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The racial reckoning sparked by George Floyd’s murder in 2020 led several of the country’s largest corporations — from Apple to Target to Goldman Sachs — to pledge support for entrepreneurs from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. 

Many corporations promised spending, investment, mentorship and all forms of additional support.

 revealed that only a portion of pledges from U.S. companies had materialized. In Minnesota, some businesses owned by people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds have reported a 

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Additionally, media organizations and cultural influencers compiled lists of businesses owned by people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds

to help the public more consciously spend and invest their money. But have these efforts resulted in Minnesota’s consumers permanently changing their spending and investing habits in ways that will support and sustain a more inclusive local economy? How are Minnesota’s business owners from various racial and ethnic backgrounds faring now? What does true allyship and support from corporations, the government and consumers look like?

In Focus: A Seat at the Table: BIPOC Businesses’ Inclusion in the Minnesota Economy

 a conversation with business leaders, entrepreneurs and others working toward lasting change in Minnesota’s economy. They’ll share their first-hand experiences and offer ideas on how Minnesotans can take action, beyond a one-time purchase or donation, to effect a more inclusive local economy.  BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and people of color. 

 is a series of convenings we are committed to leading on Minnesota’s persistent racial disparities. Through conversations with community leaders that are shaped by our curious, engaged audience, we hope to encourage new connections and relationships that will help Minnesota communities make progress toward equity and inclusion. 

If you have thoughts or questions about the event or this month’s topic, check out the 

 for different ways to share your experience. You can also join 

Previously on In Focus

Sustainability in Indian Country

Learning in the time of COVID

George Floyd's legacy and impact

Stopping anti-Asian American hate in Minnesota

A trial and Minnesota’s search for equity and healing

Locked out – The path from incarceration to inclusion 

Disparities and distrust in BIPOC health care 

Racism in housing access 

Equity in education 

Black youth resilience in Minnesota 

Business and Economic News

Social Issues

Conversations around race and racial justice

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In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, many corporations promised spending, investment, mentorship and all forms of additional support for BIPOC entrepreneurs, but only a portion of the pledges had materialized. 

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, many corporations promised spending, investment, mentorship and all forms of additional support for BIPOC entrepreneurs, but only a portion of the pledges had materialized. In Minnesota, some BIPOC-owned businesses have reported a surge followed by a subsequent decline in support. Host Angela Davis led our latest In Focus conversation about BIPOC-owned businesses' inclusion in the Minnesota economy. Her guests were Nancy Korsah of Black Business Enterprises, Alfredo Martel of Meda (Metropolitan Economic Development Association) and Terri Thao of Nexus Community Partners. 

In Focus: BIPOC businesses’ inclusion in Minnesota's economy

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