of local residents, create social capital and establish assets which communities own.
Client Journey
Services that are receptive to clients’ backgrounds and personal history are key to eliminating barriers to success.
Adaptability
Entrepreneurial success in a constantly changing environment requires a comprehensive, flexible and future-focused approach.
Collaboration
Mutual respect and commitment lay the foundation for productive, long-lasting relationships. Healthy, productive relationships are derived from mutual respect and commitment.
Innovation
Progress and innovation, fueled by regular evaluation, are the driving force behind our sustained success
Build from Within Alliance
Across America, concentrated poverty is on the rise. Build from Within Alliance (BfW Alliance) believes that areas of concentrated poverty need concentrated opportunity.
Talented entrepreneurs in these neighborhoods are ready to invest in their own communities, create jobs, rehabilitate vacant spaces and revitalize their neighborhoods from within.
NDC is proud to be a member of Build from Within Alliance.