MEDA: Metropolitan Economic Development Association

08/24/2026

Congratulations to Lashonda Flowers on closing on a PROMISE Act loan to support her business, Beautiful Beginnings Learning Center! 🎉

What started in 2013 as a home-based childcare program has grown into a thriving early childhood education center serving families in North Minneapolis. Beautiful Beginnings Learning Center provides a nurturing environment for children from infancy through preschool, supporting their development every step of the way.

The loan will support Lashonda as she continues growing her business and providing dependable, faith-based childcare to families in the community. With 14 years of experience and a commitment to helping children reach their full potential, Lashonda is building more than a business — she’s investing in the next generation.

We’re proud to back her vision.

08/20/2026

MEDA was honored to serve as a judge for this year’s MN Cup!

MN Cup is an annual competition giving emerging Minnesota entrepreneurs the chance to compete for seed capital and prizes. MEDA staff evaluated finalists in the Top Founder of Color-Led Company category, where the winner receives $25,000 to fuel their entrepreneurial journey.

This year’s finalists were extraordinary!

🎓 SmartPAL — AI-powered learning platform
🥟 Mr. Momo — Authentic Nepali food service
💉 LilyPad — Medical device for needle fear and aversion
🔒 Rival Dynamics — Physical security innovation
🔬 Particle4X — Advanced particle detection technology
💻 Autonops Labs — SOC 2 compliance automation
🏠 Casa AI — AI-powered property inspection platform

Winners in all categories will be announced at the MN Cup Grand Finale on Sept. 14.

Congratulations to all of the finalists! This is exactly the kind of bold innovation MEDA is proud to support!

08/20/2026

Ready to take your business to the next level? 🏔️

Applications are now open for Ascend Twin Cities 2027 cohort, a management education program designed for established business owners ready to grow with confidence and compete for larger contracts.

What you’ll gain:

✅ Management education from Carlson School of Management
✅ Pitch coaching & growth strategies
✅ Direct connections to corporations, peers and Minnesota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

Beginning in January, participants will meet bi-weekly in person at the Carlson School of Management for education, peer learning, and opportunities to build relationships with corporate partners.

Ready to open the door to new opportunities?

Apply today: www.meda.net/ascendtwincities

Spots are limited – don’t wait! Tag a business owner who needs to see this. 👇

08/13/2026

What a night at Allianz Field! ⚽️🔥

We brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, partners, and friends for Fútbol Fever – an evening filled with great conversations, new connections and plenty of fun, and the Loons won!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the night memorable. We loved bringing our community together!
📸 @ Alex Carroll Photography

08/10/2026

In celebration of Black Business Month, we're proud to spotlight a few of the incredible Black-owned businesses we have the privilege to support. These entrepreneurs are helping Minnesotans look and feel their best while strengthening their communities through beauty, wellness, and innovation.

✨ Earth's Beauty Supply, owned by entrepreneur LaShawna Rhodes, is dedicated to providing quality beauty products that empower customers to embrace their natural beauty.

💇🏾 Hayat Beauty Salon, founded by master stylist Hayat Mohamed, brings more than 20 years of professional expertise to Minneapolis' Seward neighborhood, offering precision haircuts, styling, coloring, extensions, and more.

🌿 ZaRah, founded by entrepreneur Kenya McKnight-Ahad, is a cultural and economic wellness hub in North Minneapolis dedicated to holistic care and community well-being. Through integrative wellness practices and community empowerment, ZaRah is helping bridge gaps in access to healthcare and wellness services.

At MEDA, we're honored to support Black business leaders like these who are creating lasting impact through entrepreneurship, cultural leadership, and community engagement.

08/07/2026

Yesterday was a proud day for MEDA with our wonderful President & CEO, Dorothy Bridges, who shared our passion and support for women founders at the NAWBO-MN Women Ignite! Event.

The event was a powerful celebration of women entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creating jobs, and reshaping our economy, one bold decision at a time.

From left to right: Beth Kieffer Leonard, MEDA’s Dorothy Bridges, Amalia Moreno-Damgaard, Stephanie Lee, Alisa Dalton, Roxane Battle

08/05/2026

MEDA hosted a Contracting and Business Certification Workshop during Black Business Week Minneapolis for business owners to learn about different types of business certifications from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and our partners at the City of Minneapolis Government, Women's Business Development Center (WBDC), and the North Central Minority Supplier Diversity Council (NCMSDC). It was a great day of learning, connection and opportunity!

Interested in learning how certification can help your business grow? Reach out to MEDA – we’re here to help.
📸TP Photo Studio

07/31/2026

Give Latino businesses and leaders the recognition they deserve. Nominate the best of the best for the Latino Chamber Business Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Latino Business Awards.

The Latino Chamber of Commerce Minnesota's Latino Business Awards honor industry-leading executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners for their professional success and community impact.

Nominating takes less than 5 minutes.

Nominations close September 5th. Nominate a Minnesota Latino business leader today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3mho-Pik9fgjKOTCusUvlF1wE6t4rodnyCpd_ynQeB3NG3A/viewform?usp=header

07/27/2026

Countdown to WOMEN IGNITE!

The excitement is building as we approach the much-anticipated WOMEN IGNITE! event. Just 10 days left until we gather for this extraordinary experience! It truly takes a village to create an event of this magnitude, and we couldn't be more grateful for the incredible efforts of everyone involved.

Our collaborators, sponsors, and culinary partners have been working tirelessly, ensuring every detail is perfect for our attendees. Their dedication and passion are what make WOMEN IGNITE! a unique and unforgettable event.

We are thrilled to see everything come together on August 6 and can't wait to share this momentous occasion with all of the attendees. Did you miss your chance to join us? Make sure to register for other upcoming events, so you don’t miss out! https://nawbo.org/minnesota/events/

07/27/2026

⚽Getting hit in the head with a soccer ball? Impossible on the rooftop deck, and not on our agenda!

Making valuable business connections? Absolutely!

Kick it with MEDA for an exclusive networking experience in Allianz Field's private rooftop space. Connect with entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and community partners while enjoying incredible views and cheering on the Loons.

Whether you're looking to grow your network, explore new partnerships, or simply enjoy an evening of soccer while making new connections, this is an event you won't want to miss.

🎟️Tickets are selling fast – reserve your seat today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990884820090?aff=oddtdtcreator