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.

December 28, 2017 at 7:52PM

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.

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.

about the writer

Neal St. Anthony

Columnist, reporter

Neal St. Anthony has been a Star Tribune business columnist/reporter since 1984. 

See More

More from Business

card image

California-based Better Place Forests bought 112 acres in Scandia to offer more eco-friendly memorial options, an industry Emergen Research expects to generate $1.2 billion a year by 2030.

Tom Sparks shopped at Arc's Value Village Thrift Store and Donation Center in Bloomington, Minn. on Friday, February 24, 2012. Sparks, who is also a collector, enjoys shopping at thrift stores to stay on a budget and find unique knick knacks like picture frames.