The aim of the Austin Area Minority Business Project (AAMBP) is to stimulate entrepreneurship and economic vitality in Austin, MN by reducing legal barriers in immigrant status and business; thus, improve local economic development, empower underrepresented community members, improve accessibility to social services, and increase civic engagement. The program is implemented by the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM), and the pro bono team of Lindquist & Vennum (L&V). LEDC supports community and economic development through immigrant business legal support, addressing common owner and employee issues. ILCM assists immigrants in the workforce by improving or acquiring legal status for individuals and families. L&V’s partnership leverages Bank of America funding through comprehensive pro bono legal services.

Evaluation Questions 

The evaluation cover the following questions: 

• Who seeks assistance from this project and for what purpose? 
• Is the current project strategy sustainable? 
• How can this project assist in increasing local employment? 
• Does this project directly or indirectly stimulate the development of local businesses and commerce? 
• How does this project affect the efficient use of local real estates? 
• Does this project make improvements in living conditions in underrepresented communities? 
• How does this project help with community integration and engagement in local initiatives and leadership? 
• Is the model used in this project generalizable?