Minnesota Africans United

Empowering African Entrepreneurs for Growth & Success. 

Minnesota Africans United (MAU) is a coalition and statewide organization for all African immigrant communities supporting and representing 55 African countries. We act as a connection for the network of African immigrants in Minnesota, for local African immigrant community organizations, and African-owned small businesses.

Strong Businesses. Lasting Impact.

MAU provides comprehensive, culturally and linguistically relevant services that combine technical training with mentorship, peer support, and networking. The goal is to equip African immigrant entrepreneurs not only with business skills but also with the confidence and community networks required for long-term success.

Over the past six years, MAU has developed a holistic, community-driven entrepreneur development model that goes beyond basic business training. This approach acknowledges that entrepreneurship for African immigrants is not just about starting a business but also about navigating cultural adaptation, financial systems, and broader social and economic barriers. MAU’s programs integrate training, technical assistance, professional one-on-one mentorship, peer networking, educational workshops, webinars, conferences and wraparound support, resulting in long-term, sustainable outcomes for participants.

In 2024 alone, MAU’s business and workforce development initiatives accomplished the following:

Served more than 700 clients

Provided 11,452 hours in mentorship

Supported 72 new businesses, collectively generating over $2.5million and creating 26 new jobs

Placed 31 young people into higher-wage jobs, increasing hourly wage by an average of $10

Skills. Opportunities. Pathways to Success. 

We help African immigrants overcome barriers in several key ways: 

• Having workforce initiatives to assist immigrants in finding good-paying jobs 

• Promoting business development including how to start one’s own business 

• Providing needed digital and technology training, including for youth 

• Assisting with access to higher education including accessing scholarships 

• Assisting in accessing needed healthcare  

• Promoting trade and investment between Minnesota and Africa 

• Assisting with real estate investment including home ownership 

• Promoting agriculture and agribusiness in both Minnesota and Africa