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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn Marinan, Communications, 612-910-9111
More than 900 businesses have received business mentorship and consultation through Elevate Business HC
National Small Business Week is May 1-7, a time to recognize the innovation of local entrepreneurs and the resources that encourage their continued growth and success.
Hennepin County is simplifying the relationship between business and government through Elevate Business HC, a one-stop online hub for entrepreneurs to access regional resources and connect with 23 professional business advisors who are experts in specific core disciplines. With $9 million in funding from Hennepin County, expert consulting and advisory services are available at no cost to Hennepin County business owners.
A new model of business support
Since January 2021, more than 900 businesses have accessed consulting through Elevate Business, and more than 1,300 business owners have registered in the Elevate Business platform to connect with resources that support their growth. Of those registered, 49% identify as non-white, 41% identify as women, and 10% identify as non-English speaking.
“Elevate Business HC is a key effort toward supporting entrepreneurs and growing the local economy in ways that build shared wealth and prosperity,” said Hennepin County Board Chair Commissioner Marion Greene, District 3. “This program changes the way government typically interacts with small business owners by making resources more accessible and is testament to the importance of strong partnerships in the public and private sector. It has provided resources to so many Hennepin County businesses so far.”
The advisors, who offer expertise in English, Spanish, Lao, Malay, Mandarin, Hmong, Somali, Yoruba, and other languages, have real world business experience in the service areas of marketing, legal, finance, web development and access to capital. Half of the business advisors focus on serving Black, Indigenous and People of Color business owners. The program is available to all business owners with a commercial or home-based business location in Hennepin County.
Partnership with Minneapolis Regional Chamber
Hennepin County has worked with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber to create and operate the Elevate Business innovative online platform.
“Since Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Chamber built and launched this program at the end of 2020 as a pandemic response tool, it has evolved into a curated hub featuring relevant small business events, services, and resources provided by multiple agencies,” said Patricia Fitzgerald, Hennepin County Community and Economic Development Director. “Our goal is to make it easier for all small businesses of all backgrounds to be able to locate the tools quickly and easily they need to grow and thrive long-term. We’ve done the work of locating resources available across the region so that our business owners don’t have to.”
The platform is a key strategy for both Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber to support entrepreneurial success and cultivate a more inclusive economy.
“Regions that are working to build a stronger and more equitable economy now will see those investments pay off in the coming years,” said Jonathan Weinhagen, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber. “Small businesses bring vibrancy, creativity, and life to our region. Working in partnership with Hennepin County, we want to ensure that they are able to survive, grow, and thrive now and into the future. Elevate Business is a key tool to provide entrepreneurs with the consultants and advice they need to succeed.”
Learn more and engage
Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.
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