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Mission
Your Business, Your Money (YOBIZMO, pronounced yo-biz-mo) strives to engage artists, entrepreneurs, and community members with business and asset development and wealth building.
Our Story
YOBIZMO is an initiative curated by a nonprofit organization called, Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA).
AEDA organized in 2006 to support and advocate for Asian small businesses in response to Light Rail Transit (LRT) development on University Ave (2006-2013). In 2009, AEDA incorporated as a nonprofit to continue its efforts.
AEDA creates pathways to asset and wealth creation for Minnesota Asian communities. We implement integrated services in small business development, asset development, financial capability, workforce development, and cultural placemaking. AEDA’s mission centers on addressing the systemic challenges and barriers preventing Asian Americans from accessing economic opportunities and achieving economic inclusion.
In 2012, AEDA launched the Little Mekong brand to support and highlight the Asian & BIPOC small businesses through business development, economic development, and community preservation. The brand was created with the recognition of the 30-year history of Asian businesses and the Asian community in the area.
The Little Mekong Cultural District (Little Mekong) was named after the Mekong River that flows through many Southeast Asian nations, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Like a river connecting many ethnic Asian cultures through space and time, the district’s namesake seeks to honor the heritage, history, and presence of the businesses owned and operated by Saint Paul’s Southeast Asian population.
2006
AEDA FOUNDING YEAR
AEDA is born, emerging in response to the Light Rail Transit (LRT) development on University Ave (2006-2013), championing Asian small businesses amidst urban transformations.
2009
AEDA: NON-PROFIT
AEDA incorporates as a nonprofit, solidifying its commitment to supporting Asian businesses, advocating for wealth creation, and dismantling systemic barriers hindering economic access.
2012
LITTLE MEKONG DISTRICT
The inception of Little Mekong Asian Business & Cultural District, a vibrant business and cultural district spotlighting Asian small businesses, commemorates 30 years of Asian community history and entrepreneurship in the area.
2016
XIA GALLERY & CAFE
XIA Gallery & Cafe, a creative space emerged as part of a creative placemaking project, dedicates itself to exhibiting and selling creative work, fostering arts and cultural assets for economic development and community preservation.
2023
YOBIZMO
YOBIZMO (Your Business, Your Money) born from AEDA's legacy, emerge as transformative initiatives nurturing entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, and community growth within Minnesota's Asian landscape.
Our Impact Throughout the Years
Our Impact Throughout the Years
Supported by Ramsey County and Saint Paul through the American Rescue Plan Act.
