Partner Spotlight: Asian Economic Development Association

Collectivity is proud to partner with the Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA) as they chart their strategic future. Rooted in Saint Paul’s Little Mekong district, AEDA has long been a vital force in Asian American economic and cultural life in the Twin Cities region. Their mission is to increase economic opportunities for Asian Minnesotans by supporting entrepreneurs, building wealth, and advancing the Little Mekong Business and Cultural District through arts and community.

AEDA’s work includes asset building through small business support, financial education, and lending programs; and community-based creative development, including placemaking initiatives like the Little Mekong Night Market and a new Asian bookstore and café, Xia.

Collectivity is supporting AEDA through a new strategic planning process, helping craft a revised mission statement, identity statement, and logic model to sharpen focus, align stakeholders, and guide growth.

Check out their work and find them at upcoming events: 

AEDA’s Learn and Earn Fellowship is a 12-week mentorship and training program that helps emerging entrepreneurs grow their business ideas. This year’s fellows will showcase what they’ve built at a live pitch competition on Saturday, December 13th, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Wilder Center in Saint Paul.

Participants will compete for $20,000 in prizes - with grand prizes of $10,000, $6,000, and $4,000 - in front of a live audience and panel of judges.