FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER (FEC)

The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is your ultimate destination for building financial freedom and stability within the Black community. As a powerhouse for financial education and empowerment, the FEC offers cutting-edge services such as personalized financial coaching, supporting businesses, individuals, and families with budgeting, debt management strategies, credit repair and building, and entrepreneurship development. With a sharp focus on closing the racial wealth gap and addressing financial inequities, the FEC provides access to community banking resources and practical tools to help you build and sustain generational wealth. Empower yourself with knowledge and unlock new opportunities to secure your financial future through the FEC.

One of the FEC’s signature programs is Beyond Table Talk, a dynamic monthly virtual (or sometimes in-person) event series. Each session highlights a trending or under-discussed topic related to financial literacy, designed to equip participants with the tools to achieve bold economic power and generational wealth. Moderated by carefully selected experts, with 2–3 panelists who specialize in areas such as entrepreneurship, accounting, real estate, health and wellness, and behavioral health, these engaging 1-hour programs provide an interactive space for honest discussion, strategy-sharing, and financial empowerment.

The FEC is a vital initiative of the Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP), the same visionary organization that created Arise Community Credit Union (Arise CCU), Minnesota’s first Black-led credit union, formerly known as Village Financial Credit Union. Arise CCU was established to provide accessible, affordable, and culturally responsive financial services that directly address the needs of underserved communities. Through its community-centered approach, Arise offers checking and savings accounts, fair lending products, and financial education tools - through ABEP - that empower individuals, families, and businesses to build wealth, achieve stability, and take ownership of their financial futures. Together, ABEP, the FEC, and Arise CCU work in unison to create sustainable pathways toward economic justice and generational wealth.

Beyond Table Talk

Monthly programs, presented virtually or in-person, are aimed at specific community-based topics to guide their viewers/participants toward a better financial future.

Financial Literacy Curriculum Presentations

The Financial Empowerment Center offers a tailored program that supports individuals from middle school to retirement, covering essential financial topics like budgeting, saving, investing, and estate planning, helping participants build long-term financial stability at every life stage.

Task Force

The task force's goal is to coach individuals and organizations in the fundamentals of financial literacy. Through expert guidance, they aim to enhance the recipients' current financial knowledge, provide valuable tools and resources, and help build generational wealth. The task force is where the community will find one-on-one coaching.

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One-on-One Coaching

One-on-one coaching offers personalized financial guidance, helping individuals set goals and take actionable steps in areas like budgeting, saving, and investing. Task force members provide ongoing support to help clients achieve long-term financial success. This service is free when you register.

HOW CAN THE FEC HELP YOU?

We help you by offering culturally rooted and trauma-informed education and coaching that promotes saving, reducing debt, and moving towards your financial independence and wealth-building. The program helps you to plan for your financial future and build skills in money management, budgeting, credit and debt solutions.

WHAT IS THE COST OF INDIVIDUAL SERVICES FROM THE FEC?

Receiving one-on-one coaching from the FEC is completely free for participants registered in our free "Smart Money Moves" program.

IF I WANT THE FEC TO PRESENT FINANCIAL LITERACY INFORMATION TO MY STUDENTS, BOARD, OR COMMUNITY MEMBERS, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

To have the FEC present financial literacy information to your students, board, or community members, you’ll need to contact the us directly to schedule an informational meeting. Feel free to call or send an email with details about your audience (e.g., age group, group size, specific topics of interest) so we can get an idea of how to tailor the presentation to meet the needs of your participants.

CONTACT US to be connected to the FEC task force today to receive personalized financial guidance and resources that will help you achieve your financial goals and build long-term wealth!

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE FEC

Supporting our mission to empower individuals and communities toward financial stability and independence can be achieved in several impactful ways. Here’s how you can take action:

Explore our sponsorship packages and choose the one that best fits your goals.
Reach out to us about potential grant opportunities to support our initiatives.
Become a regular supporter with a monthly contribution.
Share our mission with others to help grow the impact and be part of the solution.

Your support of the ABEP Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) ensures that we can continue offering this critical service free of charge to those who need it most. For more information, call us at 612-588-7821.

DONATE TO SUPPORT THE FEC