Let’s Rebuild African Immigrant Businesses in Minnesota.

As small businesses were gearing up to reopen after being devastated by COVID-19 and already struggling amid the pandemic-induced shutdown, they were faced with yet another challenge—the murder of George Floyd. They are now left to pick up the pieces of their dreams and businesses while also mourning with the community.

In response, AEDS has created the Business Relief Fund to meet these needs of local African immigrant businesses. The Business Relief Fund is a forgivable loan to keep small businesses open and continue contributing to the community. Being an entrepreneur is never easy. Keeping a business alive as an African immigrant during these times requires hard work and your help.Your support now will help these businesses grappling with the loss of jobs, services and investments more than ever.

Donate→

Little Africa tour showcases local artists and African owned businesses.

During the Little Africa tour attendees traveled along Snelling Avenue, where they visited African Plaza, Fasika Ethiopian Restaurant, Dahabshiil Mini Market, Addis Mini Market, Sabrina’s Café, Sunshine Beauty Salon, and Snelling Café. At each location, the group had an opportunity to meet with the business owners and learn the unique stories of the locations. The tour ended at Snelling Café with a pop-up art gallery featuring the works of artists of visual artists Geno Okok, Sara Endalew, and Binyam Raba, the documentary street photography of Netsanet Negussie, and the eccentric and bold handbags of fashion designer Ngeri Nnachi.

Opening up the Doors: Why Creating a Welcoming Little Africa Community Takes Time

On February 9th AEDS launched its first in a series of community workshops to implement a Facade Improvement project for small businesses within Little Africa. Organized by both AEDS and the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation the project is funded in part by the Knight Green Line Challenge award and seeks to build community engagement while improving the exterior of Little Africa businesses. The second Facade Improvement workshop in this series will take place on April 5th 2016.

Learn more about the first workshop here →

African Women Entrepreneurs & Artist Networking Event

Little Africa celebrated International Women’s day by hosting the second event in our arts series. On March 8th Little Africa organized the African Women Entrepreneurs & Artist Networking event. The comprised of an array of guest speakers, a performance by Ifrah Mansour, storytelling circles, and a panel discussion featuring Little Africa Women artists and entrepreneurs.

AEDS Homeownership Workshops

AEDS has partnered with the Minnesota Home Ownership Center to provide home stretch workshops to prepare homebuyers to be successful homeowners. We offer homeownership workshops throughout the year. Our homeownership workshops are open to all homebuyers in Minnesota. Click here to register for upcoming homeownership workshops.

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Let’s Rebuild African Immigrant Businesses in Minnesota

#RebuildOurCommunity

They are now left to pick up the pieces of their dreams and businesses while also mourning with the community.

Your support now will help these businesses grappling with the loss of jobs, services and investments more than ever.

Your help will be an essential difference for families and protecting local jobs. Give now.

#RebuildLakeStreet #RebuildWestBroadway #RebuildMidway #RebuildAfricanImmigrantBusinnesses #AfricansInMinnesota #AfricanImmigrantsInMinnesota

June is Homeownership Month! Take a Home Stretch class on Saturday June 13th for FREE!

Did you know that June is National Homeownership Month? AEDS is celebrating by offering a FREE Home Stretch class on Saturday, June 13th! Home Stretch is an eight-hour homebuyer workshop that covers all of the essential steps that buyers should take in order to realize their dream of homeownership. Sign up today to prepare yourself to be a successful homeowner.