The Latino Enterprise Center (LEC) is a program of Main Street Project of Minneapolis, and was launched in February of 2007. Main Street Project is a non-profit tax exempt organization serving the needs of rural America. The LEC was developed to serve the economic component of the broader leadership development goals of Main Street project.

The LEC works with entrepreneurs in the rural areas within two tracks, 1) in-town/rural enterprises, and 2) agriculture enterprises or “agripreneurs”. The work LEC does is defined by the needs in each community, and by the business environment where they operate. LEC’s work is organized according to the following strategic areas:

  1. Outreach to entrepreneurs
  2. Business ideas exploration and evaluation
  3. Business management training for new businesses and start-up planning assistance
  4. Supporting access to start-up and working capital
  5. Technical business management assistance for established enterprises
  6. Support the involvement of Latino/a entrepreneurs in the broader context of rural communities as a key component of a long-term rural economic development strategy.

The LEC strategy also puts a high value in doing what is possible to dispel myths and social barriers that isolate Latino communities in rural areas.  This is done as part of building a positive business environment where Latino/a businesses are not seen in isolation, and their value as an economic sector in rural communities is better appreciated and supported.  This approach creates a more positive business environment that increases the chances of success for economically depressed rural areas and feeds growth for those doing well.  A clear outcome of LEC’s work is the strengthening of existing economic development institutions, their connection with the Latino/a business sector, and the effective and improved utilization of existing resources .

LEC works in partnership with economic development authorities, business associations, chambers of commerce, city leaders  and administrators, etc.  Statewide, we collaborate  at different levels with government and non-governmental organizations, legislators, private businesses, other organizations with a focus in rural Latino communities, and  business consultants.

Since launched in February of 2007, our focus in order of investment priority has been in Northfield, Faribault and Fargo/Moorhead in Minnesota and North Dakota (Fargo). Other cities where we have started to develop a presence and partnerships include Rochester, Austin, Worthington, Albert Lee, Owatonna, Waseca, Madelia, Willmar, St. James, and Mankato.

Our work-plans for each area are based on business environment scans, and a whole business, marketing, operational, and finance strategy tailored to the local conditions. Many of these areas have well developed Latino/a business support systems in place, because of these factors, collaborations, partnerships development, and other strategies, are defined only after these local leaders have been engaged.

For more background information about the director of the Latino Enterprise Center, follow this link.