MEDA - Metropolitan Economic Development Association

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day! Today, we honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples around the world. The MEDA offices will be closed today and re-open tomorrow to continue our mission of Helping BIPOC Entrepreneurs Succeed!

Are you ready to elevate your business? Join a diverse network of passionate individuals, gain invaluable skills, and unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Ascend Twin Cities is still accepting applications for their 2025 cohort, apply now for the opportunity to scale through management education and access to potential contract opportunities. https://lnkd.in/gvb4BaZ4

Congratulations to our Elevate Together grant recipients. It was a privilege to celebrate with you today on your momentous achievement. We cannot wait to see your businesses thrive. A special thank you to Office Depot for your support and dedication to helping BIPOC Entrepreneurs Succeed. Tameka Jones Amalia Moreno-Damgaard De'Vonna Pittman, M.Sc.

Happy #TeamMemberTuesday! Meet Haakon Lehn, our Business Consulting Coordinator. With a wealth of experience in coordinating entrepreneurial education, leading initiatives for early-stage entrepreneurs, and building community partnerships, Haakon is dedicated to enhancing MEDA's mission of Helping BIPOC Entrepreneurs Succeed! #DreamBigScaleBigger

Today for #hispanicheritagemonth we are excited to feature Jose Lara, founder of Get it Done Fitness.???♂??? His unique program blends kickboxing, resistance, and strength training for an intense workout that’s never boring! ??? Jose's mission is to encourage a better and healthier lifestyle to those who say to themselves, “it can’t be done.” At GIDF, they focus on kickboxing and core development, combined with traditional fitness routines. They also provide nutritional coaching and personal training to help you reach your goals!

Happy #ThrowbackThursday! Reflecting on our incredible 2023/2024 Ascend Twin Cities Cohort, it's inspiring to see the impact made on over 50 alumni in just four years. Looking ahead, we're thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Ascend Twin Cities Cohort! Don’t miss your chance to elevate your business and set yourself up for long-term success. Apply today: https://lnkd.in/gvb4BaZ4

This past Saturday, MN PROMISE Act recipient Udo's African Restaurant and Grocery Store, celebrated the grand opening of its expanded store and new restaurant space on Snelling Ave. in St. Paul. Our CEO, Dorothy Bridges, had the privilege to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and help celebrate this milestone with owner Michael Udo. MEDA proudly helps BIPOC Entrepreneurs grow their businesses and simultaneously revitalize neighborhoods through MN PROMISE Act loans.

Hispanic Heritage Month is here, and we’re excited to spotlight José Tori Magui?a, the owner and founder of Minnesota Interpreters & Translators (MINT). MINT is a leading provider of language services, offering specialized communication solutions for healthcare clinics, rehabilitation services for injured workers, small and mid-sized businesses, legal firms, educational institutions, and social service organizations. #hispanicheritagemonth #helpingbipocentrepreneurssucceed #dreambigscalebigger

We are excited to announce applications to join the 2025 Ascend Twin Cities Cohort are open! We are recruiting BIPOC Entrepreneurs who want to prepare their businesses to scale through management education and access to potential contract opportunities. To learn about what is all in store for the next cohort, please visit us at the University of Minnesota Supplier Diversity Expo on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 at the St. Paul RiverCentre. https://lnkd.in/gvb4BaZ4

Did you know that brand alignment is more than just a buzzword? It’s the sturdy backbone of your business! When brands stay consistent across every touchpoint—messaging, visuals, and employee engagement—they build deeper connections with customers. Curious how brand alignment can transform your business? Don’t miss tomorrow’s newsletter featuring "7 Reasons Why Brand Alignment Can Make or Break Your Business" by Paul Okelo, a VAN Marketing Mentor. Not signed up yet? Head over to www.meda.net to unlock this exclusive article! Let’s unlock your brand’s potential together! ?? #BrandAlignment #BusinessSuccess #MarketingMagic #HelpingBIPOCEntrepreneursSucceed #DreamBigScaleBigger Taichetan | Business & Digital Media Solutions