About Us
East Side Neighborhood Development Company (ESNDC) is a community development corporation dedicated to creating economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses on the East Side of St. Paul. For over three decades, we have been working to build a vibrant, equitable, and thriving East Side through various programs and initiatives focused on access to capital, being a hub for small business support, building property ownership capacity, and community engagement.
The 2026 Play on Payne Summer Series: Connecting Community and Commerce
The Play on Payne Summer Series directly fulfills ESNDC’s core mission by creating economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs while bringing our community together to celebrate East Side culture and support the diverse businesses that make our neighborhood unique—especially as businesses and residents continue navigating the impacts of Operation Metro Surge. Building on the strong community tradition and visibility of the former annual Payne Avenue Parade, the summer series serves as an extension of that momentum, creating ongoing opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the corridor throughout the season. This series has the potential to become a cornerstone of our community-building efforts, strengthening economic resilience, increasing community engagement, and encouraging greater attendance and participation year after year.
Why is it important?
- Economic Impact: The summer series provides significant exposure and increased revenue for Payne Avenue businesses, many of which are small, immigrant-owned enterprises that form the backbone of our local economy.
- Community Cohesion: In our diverse East Side neighborhood, the festival creates space for cross-cultural exchange and strengthens community bonds across different backgrounds.
- Neighborhood Pride: By showcasing local talent, businesses, and culture, the festival fosters a sense of pride and belonging among East Side residents.
- Business Development: The event offers a platform for entrepreneurs in our technical assistance (ETAP) program to showcase their products and services to a wider audience.
Your Support Makes a Difference
By contributing to ESNDC's Give to the Max campaign, you are directly investing in:
- Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses along Payne Avenue
- Creating economic opportunities for East Side residents
- Strengthening community connections and cultural celebration
- Enhancing the vibrancy and sustainability of the Payne Avenue corridor
- Building leadership capacity within our diverse community
Join Us in Building a Stronger East Side
Your donation, no matter the size, will help ensure the 2026 Payne Avenue Festival creates meaningful connections between community members and local businesses, while showcasing the vibrant cultural diversity that makes the East Side special. Together, we can continue building a thriving, equitable, and connected community for all East Side residents and businesses.
Giving Levels and Recognition
Community Supporter: $25-$99
Recognition on ESNDC website
Festival e-newsletter acknowledgment
Neighborhood Champion: $100-$250
All Community Supporter benefits
Name listed on festival program
ESNDC tote bag
East Side Partner: $500-$750
All Neighborhood Champion benefits
Social media shout-out
Two VIP festival passes
Payne Avenue Patron: $1,000-$2,500
All East Side Partner benefits
Logo on festival materials
Four VIP festival passes
Invitation to pre-festival reception with community leaders
Festival Sustainer: $5,000+
All Payne Avenue Patron benefits
Prominent logo placement on main stage
Speaking opportunity at festival opening
Custom recognition opportunity tailored to donor interests