Committed to Inclusive Growth
We know Minnesota’s future depends upon making our state’s economy work better for everyone. Across our state, leaders are focused on inclusion not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s vital to building a strong economy. We all do better when we all do better.
In the last few years we've seen several transformational efforts brought forward in our community to build a more equitable economy. Business leaders are coming together for racial justice. Partners are coming together to fight for social change. Government is taking new approaches to grow inclusion.
Below, you’ll find a growing body of work on how Minnesota is meeting this moment for equity in our economy. There’s not just one solution to creating a more equitable economy – there are many. Here in Minnesota, you’ll find a broad coalition of organizations and leaders building momentum together at this critical inflection point for our country.
Allianz, gener8tor pick Twin Cities startups for new MSP Equity Accelerator
Five Twin Cities startups have been chosen to participate in a newly launched diversity accelerator from Golden Valley-based Allianz Life Insurance Company and Minneapolis-based venture capital firm gener8tor …
Gov. Walz credits ‘Black Entrepreneurs Day’ for pushing more state funds for small businesses
“… The city of Minneapolis hosted Black Business Week with events aimed at spotlighting the city’s Black-owned businesses and providing network opportunities for them, whether they be established businesses, startups, or new businesses in the works from Black would-be entrepreneurs..."
New Minnesota accelerator launches for Black, brown and women founders
Launching this fall, the MSP Equity Fund Accelerator aims for a more ‘hands-on’ approach to helping diverse founders in Minnesota …
Groove Capital kicks off inaugural cohort for emerging angel investors of color and women
Groove Capital, a Minneapolis-based pre-seed investment firm and angel-investing association, is leading a local cohort to connect emerging angel investors who are women or people of color as part of a regional program …
More big Minnesota corporations tap into MEDA program to find diverse suppliers
Twice as many Minnesota corporate giants are participating in a program designed to boost supplier diversity by helping them contract with local minority-owned businesses.
How Twin Cities banking executives helped the state’s first Black-owned bank come to town
"Detroit-based First Independence Bank, a Black-owned bank, held a grand opening at its first Minneapolis branch…A second First Independence branch in Minneapolis is slated to open in June at Lake Street and Hiawatha Avenue…"
General Mills invests $15M to promote minority- and female-founders
General Mills Inc. announced Wednesday its venture capital arm, 301 Inc, will make a $15 million investment to promote minority- and female-led food businesses.
Allianz, Xcel, Allina partner in $50M equity fund focused on diverse companies
"Greater MSP and Gener8r also have joined in the effort, which will make investments in venture capital funds who agree to invest in Minnesota companies led by people of color…"
St. Paul nonprofit creates racial equity index to help firms shrink equity gaps
The Center for Economic Inclusion on Tuesday unveiled its racial equity dividends index.
Target teams up with Black-led media company on startup competition show
Bet on Black is a Shark Tank-meets-Project Runway style show that will feature a dozen Black-owned startups in a range of industries including entertainment, technology, and beauty.
Mayo Clinic, NAACP Join Forces
Partnership to create new pathways to success for Black, underrepresented students.
Minnesota’s Mortenson construction make push for diversity in construction
Group is launching the first industrywide Construction and Inclusion Week in hopes of bringing more diversity to the industry.
Best Buy to spend $1.2 billion by 2025 supporting BIPOC businesses
Best Buy is set to spend at least $1.2 billion by 2025 supporting BIPOC businesses as it works to diversify its business from the supply chain to how it advertises.
Minneapolis Accenture, GreaterMSP unite to hire 1,000 tech apprentices
In partnership with OneTen, a group of executives, including several from Minneapolis and St. Paul, who have pledged to up skill, hire and advance 1 million Black individuals in America over the next 10 years into family sustaining jobs with opportunities for advancement.
Challenge Grant to Kick off the Community-based Restore-Rebuild-Reimagine Fund
This fund will provide support to the 350 Minneapolis and St. Paul small business owners whose businesses were damaged or destroyed in the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd last year.
General Mills partnering with Black Men teach
Program will help recruit, prepare, place and retain Black male teachers in schools in Minneapolis.
12 Minnesota Companies recognized as America’s Best Employers for Diversity
Boston Scientific, 3M, Best Buy, General Mills, Allianz, Mayo Clinic, Medtronic, Target, Andersen, Cargill, CliftonLarsonAllen and Thomson Reuters were recognized by Forbes as some on the best employers for diversity.
UnitedHealth Group: Disability Employment in a Technology Company
With the 21st-century economy increasingly reliant on a dizzying array of new technologies, it’s no exaggeration to say that nearly every business in every sector of the economy is in some way a “technology company.”
Black Tech Talent works to bring equality to the tech sector
Minneapolis-based Black Tech Talent has helped Target, HealthPartners, Software for Good and the Minneapolis Institute of Art diversify and recruit top-tier talent.
Target commits to spend more than $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by end of 2025
Target believes a businesses’ health depends on the vitality of the communities they call home, and nowhere is that cause closer to their hearts than in their own backyard in the Twin Cities.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Grantmaking
Our community partners are the people who bring workforce training to Minnesotans who want to grow their skills and find good employment.
Cargill and partners to address racial inequity in agriculture
Cargill has partnered with the National Black Growers Council and 100 Ranchers to launch the Black Farmer Equity Initiative.
Empowering an inclusive economic recovery by setting goals
One of the most important aspects of how we manage the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the way we set goals and measure results.
U.S. Bank announces initiatives to increase wealth building in Black Community
U.S. Bank recently introduced their U.S. Bank Access Commitment. This series of initiatives was created to increase wealth building opportunities within the Black community.
Delta Dental of Minnesota Earns Inclusive Workforce Employer Designation
Delta Dental of Minnesota proudly accepts its recognition as one of three regional employers to receive Inclusive Workforce Employer Designation (I-WE) by the Regional Workforce Alliance (RWA) of Northwest Minnesota.
Target Foundation awards $5M to nonprofits serving Minnesota’s BIPOC communities
Target believes a businesses’ health depends on the vitality of the communities they call home, and nowhere is that cause closer to their hearts than in their own backyard in the Twin Cities.
HealthPartners establishes new equity, inclusion and anti-racism cabinet
Cabinet to focus on increasing diversity and inclusion in the workplace; advancing health equity; eliminating disparities in maternal and infant care and childhood immunizations and more.
Hormel Foods will donate up to $300,000 to support education and equity
Hormel Foods Corporation, a global branded food company, today announced it will be donating up to $300,000 to three organizations to help support education and equity as part of its Inspired Giving program.
Thomson Reuters commits $1M to rebuilding efforts
Thomson Reuters took several measures to lend their professional expertise and resources to encourage employee volunteerism and financially support rebuilding efforts in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Minnesota employers join One Ten committed to 1M careers for Black talent in America
Cargill, Medtronic, Target and U.S. Bank join One Ten, committed to one million careers for Black talent in America in ten years.