Opus Alumni Businesses Support Locals in Need - Newsroom | University of St. Thomas

May 18, 2026 - 17:14

A number of small businesses connected to the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas have been quietly working to support their neighbors during a difficult stretch for the Twin Cities metro area. These ventures, founded or operated by alumni and current students, focused on providing direct aid to individuals and families facing hardship rather than waiting for larger institutional help.

One example involved a local cafe owned by an Opus graduate that began offering free meals to anyone who could not afford to pay. The owner covered the costs out of pocket and encouraged other customers to donate toward the effort. Another business, started by a current student, shifted its operations to deliver essential goods like diapers and non-perishable food to elderly residents who were unable to leave their homes.

A separate initiative came from a group of alumni who pooled resources to fund small grants for struggling families in their own neighborhoods. Rather than funneling money through a large charity, they personally identified recipients and handed over cash with no strings attached. The goal was to help with immediate needs like rent, utility bills, or medical expenses.

These efforts reflect a broader trend of local business owners using their platforms to fill gaps in community support. While the metro area faced economic strain and social disruption, these entrepreneurs chose to act directly rather than wait for outside assistance. Their actions show how small, personal gestures can make a real difference when people band together.