A Message from Our Executive Director
At LEDC, we believe strong communities are built when entrepreneurs and business owners have the resources they need to thrive. This season has brought exciting momentum for our work across Minnesota.
We are honored to share that the Blandin Foundation recently awarded LEDC a $250,000 grant to support regenerative agriculture efforts across Minnesota. This investment will help us address three critical barriers facing small and immigrant farmers: access to capital, access to land and long-term financial resiliency through financial literacy.
Minnesota ranks fifth in the nation for regenerative agriculture production. The agricultural economy is deeply important to our state, and we are proud to help ensure immigrant and Latino farmers have equitable opportunities to grow sustainable businesses and contribute to rural prosperity.
We are also incredibly grateful to receive the La Familia Latino Heritage Award at the Hispanic Marketing Conference hosted by Aguilar Productions. This recognition reflects the collective work of our team, partners and supporters to raise and deploy more than $1 million in grants that helped businesses navigate extraordinary challenges during Operation Metro Surge.
Our work has always been about trust, opportunity and making sure Latino and immigrant entrepreneurs are not left behind.
And there is even more exciting news ahead. As we prepare for the summer opening of Plaza del Sol, we are thrilled to welcome three food hall vendors who are already signed on: Bien Dorados, Valentina’s, and Deli Cheese. Their presence represents the energy, culture and entrepreneurship that Plaza del Sol was designed to celebrate. Here are just a few of their menu options:
- Bien Dorados: birria ramen, machetitos, enchiladas, burritos, corn ribs, flaming elote, chilaquiles
- Deli Cheese: Pabellón criollo, pastelitos, fried ripe plantain slices, fresh cheese and frying cheese
- Valentina’s: chilaquiles, pasta a la mexicana, Mexican-style sushi, Mexican Coke, Bubba Horchata
Thank you to everyone who continues to support our mission and the incredible entrepreneurs who inspire us every day.
With gratitude,
Alma Flores
Executive Director
LEDC Minnesota
