4AP Announces its Founding Executive Director

We are thrilled to announce that Ann Fix has been appointed Founding Executive Director of 4 Access Partners (4AP). After a rigorous selection process, Ann was chosen for her exceptional leadership and deep expertise in entrepreneurship, community development, and food systems.

With over 15 years of experience as a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader, Ann brings a wealth of knowledge to this new role. In 2008, she founded Local D’Lish, an award-winning specialty grocery store that became a launching pad for numerous local farmers and food artisans. Through her innovative approach, Ann played a pivotal role in accelerating the local food movement in Minnesota, helping to scale several locally made products into major grocery retailers. During this time, she also nurtured a culture of entrepreneurship within her team, inspiring many employees to start their own food businesses.

In 2016, Ann transitioned to lead Minnesota’s first Food Business Incubator and Business Development programs for the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON). NEON is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs, especially from communities of color. Under Ann’s leadership, NEON has become a critical resource, offering incubation services, training, financing, and technical assistance to hundreds of food entrepreneurs annually. A key achievement during her tenure was the development of a 22,000 square foot flexible commercial kitchen and food business incubator, set to open in late 2025. This new facility will not only house hundreds of food businesses but will also provide wrap-around business advising—4AP will be proud to operate out of this space.

Ann’s commitment to fostering economic vitality and creating wealth in underserved communities has earned her recognition as both a local and national leader. She is widely respected as a thought leader in entrepreneurship and community development, and her vision to transform North Minneapolis into a diverse, thriving hub of entrepreneurship continues to inspire many.

As 4AP enters its next phase, Peter and I are excited for the future. In our first three years as a nonprofit startup, we have demonstrated both the demand for and impact of the services we provide to food entrepreneurs. But we know this is just the beginning, and with Ann’s leadership, we are confident that 4AP will significantly amplify its impact in the years ahead.

Please join us in welcoming Ann to this new role—her leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of 4 Access Partners and the entrepreneurial ecosystem we aim to serve!

John Mendesh, Co-Founder, Board Chairman

Peter Erickson, Co-Founder, Board Vice Chairman