Heidi Mueller, the founder of Excelsior Candle Company, wasn’t sure she should keep her business going.
She was selling a lot of candles, but didn’t have a good process for running the business. Like many entrepreneurs, she spent a lot of time being busy, but finished long days not knowing if she had actually gotten closer to her business goals.
Now, fresh from the CEO Now group training, she has a completely new perspective, a stronger business, and some big goals for the future of Excelsior Candle Company.
Read how she went from the brink of shutting down her company to a big-box deal and acquiring another business.
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 Hennepin County is proud to announce the next Certified Access Academy is starting soon. The next academy launches Thursday, February 1 for Hennepin County-based businesses.
Founded by The Activate Network and Fearless Commerce, this cohort training is designed to help get businesses owned by women of color ready to successfully work with government and corporate entities, including getting certified as a minority, small, or woman-owned business, and/or a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.
Business owners will exit the program ready to compete for government and corporate procurement opportunities.
Hennepin County fully covers the cost of participation for businesses based in the county. To be eligible, businesses must be headquartered in Hennepin County and owned by women of color. Certified Access Academy is offered up to two times per year, and space is limited. If eligible applications exceed capacity, business owners will be placed on a waitlist for future cohorts.
If you don't qualify for Certified Access, you can still find certification guidance and support with Elevate Hennepin advisors.
Construction entrepreneurs, don't miss the MaKee Company’s workshops. These trainings are designed to help contractors hone new skills and develop the know-how to manage successful construction projects.
Workshops are available at no-cost to eligible Hennepin County contractors.
Available workshops are:
- Project and Construction Management, February 20-22, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Job Costing: February 27-29, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
All participants who complete the Job Costing workshop course will be eligible for a partial reimbursement subsidy to purchase cost estimating software to use in their own business. More details will be available in the workshops.
 Ultimate website makeover
Learn to turn first impressions into lasting engagements with a website that speaks directly to your audience's needs from Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE.
Online event, January 18, 2024, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Register today
Short-form content 101: The art of going viral
Discover the art of creating viral content on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. This class explores the secrets behind trending videos and posts, and teaches you how to use the platforms' features to spotlight your ventures.
Online event, January 18, 2024, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Register today
Ask me anything: Trademarks
Join attorneys Navin Ramalingam (Robins Kaplan) and Mary Susan Gerber (Winthrop & Weinstine) for an easygoing conversation on trademarks organized by Elevate Hennepin advisor Springboard for the Arts.
Online event, January 22, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Register today
Exploring Federal Contracting – The Basics
This session from the Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide you a look into what the government buys, how much they buy, and the various purchasing platforms. You will get a better understanding of how to conduct market research and how APEX Accelerator can help you with your contracting efforts.
Online event, January 23, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Register today
Green Opportunities: Starting Your Cannabis Business in Minnesota
Learn the ins and outs of starting a cannabis business with attorney Jen Randolph Reise as she discusses cannabis entrepreneurship in Minnesota. This session is organized by Elevate Hennepin advisor WomenVenture.
Online event, January 23, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Register today
Elevate Construction Virtual Information Session
Learn how to elevate your construction business with specialized construction advisors and more than 30 general business consultants, all at no cost to you.
Online event, Jan 23, 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register today
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