Equitable Development Action (EDACT) champions equity, economic inclusion, and generational wealth building in underserved communities. Rooted in our mission to be a powerful voice for the underserved, we leverage capacity development as a cornerstone to tackle systemic barriers and empower communities to thrive. Founded in 2019 as the Minnesota African Coalition (MAC), our organization initially focused on addressing disparities faced by African immigrant communities in Minnesota. However, as we evolved, we recognized the need for a more expansive and inclusive approach that would serve a broader range of communities experiencing systemic inequities.
In June 2023, we officially rebranded as Equitable Development Action (EDACT), marking a pivotal shift in our mission and scope. This transformation reflected our commitment to fostering economic empowerment beyond a single demographic and driving systemic change across diverse communities. With this renewed vision, we expanded our reach, launching targeted initiatives to address structural barriers in entrepreneurship, workforce development, business and nonprofit capacity building.
To introduce our new identity and direction, we hosted a pre-launch kickoff event titled “Equitable Economic Development: Empowering Underserved Communities in the Post-George Floyd Era.” 2023 was a foundational year for us. We dedicated our efforts to building strong programs, fostering key partnerships, and driving our mission and vision forward. Building on our momentum, 2024 has been a year of deepening our impact and expanding our reach. We have significantly strengthened our support for underserved small businesses and nonprofits, providing technical assistance and capacity-building to help them navigate challenges, scale their operations, and secure funding.
As part of our Health Equity Program (HEP), we collaborated with Black Business Enterprises to launch the Chapter 245D Compliance Program, ensuring that businesses and organizations in the health sector meet compliance requirements while enhancing service delivery. We also played a key role in securing over half a million dollars in state appropriations for two organizations, further demonstrating our commitment to driving economic inclusion.
Our Incubation and Acceleration Program for Nonprofits (IAPN) expanded to support 8 nonprofits, equipping them with the tools and resources needed to develop sustainable operational models. Additionally, we secured funding for technical assistance grants and the Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) to further strengthen nonprofit and small business capacity.
A major highlight of 2024 was the introduction of Underserved Business Month (UBM), a dedicated initiative featuring targeted campaigns and networking opportunities for minority-owned businesses. Our UBM Kickoff Event attracted over 100 attendees, bringing together entrepreneurs and community leaders to discuss strategies for economic empowerment. We supported over 30 businesses in business growth and technical assistance.
We also launched the EDACT Training Academy, an online learning hub offering specialized courses tailored to underserved businesses and nonprofits. Beyond program development, we have cultivated strong partnerships with community based organizations. These partnerships reflect our commitment to collaboration and systemic change in our communities. Internally, we have experienced significant growth in both staff and strategic partners, strengthening our ability to deliver high-quality programs and support services.
As we continue to grow, we remain steadfast in our mission to advance equity, economic inclusion, and generational wealth building through capacity development. We are excited about the future and are committed to expanding our reach, strengthening partnerships, and developing innovative programs that address the evolving needs of underserved communities. With a strong foundation, a clear vision, and a passionate team, EDACT is dedicated to creating a future where prosperity and opportunity are accessible to all.
Economic Empowerment
