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| Walking The Entrepreneurial
Tight Rope 
Gloria Contreras Edin started her immigration law office, Law Office of Gloria Contreras Edin, PLLC unexpectedly in early 2009. After a career working as an Executive Director at a legal aid non-profit, Gloria found herself receiving multiple requests for legal help. While it started out as a few people and businesses meeting at her home and local coffee shops, she knew that could not continue to be comfortable or private for the number of people she was helping.
Gloria thought she would simply open up an office, but soon found out there is a lot more involved in doing so. She had heard of MEDA and knew we helped entrepreneurs of color start businesses. MEDA consultant Uri Camarena helped Gloria draw up a business plan and introduced her to a variety of people and businesses with services she would need. Soon, she had an accountant, a sign maker and marketing services. Uri then set her up with the University of Minnesota Law School - Business Law Clinic to help her create the necessary documentation for her business. "Having a consultant provided by MEDA, at a very low cost to me, allowed me to relax about the business formation and the structural part and allowed me to focus on my clients. I know they are thinking about me when I'm not thinking about my business." said Gloria.
Gloria provides family-based immigration petitions to help keep families together when they do not all live in the United States. She offers UVISA petitions for victims of domestic violence, abuse and violent crimes.
Gloria's law office is located on Payne Avenue in St. Paul. Once she was up and running and did some basic marketing, Gloria was flooded with work. Her location is accommodating to the Latino, Hmong and Muslim populations and has allowed her to reach out to many immigrant populations instead of focusing on one.
She also provides deportation defense and helps people through their deportation process and gives half-hour consultations for free. "A lot of times people have basic questions that need to be answered and I am happy to help them."
Gloria states, "Starting a small business is like walking a tight rope and MEDA has been the net underneath me."
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| MEDA Intern: "Broadening Horizons"
"We have big plans for Dawit; MEDA is lucky to have him aboard," said, Joe Peabody, Fund Development & Marketing Coordinator at MEDA.
Dawit Dame joined MEDA in early February and plans to help and learn through May. He has a passion for community development and is interested in entrepreneurship. "I decided to intern with MEDA to really broaden my horizons and experience working with a non-profit from the inside. I wish to pursue opportunities in non-profit organizations particularly those working with business and entrepreneurship," said Dawit.
MEDA is particularly appealing because of its relatively small size, wide client scope and big impact. He works closely with Joe and will be working on data management, email marketing, creating and maintaining social media and market research.
A senior at Macalester College studying Economics and Philosophy, Dawit plans to go on to law school a few years after graduation. Right now he is looking forward to finishing school and finding a job, ideally working with an organization similar to MEDA. We thank Dawit for choosing to intern at MEDA!
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Should You Be An Entrepreneur?
Daniel Isenberg of the Harvard Business Review has designed a 2-minute Isenberg Entrepreneur Test, below, to help you find if you should be an entrepreneur.
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| Clients Highlight MEDA Loan Program in Star Tribune Article
In the February 28th Sunday Business Section of the Star Tribune there was a two page article on non-traditional lending sources and the entrepreneurs who are having a hard time finding funding in this economic environment.
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| 2010 PTAC Procurement Fair and Awards Reception - April 28th
Earle Brown Heritage Center
Get a piece of the action!
Small businesses interested in doing business with government agencies and prime contractors are encouraged to attend this Trade Fair.
Coupling education with marketing strategies, this event will provide small businesses an opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 50 Federal, State and local departments, commercial/prime contractors, and nonprofit organizations; access available technical assistance; and learn about upcoming contracts.
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Yvonne Cheung Ho Honored As A Girl Scouts' Woman of Distinction
Girl Scouts' Women of Distinction honors and celebrates seven local women whose
determination and leadership makes them positive role models for today's girls. Yvonne will join a long list of accomplished women in Minnesota who have been honored.
The luncheon will be held on April 8th at The Depot, Minneapolis. For more details click here.
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Upcoming Events
March 4, 2010
GSA Schedules and More: A Business Perspective Saint Paul, MN
March 4, 2010
Introduction to Government Contracting
Minneapolis, MN
March 8, 2010
Introduction to Government Contracting
Duluth, MN
March 8, 2010
Your First Step to Government Marketing: Central Contractor, Dynamic Small Business and On-line Representation Registrations
Duluth, MN
March 9, 2010
Doing Business with the Corps of Engineers
Duluth, MN
March 9, 2010
Doing Business with the Minnesota Department of Transportation
Duluth, MN
March 9, 2010
Cost Estimating and Contract Pricing presented by NCMA Twin Cities Chapter
Minneapolis, MN
March 10, 2010
Responding to Solicitations
Duluth, MN
March 10, 2010
Understanding Government Programs
Duluth, MN
March 11, 2010
Doing Business with the State of Minnesota
Duluth, MN
March 11, 2010
Develop Winning Government Marketing Materials
Duluth, MN
March 12, 2010
Cooperative Purchasing Opportunities - How To Get Involved?
Duluth, MN
March 17, 2010
Develop Winning Government Marketing Materials
Minneapolis, MN
March 17, 2010
Saint Paul, MN
March 25, 2010
Responding to Solicitations
Mankato, MN
March 30, 2010
Introduction to Government Contracting
Crookston, MN
March 30, 2010
Doing Business with the Corps of Engineers
Crookston, MN
MEDA Annual Recognition Luncheon
June 11, 2010
The Minneapolis Hilton
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Stay Connected to MEDA
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