Black-owned businesses are growing nationwide, but access to capital remains a major obstacle. Here’s why the credit gap persists and how Black entrepreneurs can navigate funding options.
Economic Equity
Posted inBusiness
Thousands apply for state’s new paid leave program
Minnesota paid family and medical leave applications are already nearing 12,000 as the new state program officially launches.
Posted inBusiness
St. Paul small businesses face uncertainty amid federal rule changes
Small businesses owned by women and people of color in St. Paul are bracing for tougher times after a recent federal rule quietly changed how equity programs operate. Earlier this month, The U.S. Department of Transportation ended the practice of automatically recognizing women and racial minorities as “socially disadvantaged” under the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise […]
Posted inPolitics
Gun control divides St. Paul mayoral candidates
St. Paul’s mayoral candidates clashed over gun policy during a public debate. Mayor Melvin Carter outlined a proposal to restrict assault-style weapons, while Rep. Kaohly Her and Yan Chen questioned its legality and effectiveness. The exchange highlighted sharp differences on public safety, housing, and riverfront development ahead of the November 5 election.
Posted inBusiness
Cast Your Vote Today: Recognizing Black Business Excellence in the Twin Cities
Public voting for the Best of Black Businesses Twin Cities is open. Select winners in five categories and help spotlight Black-owned excellence. Vote daily at spokesman-recorder.com/best-black-owned-businesses-2025.
Posted inCommunity Voices
Ujamaa Place tackles economic disparities in the Twin Cities
Ujamaa Place is transforming the lives of young Black men in St. Paul by providing education, employment support, and life coaching. Through a holistic model rooted in cultural identity, the organization helps participants build stable, purpose-driven futures.
Posted inBusiness
MN PROMISE Act offers small businesses ‘life-changing capital’
The PROMISE Act has expanded. Minnesota small business owners in North and South Minneapolis and South St. Paul can now access up to $1.5 million in financing for commercial property, refinance unfair contracts, and get one-on-one business support from MEDA.
Posted inLocal & State
MEDA’s successes celebrated in these ‘exhausting times’
At its 2025 Annual Meeting, MEDA celebrated BIPOC entrepreneurs and community builders with a night of awards, bold insights, and renewed vision for economic equity in Minnesota.