Little Africa Business & Cultural District of Minnesota

02/16/2026

The AEDS Small Business Emergency Relief Fund is now open.

We are providing emergency support to small businesses that have experienced recent economic hardship. This fund is designed to help stabilize businesses and keep our community strong during challenging times.

At this time, funding is prioritized for small businesses physically located in Saint Paul and Minneapolis. As additional resources become available, we hope to expand support to more areas.

Applications will be reviewed by a Community Advisory Committee to ensure fair, transparent, and community-informed decisions.

Application closes March 2.

Apply today:
www.aeds-mn.org

02/10/2026

Do you qualify for tax credits or refunds this year?

Tax season has begun, and there may be credits available that could put money back in your pocket.

Join African Economic Development Solutions, in partnership with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, for a free virtual workshop focused on tax credit education and resources.

🗓 February 19
🕐 1:30–2:30 PM CT
💻 Free virtual workshop
🔗 Sign up: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/tax-credit-refunds-do-you-qualify

This session will help you understand what you may qualify for and how to access available resources.

02/05/2026

✨ IN OUR PRESENCE ✊🏿 ✨

Join us on Saturday, February 7th for the opening of In Our Presence, a Black History Month group exhibition centering reflection, memory, and lived experience.
This exhibition features the work of four African American artists whose practices engage history, identity, and collective care:

🖤 Kay Heino
🖤 Rajine Williams
🖤 Arnée Martin
🖤 Jeannine Erickson

Together, their work spans painting, mixed media, fiber, digital collage, and installation inviting us to pause, reflect, and gather in community.

📍 African Museum Arts & Cultural Center
678 Snelling Ave N, Suite S-200
St. Paul, MN 55104

🕓 Opening Night: Saturday, Feb 7 | 4–8 PM
🎤 Artist Talk: 6 PM
🖼 Exhibition on view: Feb 7–Feb 27
🗓 Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Friday | 1–5 PM
✨ Drinks & snacks provided

We look forward to welcoming you into the space 🤍

02/05/2026

More tax credits. More opportunities.

Each week, we’re sharing a Minnesota tax credit or refund you may qualify for.

Learn more at
www.revenue.state.mn.us

01/29/2026

Did you know there are multiple tax credits that can support your family?

This is one of them, the Minnesota Child Tax Credit.
We will be sharing more resources weekly so you can see what you may qualify for.

Follow along and learn more at
www.revenue.state.mn.us

12/12/2025

12/10/2025

Happening TODAY!

Join us for a FREE virtual workshop designed to help small businesses step into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and simple strategies that actually work.

🗓 Dec 10, 2025 | 4–6 PM CT
🎙 With Marketing & Communication Consultant, Sena Geleta
💻 Hosted by AEDS | Quarterly Forum

✔ Branding basics
✔ Finding your customers
✔ Content that connects
✔ Low-budget tools for real impact
📌 Sign up and start 2026 strong: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/small-businesses-marketing-that-works?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHlubZ7WMPyhNC4EncFkEskFdNdTXJXtVUP69xKU09RDVkZSL9neaQPM3gMtv_aem_o00WoHl0waa8OIa9IoW9-w

11/28/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Sounds of Rhythm last weekend ! 🪘✨
We loved exploring the music, stories, and artistry behind Rhythms of West Africa: Art in Motion.
Your support continues to uplift African and diaspora artists in our community. 💛

⸻

11/20/2025

Today is Give to the Max Day!

We’re celebrating the stories of entrepreneurs who strengthen our communities in powerful ways.

Meet François Kiemde, owner of La Boulangerie Marguerite, a century-old bakery in St. Paul. His leadership preserves a beloved neighborhood space while contributing to the cultural and economic vibrancy of our city.

This Give to the Max Day, your support helps AEDS provide training, coaching, and financial tools to more community-rooted entrepreneurs like François.

Support AEDS today:
👉 https://www.givemn.org/story/building_hope/settings

Read full story:
👉 https://www.aeds-mn.org/post/building-hope-preserving-a-century-old-legacy

11/11/2025

🎨 Rhythms of West Africa: Art in Motion Workshop

Join us for a creative community workshop led by exhibiting artist Love Quetee whose vibrant, soul-filled work celebrates Black beauty, intergenerational love, and connection to nature.

🗓 Saturday, November 15
🕑 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 African Museum, Arts & Cultural Center
Inside Little Africa Plaza — 678 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, MN

✨ All materials provided.
✨ No previous art experience needed.

Spaces are limited — reserve your spot today!
🔗 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Dvr2zYLTE2jj2mfT7

This workshop is presented as part of Rhythms of West Africa: Art in Motion.
Made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

11/05/2025

🌟 Call for Youth Panelists!

Are you a young entrepreneur or community leader with a story to share?

Join African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) for our upcoming Youth Entrepreneurship & Leadership Forum — a virtual discussion spotlighting youth voices in business and leadership.

We’re looking for 4–5 young panelists to share their journeys — the challenges, lessons, and successes that shaped them.
💸 Selected panelists will receive a small stipend.

🗓 Wednesday , November 19 | 1–3 PM (CT)
💻 Virtual (Zoom)
📋 Apply by November 8: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDkc-JPZ-rGFSHLgXZabyAedKOtieG4_f0R-4tnTTMO_lqzg/viewform?usp=header