Econo-Mía's premiere episode features an interview with Nathaniel Ru, co-founder of Sweetgreen. As a former small business client, Sweetgreen demonstrates what can happen when we invest in minority-owned businesses.

Econo-Mía, the Latino Economic Development Center's new podcast, kicks off with an interview with Nathaniel Ru, co-founder and chief brand officer at Sweetgreen. Econo-Mía aims to provide a window into the economic power of Latinos and other minority communities in the United States.

As one of LEDC's most successful small business clients, Sweetgreen demonstrates the economic potential of Latinos and what can happen when you invest in minority-owned businesses. Sweetgreen received startup loans from LEDC in 2008 to open its second location in Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. The investment has since helped to propel the company and its mission of providing people a healthier way to eat.

Today, Sweetgreen has over 130 locations nationwide. The company has not only changed the approach to fast food, but it has also been a leader in combating food insecurity and limiting its environmental footprint, making these goals integral to its business model. With its growing success, it is no surprise that Sweetgreen is currently in the works of filing for an IPO.