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Nonprofiteer
← METROPOLITAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

Form 990 for tax year 2025

Filed by METROPOLITAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION.

Totals

Total revenue
$8,616,550
Total expenses
$9,228,096
Contributions and grants received
$5,371,722
Grants paid
$25,000
Program service revenue
$2,406,645
Investment income
$910,680
Other revenue
-$72,497
Total assets, end of year
$59,466,204
Total liabilities, end of year
$41,714,277
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$17,751,927
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$6,569,922
Management and general expenses
$1,073,348
Fundraising expenses
$1,584,826
Program service expenses (Part III)
$6,569,922

Program services were 71.2% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1c · Fundraising events

    $239,989

  • 1e · Government grants (contributions)

    $4,231,811

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $899,922

  • 2a · Program service revenue: Interest From Loans

    total $2,146,203 · related or exempt $2,146,203

  • 2b · Program service revenue: Loan Fee Revenue

    total $74,733 · related or exempt $74,733

  • 2c · Program service revenue: Loan Service Revenue

    total $2,789 · related or exempt $2,789

  • 2f · All other program service revenue

    total $182,920 · related or exempt $182,920

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $985,828 · excluded $985,828

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    other assets $75,148

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    other assets -$75,148

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total -$75,148 · excluded -$75,148

  • 8a · Fundraising events: gross income

    $96,524

  • 8a · Fundraising events: contributions included on line 1c

    $239,989

  • 8b · Fundraising events: direct expenses

    $169,021

  • 8c · Net income from fundraising events

    total -$72,497 · excluded -$72,497

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $25,000 · program services $25,000

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $777,845 · program services $394,917 · management and general $273,520 · fundraising $109,408

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $2,702,981 · program services $1,682,016 · management and general $384,187 · fundraising $636,778

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $75,839 · program services $47,043 · management and general $11,304 · fundraising $17,492

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $523,794 · program services $306,511 · management and general $100,631 · fundraising $116,652

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $227,486 · program services $138,276 · management and general $40,085 · fundraising $49,125

  • 11b · Fees: legal

    total $140,555 · program services $45,726 · management and general $94,829

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $80,687 · program services $80,687

  • 11d · Fees: lobbying

    total $31,500 · fundraising $31,500

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $677,649 · program services $485,443 · management and general $16,964 · fundraising $175,242

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $70,368 · program services $41,147 · management and general $9,796 · fundraising $19,425

  • 14 · Information technology

    total $702,750 · program services $380,530 · management and general $42,705 · fundraising $279,515

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $342,409 · program services $250,298 · management and general $61,074 · fundraising $31,037

  • 17 · Travel

    total $19,314 · program services $15,392 · management and general $2,080 · fundraising $1,842

  • 19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

    total $27,617 · program services $20,606 · management and general $2,940 · fundraising $4,071

  • 20 · Interest

    total $480,148 · program services $480,148

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $65,186 · program services $45,630 · management and general $13,037 · fundraising $6,519

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $82,589 · program services $60,630 · management and general $14,639 · fundraising $7,320

  • 24a · Other expenses: Uncollectible Loan Loss

    total $1,931,744 · program services $1,931,744

  • 24b · Other expenses: Education Workshops

    total $110,851 · program services $21,449 · management and general $1,052 · fundraising $88,350

  • 24c · Other expenses: Memberships

    total $13,121 · program services $8,592 · management and general $2,299 · fundraising $2,230

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $118,663 · program services $108,137 · management and general $2,206 · fundraising $8,320

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $26,577,933 · end of year $23,011,538

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $1,504,389 · end of year $481,390

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $205,748 · end of year $215,434

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $181,926 · end of year $339,115

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $830,178

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $785,758

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $78,284 · end of year $44,420

  • 12 · Investments: other securities

    beginning of year $750,000 · end of year $750,000

  • 13 · Investments: program-related

    beginning of year $34,180,221 · end of year $31,644,649

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $54,760 · end of year $2,979,658

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $606,188 · end of year $640,632

  • 19 · Deferred revenue

    beginning of year $18,831,500 · end of year $16,152,382

  • 23 · Secured mortgages and notes payable

    beginning of year $24,593,083 · end of year $22,530,000

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $1,139,017 · end of year $2,391,263

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $17,516,392 · end of year $17,688,545

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $847,081 · end of year $63,382

Mission and programs · 2025

Mission

Helping BIPOC (Black, Indigeneous, People of Color)

  • MEDA's mission is to Help BIPOC Entrepreneurs Succeed. Our theory of communities of color is a primary strategy to build a more just and fair economy. To fulfil our mission, MEDA provides integrated, wrap-around services in the areas all entrepreneurs need to be successful to grow and scale their businesses through providing the access to the "3C's" -- Access to Consulting, Access to Connections, and Access to Capital. Meda's services and products are available to all low-income entrepreneurs in Minnesota. MEDA serves small business owners who do not have access to traditional commercial banking markets and services.Continued on Schedule OIn 2025, MEDA made a significant impact across Minnesota, deploying $10.5M in new loans across disadvantaged geographies of the state. MEDA served 722 unique businesses in 2025, in industries such as healthcare and social assistance (10.5%), manufacturing (6.2%), Construction (9.4%), retail (8%) and scientific and technical services (13%) as well as accommodation and food services (13.8%). The breadth and variety of these businesses drive economic growth, bringing revenue to our neighborhoods, cities, counties, and state. Moreover, the majority of MEDA-supported client businesses are employer businesses, that together create jobs for more than 1,000+ people.As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), MEDA provided commercial real estate loans, lines of credit and other term debt products to fund hiring, inventory, and equipment. In real estate, MEDA supports small businesses to acquire, renovate and occupy commercial spaces in disadvantaged corridors of the Twin Cities. MEDA's Minnesota MBDA Business Center and Ascend Twin Cities connected BIPOC contractors to secure contracts that lead to sustainable growth. Access to Capital: The consulting services we offer are augmented by the $36 million MEDA Loan Fund, which is a CDFI-certified and SBA-licensed fund that we leverage to support our clients' business growth, real estate, and acquisition needs. We help with financial analysis, projections, and loan packaging. We also expand access to capital for our clients through our excellent relationships with community, regional and national banking institutions. Access to Contracts: Our business consultants provide education, training, and guidance on operations to ensure entrepreneurs are contract-ready. We connect businesses with opportunities to access public and private contracts that support business growth. In the current award period, the Minnesota MBDA has added the Ascend Twin Cities Program to its service delivery. This is a partnership initiative between JPMorgan Chase Small Business Forward Initiative, MEDA, and the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship (Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota. Developed by the University of Washington Foster School of Business, we will offer mentorship, education & training, and connections with our Anchor Corporations to identify and secure new business opportunities. Access to Connections: MEDA's staff works ongoing to connect small business entrepreneurs with the networks and connections they need to find the right services. When MEDA is unable to meet the need of an entrepreneur, our staff make referrals to a variety of nonprofit partners, county offices, chambers of commerce, and other supports in the small business ecosystem.

    Expenses $5,529,408 · Revenue $2,355,002

  • MEDA hosts the regional Minority Business Development Agency. For the fiscal year ended June 30th, 2025, we assisted 145 clients. They reported $45.5 million Gross Revenues, and we helped them to acquire $75.1 million in capital that helped to support 1,138 Jobs (Full and Part time).

    Expenses $398,082 · Revenue $22,765

  • Ascend Management Education Programming: The purpose of MEDA's Ascend program is to improve the capabilities of suppliers, provide connections, and to assist suppliers with obtaining the capital needed to support meeting the needs of their contracts. The program meets the critical need to access management education as well as knowledge of corporate suppliers that are essential to scale a supplier's operations.Continued on Schedule OThe core gap that many disadvantaged, low-income suppliers encounter is that management education, contract opportunities, and capital are essential for scaling a business but is not always easily accessible to low-income or otherwise disadvantaged entrepreneurs. The Ascend program bridges the gap by providing the education needed to further develop their capabilities, providing an introduction and opportunity to showcase their business to corporate partners involved in procurement, and contract financing options that would be necessary to scale the business.In 2025, the program supported 14 small businesses through management education, with an additional 46 that maintained access to MEDA services.Across all client types, 65% of Ascend Alumni survey respondents reported an increase in gross revenues over the last 3 years (15% reported staying the same).60% reported an increase in market opportunities over the period (20% reported staying the same).35% reported an increasing number of employees over the period (35% reported staying the same).

    Expenses $413,992 · Grants $25,000 · Revenue $16,822

  • MEDA supports earlygrowthstage entrepreneurs through its Volunteer Accelerator Network (VAN), a program designed for entrepreneurs of color who are committed to building sustainable and growing businesses. VAN provides a structured pathway for collaboration, networking, education, and mentorship by connecting participants with seasoned subjectmatter experts and experienced entrepreneurs from within the community. The network now includes 65 mentors who offer strategic guidance, help entrepreneurs develop SMART goals, and deliver topicspecific support. Many mentors also serve as instructors in MEDA's Roadmap to Business Success educational series. In 2025 alone, the program facilitated 110 mentorships, with each engagement being specifically tailored to the unique needs of each business.Mentees receive biweekly mentorship aligned with their business goals, monthly educational sessions designed for earlygrowthstage entrepreneurs, and access to a supportive peer community. VAN also hosts everyothermonth coffee chats to build relationships and strengthen the broader entrepreneurial landscape, along with strategic celebrations and networking events that bring together mentors, mentees, and the wider network. With VAN as a core offering, MEDA delivers robust business consulting, mentorship, and capacitybuilding programming that helps small businesses grow sustainably and successfully.

    Expenses $228,440 · Revenue $12,056

As filed on the 2025 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • Kevin Besikof

    Chair

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5
  • Steven Singer

    Vice Chair

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5
  • Jeffrey Payne

    Treasurer

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5
  • Hoyt Hsiao

    Immediate Past Chair

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5
  • Al Mendoza

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Al Perera

    Director until May 2025

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Andrea Novak

    Director until May 2025

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Bukata Hayes

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Chris Pham

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Conrad Nyugen

    Director as of May 2025

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Darren Moquist

    Director until May 2025

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • David Rudolph

    Director until May 2025

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Jacob Rider

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Jashan Eison

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Joel Lebewitz

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Joseph Wallace

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Kenya McKnight-Ahad

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Mary Muldowney

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Matt Thompson

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Michael Roberts

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Molly Dorgan

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Natalie McGrady

    Director until May 2025

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Priya Narula

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Robert Doty

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Shaun Coard

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Shawn Calabrase

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Stefan Michno

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Dorothy Bridges

    President & CEO

    Total calculated
    $337,249
    From this org
    $313,220
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $24,029
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $312,800
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $420
    Deferred
    $9,543
    Nontaxable benefits
    $15,470
    Filer's total
    $338,233
  • Mesude Cingilli

    Chief Finance and Operations Officer

    Total calculated
    $207,810
    From this org
    $202,997
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $4,813
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $202,577
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $420
    Deferred
    $4,813
    Nontaxable benefits
    $998
    Filer's total
    $208,808
  • John Stout

    Corporate Secretary

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5
  • Adrian Ruddock VP of Lending

    and Business Consulting

    Total calculated
    $229,819
    From this org
    $199,190
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $30,629
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $188,770
    Bonus
    $10,000
    Other
    $420
    Deferred
    $5,892
    Nontaxable benefits
    $25,773
    Filer's total
    $230,855
  • Gregory Donovan

    Director of Operations

    Total calculated
    $129,832
    From this org
    $125,639
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $4,193
    Hours/week
    40
  • Catherine McCarthy

    Director of Fund Development

    Total calculated
    $148,444
    From this org
    $119,091
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $29,353
    Hours/week
    40
  • Leann KispertDirector of

    Communications & Marketing

    Total calculated
    $133,114
    From this org
    $118,687
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $14,427
    Hours/week
    40
  • Edward Jensen

    Director of IT

    Total calculated
    $112,308
    From this org
    $102,871
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $9,437
    Hours/week
    40
  • Catherine Rossini

    Controller

    Total calculated
    $117,395
    From this org
    $103,133
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $14,262
    Hours/week
    40

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 3 · Compensation committee
  • 3 · Compensation survey or study
  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

The filer's explanations (Part III)

Part I, Line 7
Officers are eligible for bonuses based on annual performance reviews. The bonuses are determined by the President and Board of Directors.

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

  • EDI AI LLC (ChatLPO)

    $25,000

    2025 MN Cup Grant

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2025
Filed
9 July 2026
IRS schema version
2025v4.2
Source object
202612029349301651

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