Four inner-city firms chosen for Wells Fargo-paid makeover

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.