African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS)

African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) is a nonprofit CDFI founded in 2008, based in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Its mission is to empower African immigrant communities by promoting wealth creation through entrepreneurship, small business development, micro-lending. AEDS aims to lift immigrant families out of poverty, support them in benefiting from the regional economy, and foster sustainable financial independence. 

Services: 

• Business loans (small business, micro-loans, credit‑builder, Sharia‑compliant) 
• Business development training (6‑week program) 
• Technical assistance & consulting (legal, accounting, licensing, marketing) 

Eligibility: 

• Primary focus on African immigrant entrepreneurs, families, and small business owners in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota
• Suitable for both new and existing businesses needing development training, technical assistance, or access to capital
• Applicants must be willing to participate actively in AEDS programs  

Business Lending 

• Provides small business loans up to $100,000 for existing businesses 
• Offers micro-loans up to $25,000 for startups 
• Provides $300 interest-free credit-building loans to improve credit scores
• Offers Sharia-compliant loans and asset buy/sell agreements