Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Chris Farrell and Jeffrey Bissoy

Minority-owned businesses are growing, but they're still struggling

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The national economy is nearing 10 years of economic growth. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the national unemployment rate is 4.1 percent. For the state of Minnesota, it is 3.3 percent, with a 2.3 percent unemployment rate in the Twin Cities.

For the first time since 2001, the number of unemployed Minnesotans has dipped under 100,000, to 96,674, per the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

The strong economy has led to a growth in minority owned-businesses, but entrepreneurs of color still face challenges in getting their business up and running.

Associate Vice President for University Relations and International Programs at Concordia University St. Paul Bruce Corrie, Vice President of Business Solutions for the Metropolitan Economic Development Association Joanna Ramirez Barrett, and KMS Air Duct Cleaning owner Ken McCraley joined MPR News contributor Chris Farrell for an in-depth discussion on minority-owned businesses in Minnesota.

Use the audio player above to hear the full segment.