At African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS), we believe that progress begins with people. Building Hope  is a space to share stories from entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders who have partnered with AEDS to strengthen their businesses and neighborhoods. Each story represents the resilience, creativity, and determination that drive our work. Through the AEDS Loan Fund, we provide access to capital and business training that help entrepreneurs grow, create jobs, a

Finding Purpose, Building Confidence, and Creating Opportunity This week’s Building Hope story features Yeroon Addisu, a 23-year-old entrepreneur who is shaping his own future with determination, creativity, and support from AEDS. After high school, I was searching for direction. My parents encouraged me, supported me, and helped me explore different training programs, but I still felt unsure of where I belonged or how I could contribute in a way that felt meaningful. Then we

Reflections on how access to capital transforms lives and strengthens communities. As we approach Give to the Max Day, I’ve been reflecting on how access to capital transforms lives and strengthens communities. Through the AEDS Loan Fund, entrepreneurs are growing businesses that create jobs, preserve culture, and bring new energy to our neighborhoods. Each business we support sparks a ripple of opportunity that extends far beyond one person. When an entrepreneur opens a busi