MEDA: Metropolitan Economic Development Association

MEDA: Metropolitan Economic Development Association Meda provides one-on-one business consulting, access to capital, and market opportunities. Department of Commerce. Meda is also a U.S.

Founded in 1971, MEDA provides services that foster economic equity and support an inclusive future for underserved entrepreneurs throughout the Twin Cities and Minnesota. Since its beginning in 1971, Meda has helped over 25,000 minority entrepreneurs and assisted in the startup of more than 600 businesses. Meda also operates a business development center under cooperative agreement with the Minor

ity Business Development Agency (MBDA) of the U.S. The Minneapolis MBDA Business Center connects Minnesota Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) with business opportunities. Department of the Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Congratulations to the graduates of the Roadmap to Business Success program! 🎉This inaugural cohort came together to str...
06/05/2026

Congratulations to the graduates of the Roadmap to Business Success program! 🎉

This inaugural cohort came together to strengthen their business knowledge, learn from one another, and build a foundation for future growth.

We’re proud of the dedication and spirit demonstrated by each participant. Their commitment to investing in themselves and their businesses is helping create stronger communities, and a stronger economy.

Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating this year’s graduates. We look forward to seeing what they accomplish next!

[More photos coming soon!]

@ .mn Peaceful Heart Health Group @

Happy National Donut Day! While we celebrate the tastiest of treats, we're proud to spotlight three incredible Twin Citi...
06/05/2026

Happy National Donut Day! While we celebrate the tastiest of treats, we're proud to spotlight three incredible Twin Cities donut shops that are redefining what a donut can be:

✨Yoyo Donuts – A family-owned, independent bakery in Minnetonka passionate about crafting unique donuts you won't find anywhere else. https://www.yoyodonuts.com

✨Glam Doll Donuts – This Eat Street favorite is known for creating adventurous flavor combinations; their team works around the clock preparing doughs, fillings, and icings from scratch to delight donut lovers with every bite. https://glamdolldonuts.com/

✨ So Yen - This bakery in Lowertown offers hand-rolled brioche donuts, with rotating flavors each month. https://www.soyendesserts.com/

Supporting local businesses means supporting creativity, craftsmanship, and community. These shops are well worth a visit! 🍩❤️

Yesterday was a proud moment as we celebrated the entrepreneurs in this year’s Ascend program. Cohort members took the s...
06/03/2026

Yesterday was a proud moment as we celebrated the entrepreneurs in this year’s Ascend program. Cohort members took the stage at the Ascend Showcase to present their businesses to anchor companies and explore potential contracting opportunities.

Since January, these business owners have invested in strengthening their leadership, refining their growth strategies, and preparing to pursue new contracts. Yesterday they took the stage to showcase their businesses, share their vision, and connect with corporate and community partners.

Ascend is more than a business development program – it’s about creating pathways for entrepreneurs to scale, compete, and thrive.

Thank you to our anchor companies, sponsors, and partners for investing in these businesses and helping expand access to opportunity.

Congratulations to this year’s Ascend cohort on reaching this milestone. We can’t wait to see what’s next for these growing companies! 🚀

In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re proud to spotlight several outstanding AAPI ...
05/27/2026

In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re proud to spotlight several outstanding AAPI business leaders whose work, innovation, and perseverance are making a lasting impact across industries and communities.

From overcoming incredible challenges to building thriving companies, their stories reflect resilience, entrepreneurship, and vision:

• Conrad Nguyen, CEO of Kortech, whose family fled Vietnam and whose journey from struggling to read in elementary school to leading a successful company is truly inspiring.

• Nina Wong, President at Chin Dian Café, who embraced her Chinese heritage to create a beloved Chinese-Indian fusion restaurant.

• Dharti Chennavajula, CEO and Founder of CDS Vision, applying AI-driven solutions to solve complex manufacturing challenges.

• Dennis and Andy Kim of EVS Inc., a father-and-son team advancing renewable energy through civil engineering innovation.

Their leadership and achievements continue to strengthen our communities and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.


Congratulations to Northside Economic Opportunity Network on the grand opening of its new community kitchen in North Min...
05/26/2026

Congratulations to Northside Economic Opportunity Network on the grand opening of its new community kitchen in North Minneapolis! 🎉

This incredible new space is more than a commercial kitchen – it’s an investment in North Minneapolis for entrepreneurs, economic opportunity, and community wealth-building. With more than 15,000 square feet of commercial kitchen rental spaces for food trucks, caterers, restaurants, and consumer packaged goods entrepreneurs, the space will help business owners start and grow their operations.

We’re proud to celebrate this exciting milestone and the continued investment in North Minneapolis entrepreneurs and innovation. Congratulations to the NEON team and community partners who made this vision possible!

We’re also excited to see the impact this kitchen will have on emerging food entrepreneurs and the broader community for years to come.

Today, we remember the fallen and honor the brave.
05/25/2026

Today, we remember the fallen and honor the brave.

This weekend, we remember George Floyd and honor his life and legacy. While our community will never fully heal from the...
05/22/2026

This weekend, we remember George Floyd and honor his life and legacy. While our community will never fully heal from the tragedy of that day, may his memory continue to inspire the ongoing pursuit of justice, equity, and meaningful change for all.



📸: Chad Davis, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, we’re proud to spotlight just a few of the many outstanding Asian American and Pa...
05/19/2026

In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, we’re proud to spotlight just a few of the many outstanding Asian American and Pacific Islander business leaders working with MEDA.

• Laotian entrepreneur Pateng Yang is co-owner of Viengchan Market in Brooklyn Park, where she and her siblings operate a beloved family-owned Southeast Asian grocery store.

• Indian American business leader Mandeep Sodhi is President and CEO of Select Source International, a global technology staffing and project services firm.

• Cambodian-American entrepreneur Ni Suphavong is the Founder, Owner, and CEO of Jade Logistics, Inc., a minority- and women-owned third-party logistics company.

• Vietnamese American entrepreneur Luyen Le co-founded Modern Electrical Solutions, now recognized among Minnesota’s top-ranked electrical contractors.

MEDA is honored to support leaders like these, who are driving economic growth, strengthening communities, and creating lasting impact through entrepreneurship, innovation, and cultural connection.

Learn more about how MEDA supports BIPOC businesses at MEDA.net.

The numbers are in, and they tell an incredible story. 💚In 2025, MEDA deployed $10.6 million in loans to entrepreneurs i...
05/15/2026

The numbers are in, and they tell an incredible story. 💚

In 2025, MEDA deployed $10.6 million in loans to entrepreneurs in our community. Our clients reported $139.5M in total revenue, grew their businesses by an average of 89%, and helped create and retain more than 2,700 jobs.

Behind every one of those numbers is a person — a family stabilized, a business kept alive, and a community strengthened.

This is why we do what we do. 🙌 Read our full 2025 Annual Report: meda.net/annualreport2025

Looking to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey?This week we hosted an information session for Roadmap to ...
05/15/2026

Looking to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey?

This week we hosted an information session for Roadmap to Business Success, a new educational program designed to help entrepreneurs build knowledge and connections to grow their businesses.

Attendees learned about the program curriculum, connected with fellow entrepreneurs and community partners, and heard about upcoming expansion plans.

Roadmap to Business Succes offers practical learning led by experienced educators on topics such as:
• Business process and systems
• Money foundations and access to capital
• Using AI for marketing

Two upcoming cohorts will run:
📅 September 2026 – January 2027
📅 February – June 2027

Entrepreneurs in the current cohort say that the program is making an impact:
"Exactly what I needed for where my business is at. I have been afraid to ask these types of questions, but you are providing the answers through these classes."

Join us June 4 (1:30-2:30 p.m.) to learn more and celebrate our current cohort at the Roadmap to Business Success graduation ceremony. Roadmap to Business Success Graduation 2026 Tickets, Thursday, June 4 • 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM | Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roadmap-to-business-success-graduation-2026-tickets-1987840891618?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Address

1256 Penn Avenue N #4800
Minneapolis, MN
55411

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+16123326332

Website

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