African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) of Minnesota

09/09/2026

Call for Artists! Cradle of Civilization: Africa’s Global Contributions.

African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) is inviting African and diaspora artists, musicians, and cultural bearers to take part in Cradle of Civilization: Africa’s Global Contributions, a multisite exhibition and creative education project celebrating Africa’s historic and contemporary global contributions. From August 2026 through July 2027, we will bring artwork, live performance, and community storytelling to four beloved gathering spaces in Saint Paul’s Little Africa district, and we would love for your work to be part of it.

What We’re Looking For:
We are selecting eight artists to anchor five public events across four host site: Mama’s Market & Deli, Snelling Cafe, Dilla Ethiopian Restaurant and Agelgil Ethiopian Restaurant. Are you a visual artist, poet or a musical ensemble?

Apply: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKI7vIsSaJj0zz3_I4tIE1Tv5zRrRQvIcg7lN7fqQxS-sI_Q/viewform?usp=header

09/08/2026

The African Musuem, Arts & Cultural Center (AMACC) is opening applications for our Youth Digital Heritage Apprenticeship, a paid, hands-on opportunity to learn videography, digital documentation, and archiving while helping build a permanent record of African Minnesotan art and culture.

We’re recruiting for two tracks:

Track 1 — Exhibition and Cultural Programming Documentation ($8,320 stipend)
Track 2 — Digital Archiving and Preservation ($2,560 stipend)
Six paid positions are open across both tracks. No prior experience needed, training and mentorship are built in. Apprentices commit to 520 hours over the apprenticeship period and work on-site at AMACC in the Little Africa District.

To apply, you must be at least 18, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and able to provide a government-issued photo ID before starting.

Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/262237196898070

Please share this with anyone who might be a good fit, community college students, young adults interested in media or archiving, or folks connected to Little Africa’s business and arts community! Link in bio.

08/26/2026

Got questions about starting a business? Building credit? Writing a business plan? We've got you.

Starting September 8, AEDS is launching Weekly Virtual Info Sessions, free Zoom office hours every Tuesday from 2 to 3 PM. Drop in with any question, no appointment needed.

Each week we'll spend some time on a specific topic like starting a business, credit, financial literacy, and more, then open it up so you can ask us anything. Want more support after that? We'll help you find your next step, whether that's one-on-one coaching in our office or joining our Business Development Training Program.

Register here or at aeds-mn.org/calendar: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2F1Xa3ifSkyXVi_zYOdlFw

See you Tuesdays.
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08/24/2026

Save the date!

The Little Africa Festival joins three other Minnesota cultural festivals for "Many Rhythms. One Celebration" at the Minnesota State Fair on Sunday, September 6, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Dan Patch Park. Enjoy live music, dance lessons, fashion shows, and a chance to experience culture from around the world in one place. Presented by Cultural Destinations.

Scan the QR code for the full program, or visit the link: https://culturaldestinations.org/manyrhythms/

08/24/2026

Thank you to Greater Twin Cities United Way, we have more school supplies to give away starting tomorrow Tuesday 25th until supplies last!

If you didn’t get school supplies last round be sure to stop by our office (678 Snelling Ave N St. Paul, MN 55104, 2nd floor)

Back-to-School Giveaway! 🎒

Stop by the AEDS office Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm at 678 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104 for free backpacks and school supplies, elementary through high school.

While you're there, learn more about our business program too!

Thank you to Greater Twin Cities United Way for making this giveaway possible!

08/17/2026

Back to school supplies are now all finished. Thank you to Greater Twin Cities United Way we were able to support 320 students!

Back-to-School Giveaway! 🎒

Stop by the AEDS office Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm at 678 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104 for free backpacks and school supplies, elementary through high school.

While you're there, learn more about our business program too!

Thank you to Greater Twin Cities United Way for making this giveaway possible!

08/13/2026

Life happens- whether it’s welcoming a new child, caring for a loved one, focusing on your own health, supporting a family member serving on active duty, or needing time away for your safety.

Minnesota Paid Leave may help you take the time you need when life calls for it - without having to choose between your job and the people and moments that matter most.

Learn more about your options and share with someone who may benefit

To learn more visit: https://pl.mn.gov

08/11/2026

Back-to-School Giveaway! 🎒

Stop by the AEDS office Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm at 678 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104 for free backpacks and school supplies, elementary through high school.

While you're there, learn more about our business program too!

Thank you to Greater Twin Cities United Way for making this giveaway possible!

08/07/2026

Thank you to Northwest Area Foundation for the support and for highlighting the work we do here at AEDS!

How one community-led lender is expanding opportunity and building systems that work for everyone. We believe communities are best positioned to shape their own futures. That’s why we invest in organizations that expand access to opportunity and help create systems where everyone has the chance to...

08/06/2026

Find AEDS this week! 🎉

Come find the AEDS team at OSFNA taking place at Central High School in Saint Paul. We’d love to meet you, share what we do, and talk with anyone looking to grow their business. Stop by our table to learn about our business program and how to sign up.

Can’t make it to OSFNA? Stop by our office Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm at 678 Snelling Ave N St. Paul, MN 55104 for our Back-to-School Giveaway, free backpacks and school supplies, elementary through high school. While you’re there, learn more about our business program too.

Thank you to Greater Twin Cities United Way for making the Back-to-School Giveaway possible!

See you soon!