Jesse Lockett-Ell

Jesse Lockett-Ell is the very proud owner at Jesse’s Café. Jesse had always wanted his own cafe so he went looking for support. He discovered MEDA, one of MicroGrants partner agencies who also works with people of potential. The Metropolitan Economic Development Association is a Twin Cities nonprofit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs of color succeed, and Jesse Lockett-Ell is one of MEDA’s clients. Jesse’s lifelong dream was to open his own restaurant, and with MEDA & MicroGrants’ help, his dream is becoming a reality.

Jesse said, “I’ve always loved to cook and I graduated from the Cordon Bleu in 2003. Since meeting with MEDA, I’ve been able to go back to school, this time taking small business courses that will assist me in understanding the management and financial side of things.” Working with Jesse, MEDA knew he would be a good investment as he had a dream of self-sufficiency and the desire and action to make it happen. So they nominated him for a MicroGrant. We awarded Jesse a $1000 MicroGrant to give him a financial boost on his exciting journey toward independence.