As we reflect on the five-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment—one where the promises made in the wake of that tragedy must be honored through action, not just remembrance. In a time when the very idea of equity faces mounting backlash and long-standing civil rights protections are being rolled back, the GroundBreak Coalition remains steadfast in our commitments.
We believe the wealth and opportunity of our region should be accessible to all.
The GroundBreak Coalition was created in the wake of a national reckoning. In May 2022, we launched because our community recognized that it was time to look beyond rapid response to root cause systems transformation that would reshape the systems that for generations excluded Black communities and others historically denied access to wealth, homeownership and business opportunity. GroundBreak is more than a coalition—it is a movement for structural economic justice.
Staying United. Gaining Momentum.
Three years after its formation, GroundBreak remains strong and more united than ever. We’ve built governance, infrastructure and new systems that serve as the foundation for scalable and lasting impact.
“We’re not just tweaking the old system. We’re literally building a new blueprint… Our financial system is not as efficient when there are people on the sidelines that qualify for what is needed.” -Jeff Aguy, 2043 Corp – GBC Project Team
Momentum is real
Capital is flowing. Our partners have identified a pipeline of pent-up demand and anticipate deploying nearly $100 million in the next three years—with plans to double it.
Investments are accelerating. Banks and institutions are rethinking how they serve homebuyers, entrepreneurs and developers.
The system is changing. Coalition members are proving what’s possible when bold vision meets collective action.
Unlocking Wealth. Expanding Possibility.
At the heart of GroundBreak’s work is a clear mission: To expand access to capital and accelerate economic opportunity for aspiring homeowners, entrepreneurs and neighborhood developers who have historically been excluded, including an initial focus on Black wealth builders.
“The systems have been designed to disenfranchise, to continue to marginalize, Black developers from being able to participate in the economy and build their community.”
-Adair Mosley, African American Leadership Forum and GBC Board member
By rewriting outdated rules and removing barriers to capital, we are unlocking opportunity by:
- Creating ownership and innovation opportunities in neighborhoods that have been left out for far too long.
- Driving economic growth by supporting 11,000 new homeowners, 5,000 new entrepreneurs and the development of 60 commercial projects.
- Increasing regional prosperity by activating the talent and creativity of residents who have long been excluded from traditional investment systems.
A Grateful Step Forward: The Launch of Our Origination Partner Network
GroundBreak was built on the belief that wealth-building opportunities should be accessible to all. To get to all means doing things differently. We recently were proud to announce a major milestone: the launch of our Origination Partner Network, a critical step in unlocking transformative capital for households, entrepreneurs and communities across the Twin Cities.
These partners carefully selected community-rooted lenders, CDFIs and business support organizations and are delivering capital and technical assistance directly to community members across GroundBreak’s core pillars: homeownership, entrepreneurship and commercial real estate. Their work ensures that investments move into communities through trusted hands that understand the people, history and opportunities in front of us.
The roles of our origination partners include:
- Expanding access to flexible capital for commercial real estate and business ownership, especially in historically underinvested neighborhoods.
- Supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners with forgivable loans and technical assistance, helping them scale and thrive.
- Engaging aspiring homeowners to provide downpayment assistance.
Collaborating with our financial managers to ensure resources are deployed where they’re needed most – maximizing impact, equity and transparency.
This is what implementation looks like.
This is what systems change looks like.
And it only happens when community-based expertise is at the center of the work.
We are deeply grateful to each partner for stepping into this vital role. Together, they represent a powerful network of institutions committed to building wealth, closing racial wealth gaps and co-creating a more equitable regional economy.
“They took the time to really listen and to think about an innovative and different approach to this work. So, it’s not going to be the same way that we’ve always done it. Because if you truly want it to be disruptive, and we want it to have staying power, everything that they’re doing, they’re trying to bring others along, to bring community along.” – Renay Dossman, Neighborhood Development Center and GBC Origination Partner
A Force Multiplier for Change
The GroundBreak model acts as a force multiplier – empowering individuals to re-energize their communities from within. This isn’t just about capital. It’s about creating lasting infrastructure for equity and rewriting the future.
We are proving that inclusive investing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region has the transformative power to change individual lives while strengthening the entire metropolitan region. By opening doors that were long closed, GroundBreak is helping to position the Twin Cities as a world-class region for generations to come.
A Model for the Nation
GroundBreak’s success shows that systems can change. Our coalition-based, community-rooted approach is just beginning to reveal what’s possible. We see the need for investments and hear the opportunity knocking at doors across the region. At this pivotal moment, when money is already flowing, we’re inviting everyone to recommit and align with the work of the coalition. Together, we can deepen our impact across Minnesota and build a model that not only delivers results here at home, but also stands as a scalable, resilient blueprint for communities nationwide.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, our eyes are on the future—not just in remembrance of George Floyd’s life, but in fulfillment of the promises made in his name.
The work continues. The momentum is real. The change is happening.
