Metropolitan Economic Development Association

Helping BIPOC Entrepreneurs Succeed!

At MEDA, our commitment is to reduce the racial wealth gap and foster a more equitable and inclusive future for BIPOC Entrepreneurs. We provide free assistance to BIPOC Entrepreneurs empowering them to scale their businesses to new heights and thrive in today's competitive environment. Our support is focused on three crucial areas: Business Consulting, Access to Capital, and Connections to contract opportunities. 

MEDA was founded in 1971 by a group of Minnesota corporate executives who saw the social unrest in their community. They wanted to provide a sustainable solution to poverty, crime and unemployment that would create a pathway to business ownership and thereby create wealth in communities of color. From that idea, the Metropolitan Economic Development Association was formed. 

In its 53-year history, MEDA has a proven track record of helping BIPOC entrepreneurs grow and become sustainable. Since our inception, MEDA has financed 25,000 BIPOC-owned businesses. Over the next three years, we expect to lend over $51.5M to over 200 clients, creating and estimated 6,500 jobs. 

Your support is vital in helping us create a ripple effect of positive change that will touch lives for generations to come.