 Elevate Hennepin advisors spent an incredible 14,809 hours working with 1,122 entrepreneurs across Hennepin County last year. That means 2,444 entrepreneurs have utilized more than 26,000 hours of no-cost consulting since the initiative began in late 2020.
Last year also marked an evolution from rescue effort to a sustainable initiative that supports business growth and innovation.
“Last year represented a shift for Elevate Hennepin, from rescue to resource network with valuable tools for every local entrepreneur, hard-working founder, and seasoned business owner,” said Economic Development Director Patricia Fitzgerald. “More and more, we see our diverse business community look to our Elevate Hennepin advisor network to explore opportunities and solve challenges that come with growth and scale.”
Reuse Minnesota, a nonprofit supporting the resale, repair, and rental economy, is hosting a business development training for those interested in starting or expanding a resale business, such as a thrift or secondhand store.
The training will cover topics such the business basics of resale, product procurement, and growth and expansion. Participants who complete both training sessions and the follow-up survey will be receive a $100 stipend.
Trainings will be held Sundays, March 3 and 10, from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at North Regional Library in Minneapolis
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.
 Building your business from the ground up
Learn more about how to set your business up for success from the Small Business Administration at this event celebrating Black History Month. Whether you have been in business for decades, or are just getting started, attendance at this event will help you connect with local resources, and get your questions answered.
In-person event, February 15, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy Register today
Black Entrepreneurs Day
Black small business owners and their allies are invited to connect, meet with lawmakers, and get a chance at a $5,000 grant from Sheletta Brundidge, the founder of the event.
In-person event, February 16, 11 a.m. Minnesota State Capitol Register today
Are you ready for financing?
If you are a small business owner in need of additional financing, it's important to understand the loan application process and what lenders will be looking for. In this session from Elevate education partner SCORE, finance experts will cover the credit history, background, and financial data that lenders typically require.
Online event, February 20, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Register today
Marketing 101: Learn the basics
Learn about brand positioning, get templates to use, and ask marketing professionals your questions in this webinar from Elevate Hennepin advisor MB Mentors.
Online event, February 21, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Register today
Social media and SEO integration
This workshop will teach how social media efforts can complement and enhance search engine optimization (SEO). This session is organized by Elevate Hennepin advisor Asian Media Access as part of Tech Essentials.
Online event, February 7, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Register today
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