MEDA helped 10 more entrepreneurs of color start businesses so far this year. These new business now have the opportunity to create a stronger local economy and an improved Twin Cities community.

 

Along with our many other services, the impact of MEDA is felt through the incredible return to the community our clients produce in terms of new and retained jobs, employment for communities of color and contributions to our tax base.   We admire the courage and persistence of our clients and hope to serve more determined entrepreneurs of color!
 

                

 

THANK YOU to those who have joined this entrepreneurial community through your financial and volunteer support.

Martha Burns has been teaching swimming lessons since 1971. In 2000 Martha came to MEDA and we helped her take the business from the backyard swimming pool to a location in Hopkins, MN. In 2008 Martha wanted to start a second location and again MEDA helped her secure the loans necessary. Martha has the entrepreneurial spirit and shows it by providing a service in a unique way that her customers really love. With her great style of business and a tremendous word of mouth marketing, Martha has been able to grow to a second location and is already ahead of projections for the new school.

 

They really focus on the kids. She teaches them the real skills on how to swim and I refer all my friends to her - Jodie Rankin, customer 

Al Nuness  
Vice President, Sports Sales, Jostens.

Al joined the board over a year and a half ago after personally knowing people who work at
MEDA and MEDA clients. He believes being a board member gives him the opportunity to serve the minority community. "People recognize and appreciate what MEDA is doing for minorities and the community at large".
 
"MEDA is a credible organization that has been around a long time and has helped many entrepreneurs of color. They are always ready to lead you in the right direction and get you the answers you need." Al continued, "It is important for people to be involved with MEDA to take advantage of the network of resources they offer"
 
In almost his second full year as a board member, Al says it's been a real learning experience for him and he has been sitting back and listening to see how he can help. "MEDA has made me more conscious of the needs of the community and has kept minority businesses in the forefront of my mind", including at Jostens, where he is more aware of the opportunities for minority owned businesses to contribute.

"As a board member I would like to see MEDA accomplish its goals and I want to be a part of that in whatever capacity I can".