EDACT - EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT ACTION

Advancing workforce equity, financial empowerment, and business growth for Southeast Asian communities in Minnesota.

About the Grant

EmpowerSEA is a two-year workforce and financial empowerment initiative led by Equitable Development Action (EDACT). The program supports Southeast Asian individuals and business leaders in overcoming barriers to employment, economic participation, and financial stability. Through culturally responsive and community-centered programming, EmpowerSEA equips participants with practical skills, financial knowledge, and business development support to foster long-term economic mobility and generational wealth.

Duration FY2026 – FY2027

Cohorts 2 (12–16 weeks)

Format Hybrid (In person & Virtual)

Focus Workforce & Business Growth

                            Participant Outcomes 
                        
Workforce readiness & job placement preparation
Financial literacy coaching
Resume and portfolio development
Business capacity-building support

                            The program serves 
                        
Southeast Asian individuals (18+) seeking employment
Southeast Asian-led business owners

                            Communities  
                        
Hmong
Lao
Vietnamese
Cambodian
Filipino
Burmese
Karen / Karenni

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Work Readiness Training

Workplace communication & professionalism
Digital and data literacy
Resume writing & interview preparation

Business Capacity Building

Business strategy and growth planning
Branding and digital marketing
Tax systems and compliance

Financial Literacy And Empowerment

Budgeting, saving and credit building
Financial goal setting

Certificate and Credentials

Certificate of Completion in Work Readiness
Digital Literacy Certification

PROGRAM RESOURCES

Explore and download official EmpowerSEA materials for outreach, awareness, and program information.

Equal Opportunity Law Notice - English

Equal Opportunity Law Notice - Arabic

Equal Opportunity Law Notice - Chinese

Equal Opportunity Law Notice - Hmong

Equal Opportunity Law Notice - Loatian

Equal Opportunity Law Notice - Russian

Equal Opportunity Law Notice - Somali

Equal Opportunity Law Notice - Spanish

Equal Opportunity Law Notice - Vietnamese

Disclaimer

"The State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) funded this program through a grant awarded to Equitable Development Action (EDACT). EDACT is solely responsible for the development and content of this program. DEED does not endorse this program and makes no guarantees regarding the information provided."

EmpowerSEA