Our Story

Founded 2019 Rebranded 2023 Health Equity Nonprofit Growth EDACT Academy Founded 2019 Rebranded 2023 Health Equity Nonprofit Growth EDACT Academy
Founded 2019 Rebranded 2023 Health Equity Nonprofit Growth EDACT Academy Founded 2019 Rebranded 2023 Health Equity Nonprofit Growth EDACT Academy
How We Got Here

From One Community To A Movement

Seven moments that took EDACT from a single coalition to a capacity-building partner for underserved communities across Minnesota.

01
2019

Founded As The Minnesota African Coalition

EDACT began in 2019 as the Minnesota African Coalition (MAC), formed during the COVID-19 pandemic to advocate for African immigrant and minority-owned businesses that were hit hardest by economic shutdowns and left out of relief efforts. MAC mobilized more than 30 community organizations and helped secure $20 million for minority-owned businesses through the Minnesota Small and Micro Business Disaster Relief Fund.

02
June 2023

Rebranding To Equitable Development Action

That work revealed a deeper truth: unequal access to capital, information, and institutional systems was not an isolated problem, it was systemic. In June 2023 we rebranded as Equitable Development Action (EDACT), broadening our commitment from African immigrant and minority-owned businesses to underserved communities across Minnesota, especially the small businesses, nonprofits, and community care providers who need the tools, training, and support to grow, comply, secure funding, and sustain impact. The rebrand marked our shift from reactive advocacy to intentional, structured capacity development.

03
2023

A Foundational Year

We introduced our new identity at a pre-launch kickoff, "Equitable Economic Development: Empowering Underserved Communities in the Post-George Floyd Era," and spent the rest of 2023 building programs, forging partnerships, and setting our mission in motion.

04
2024

Health Equity & Compliance

Partnering with Black Business Enterprises, we launched the Chapter 245D Compliance Program through our Health Equity Program (HEP), helping health-sector organizations meet compliance requirements — and helped secure over half a million dollars in state appropriations for two organizations.

05
2024

IAPN Expands To 8 Nonprofits

Our Incubation and Acceleration Program for Nonprofits (IAPN) grew to support 8 nonprofits, and we secured funding for technical assistance grants and the Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) to further strengthen nonprofit and small business capacity.

06
2024

Underserved Business Month Launches

We introduced Underserved Business Month (UBM) — our Kickoff Event drew over 100 attendees, and we supported more than 30 minority-owned businesses with growth and technical assistance.

07
2024

EDACT Training Academy Opens

We launched the EDACT Training Academy, an online learning hub for underserved businesses and nonprofits, while deepening community partnerships and growing our staff and strategic reach.

Where We Are Today

A Future Built On Equity & Opportunity

As we continue to grow, we remain steadfast in our mission to advance equity, economic inclusion, and generational wealth building through capacity development. 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.

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