AEDA Success Stories
Life-Changing Impact
Our mission is to transform lives, one individual at a time. Through our comprehensive programs, dedicated support, and unwavering commitment, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.
Join us on this journey of transformation, and together, let's make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
100-150+
Entrepreneurs Empowered
AEDA has served over 100-150 entrepreneurs annually, primarily Asian immigrant, refugee, and low income, with business training and technical assistance.
$3M - $5M
in Grants and Loans
Provide access to capital for entrepreneurs, annually $500,000 - $900,000 in grants and micro-loans. These funds leverage another $3 - $5 million.
150+
Jobs Retained
We help create or retain 150 jobs though our programs.
Provide 40-100 individuals with financial literacy training and credit building.
$5M
Increase Local Business
Promote the Little Mekong Asian Business District – attract thousands of visitors to Little Mekong annually and increase local business revenue by $5 million.
Spinning Wylde and Tevy Phann
Soktevy “Tevy” Phann tells her customers that her gourmet cotton candy is “a little science, a little magic.” It seems to be working, too, because in just a little over a year Tevy’s business, “Spinning Wylde,” has transformed from a festival vendor to a brick-and-mortar store. Tevy had always wanted to share Cambodian culture, and thought one way was to open a Cambodian restaurant. But she knew that the restaurant business was hard and the startup investment was too high.
Saint Paul Funeral Home, LLC
The Mouacheupao's have lived in St. Paul for over 30 years and have been pioneers in the Hmong funeral business for over 10 years. They were looking for financial assistance and consulting services to start up Saint Paul Funeral, LLC and approached AEDA for help. AEDA gave them business technical assistance and provided a loan. They used the loan to cover the costs of renovating the space to accommodate Hmong funerals which tend to be large, multi-day community affairs.
Modern Electrical Solutions, Inc. - MESI
Recognizing the competitive edge special status designations can give a startup minority business, particularly in the construction trade, AEDA worked for several months to ensure MESI would obtain all the necessary certifications. Since then, AEDA has connected MESI with the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program and the North Central Minority Supplier Distribution Council to learn about other opportunities for MESI.
With tenacity and boldness, and help from AEDA, owners Tyra Tran and Luyen Le have successfully started one of the few Asian and women owned electrical contractor businesses in Minnesota. They are looking to continue to grow and employ more low-income community members in the electrical trade. They understand the impact they can have for their community as a job creator and are proud of there accomplishment