MEDA’s successes celebrated in these ‘exhausting times’

The Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) honored standout entrepreneurs and community builders Tuesday, June 17, at its 2025 annual meeting, held at the Walker Art Center. The event brought together over 100 small business owners, corporate partners and civic leaders to celebrate the achievements of BIPOC-led businesses in Minnesota and to chart a path forward amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

The meeting featured awards for Entrepreneur of the Year, Community Builder of the Year, Resilient Entrepreneur of the Year, and Small Business Champion of the Year, along with a spirited panel of founders whose businesses have flourished with MEDA’s support. The program was emceed by MPR’s “Minnesota Now” host Nina Moini.

“At a time when so much is happening in the world, this meeting holds special meaning,” Moini said. “MEDA is not only prepared for this moment, it is positioned to lead this movement.” 

MEDA Board Chair Hoyt Hsiao, who passed the gavel to incoming chair Kevin Besikof during the event, reflected on a year of growth and resilience. “It’s been a privilege to serve an organization doing such critical work,” said  Hsiao, president and CEO of Shaw-Lundquist Associates Inc. “We are positioned for continued success thanks to the dedication of MEDA’s team and the support of this community.”

MEDA President and CEO Dorothy J. Bridges acknowledged the “exhausting times” small businesses are navigating — rising costs, reduced access to capital, and the fast-changing impact of artificial intelligence.

“These changes are not accidental,” Bridges said. “There are forces that would rather see us give up… But here we are, still showing up.”

Bridges emphasized MEDA’s continued commitment to BIPOC entrepreneurs and highlighted the organization’s recent $3.5 million in Promise Act loans as a critical resource for underserved business owners. “Our mission won’t stop until every single entrepreneur has equitable access to the capital and support they need,” she said.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Conrad Nguyen, a former refugee and corporate executive who now leads Kortech, a minority-owned small business connecting talented people to large companies and government agencies for project and construction management, facility support services, and onsite contract staffing. Nguyen credited MEDA with providing early acquisition support and connections that helped scale his companies.

“When you’re lying in a refugee camp dreaming of becoming someone, it’s hard to believe that one day it will happen,” Nguyen said. “MEDA helped make that possible.”

The Community Builder of the Year award went to the founders of 4RM+ULA — James Garrett Jr., Nathan Johnson and Eric Goodlow — for their architecture firm’s work integrating public art, cultural pride, and community-driven design across the Twin Cities.

“In most spaces we inherit, there was never an intention that people who look like us would be served,” Garrett Jr. said. “We’re creating new spaces, and a new language, that welcome and reflect us.”

Goodlow spoke about mentorship as a central part of 4RM+ULA’s work, especially in a field where fewer than 2% of architects are Black. “It’s important to show young creatives that someone who looks like them has done this — and can guide them, too,” he said.

Johnson emphasized community inclusion in design: “Sometimes people don’t realize how much knowledge they already have. We help bring that forward.”

The Resilient Entrepreneur of the Year, Rolando Borja-Trujillo of Talent Identifying Systems, was honored for rebuilding his business after a devastating fire nearly drove him to bankruptcy.

“From devastation to revival, Rolando’s journey is a testament to determination and belief,” Moini said. He was unable to attend due to a family emergency.

Local media entrepreneur Sheletta Brundidge, founder of “Sheletta Makes Me Laugh,” accepted the Small Business Champion of the Year award with the humor and heart that have become her signature.

“Tell your story… Tell it again and keep telling it,” Brundidge urged attendees. “Don’t stop telling it, and you won’t have to call the media, they’ll be calling you. If your business has anything to do with the news of the day, jump on it. Talk about it. A TV station will reach out to you. Write an op-ed for the Star Tribune or Minnesota Spokesman Recorder. Don’t let your foot off the gas — your money will stop coming if you do.”

She encouraged entrepreneurs to be consistent and bold in inserting themselves into conversations. “You can never have too much of you. Be like me, there’s never too much of me. Don’t ever let somebody tell you you’re doing too much. If you’re doing too much, that’s just enough to get you on TV.”

Panelists echoed the importance of representation and opportunity in entrepreneurship. “Hope is the superpower,” Brundidge said, noting the impact of seeing business owners who look like you succeed. “You can’t be what you can’t see.”

Johnson emphasized “access,” describing the challenges faced when doors are repeatedly closed.

Garrett Jr. echoed, mentioning, “We ran a cash-only business for 15 years before we got our first chance at funding,” praising MEDA for opening doors that traditional banks would not.

“MEDA’s superpower is opportunity,” Garrett Jr. continued. “They give deserving folks who aren’t traditionally bankable a chance to grow and thrive.”

As the meeting closed, Bridges reaffirmed MEDA’s vision to transform neighborhoods like Rondo, North and South Minneapolis, and East Saint Paul into “destination points” powered by thriving small businesses.

“Minnesota has been through too much to throw in the towel,” she said. “It’s going to take more than tariff hikes and policy rollbacks to stop us now.”

Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com