Render Free Black Business SPOTLIGHT

By Angela Rose Myers

Contributing Writer

The unpretentious building sits across from Logan Park, nestled next to Elim Church.

Once inside the 4,000 squarefoot location, Render Free—a new Black, woman-led company that offers a coworking space and lounge in Northeast Minneapolis—opens up to a beautiful atrium, multiple conference rooms, and flex spaces alongside a wellness classroom.

Arielle Grant, the founder of Render Free, invited the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder into her sacred space to get a look inside the communal workspace, designed to be a new haven for Black and Brown women in the Twin Cities.

The inspiration for Render Free, says Grant, came from her experiences working in White organizations without having a place of refuge. “It was so exhausting to constantly try to prove that we are worthy of systemic change. And not only was it discouraging to my spirit, but it was also dangerous for my body,” she said.

“As I met more people across the Twin Cities, I realized my story was not unique. The organizations I worked for are not uniquely dangerous, said Grant. “The scenario is one that so many of us find ourselves in, in predominantly White institutions. As Black and Brown bodies, we must