Spotlight: East Metro Main Street Economic Revitalization Program
In 2023, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation awarded grants to 42 nonprofit organizations and businesses through the East Metro Main Street Economic Revitalization Program in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
A total of $7 million in state funding was awarded to projects in the Snelling-University-Rice Cultural District, the East Side community, and along West Seventh Street in Saint Paul. An additional $2.15 million was raised and distributed to further support applicants to meet program matching fund requirements and complete projects. Check out a few of the project highlights below or view the full impact report.
Udo's African Food Store
Udo’s African Food, renowned for its mouthwatering West African dishes, is growing and moving to a new location, thanks to the substantial support of the East Metro Main Street program. This funding has been instrumental in making their expansion possible, ensuring not only an expanded store area but also additional restaurant space.
“We are not only going to be expanding our grocery store - we are actually going to be cooking the product we are selling!” says owner Michael Udo.
La Palma Supermercado
La Palma Supermercado, known for its authentic Latin foods, now has a new attached bakery and upgraded kitchen thanks to the East Metro Main Street funding, providing enhanced culinary offerings and expanded amenities for its patrons.
"We have a variety for all the [South American ethnicities]," says owner Luis Gutierrez. "I think that’s the most important [way] we impact on the community. They come here, they come home, they feel like a family."
This content was originally published in the June 2024 small business newsletter. Click here to subscribe.