5,000 hours of consulting, $6M+ in financing—Elevate's successful Q1

Hennepin County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 07/10/2024 11:40 AM CDT

In this week’s business resource newsletter, scroll with us to learn about the following:

A successful first quarter for Elevate Hennepin
Grow your business with resources provided by Hennepin County libraries
KP Empowered Solutions and Elevate Hennepin: uplifting communities together
BIPOC Entrepreneurs Day 2024: 'Things I wish I Knew as an Entrepreneur'

Do you know someone who would benefit from info on any of these topics? If so, we invite you to forward this newsletter to them.

Another exceptional quarter for Elevate

In the first quarter of 2024, Elevate Hennepin advisors spent nearly 5,000 hours working with business owners and entrepreneurs. In all, 562 people from 27 cities across Hennepin County utilized Elevate consultants and came together for group-learning opportunities to take the next step in their business.

Advisors offered support across a range of business disciplines from marketing to legal, and entrepreneurs developed new skills for each stage of business in CEO Start, CEO Now, and CEO Next—the Elevate Hennepin CEO Growth Series.

With Elevate Hennepin support, 33 businesses were able to raise a total of $6.3 million in financing to start or expand their business. Thirty-eight businesses reporting creating 105 new jobs.

Explore the whole range of impacts and data from Q1 2024 below.

Elevate’s Q1 impacts

Elevate Answers: Hennepin County libraries provide a wealth of business resources

Hennepin County libraries are committed to supporting local business owners and managers with a variety of resources. Whether you’re interested in accessing patents and trademarks, learning about industry and consumer trends, or strategically planning for your business, Hennepin County’s 41 library branches offer valuable assistance.

In addition to basics like free Wi-Fi and the use of printers, you’ll find video tutorials taught by recognized industry experts. Lessons are for all skill levels and cover topics ranging from web design to 3D design and animation.

You can learn more by visiting the link below or connect with one of the many knowledgeable librarians available to assist you.

Business resources at the library

ELEVATEor Pitch

Kate Wanzala and Priscilla Caballero, co-founders of Minnetonka’s KP Empowered Solutions, worked with Elevate Hennepin’s advisor WomenVenture for support with business planning, marketing, and developing structure for their new business. Now, just one year after launching, they have been able to provide financial education to people from all 50 states.

For this week’s ELEVATEor Pitch, let’s hear more from Kate and Priscilla:

“KP Empowered Solutions provides financial education to underserved communities, offering crucial knowledge and access to financial literacy and resources. Our mission is to empower individuals with the skills needed for financial stability and growth, addressing gaps in financial education and promoting economic empowerment.”

Cheers to an exciting first year, KP Empowered Solutions!

If you’re a business owner looking for coaching and support, schedule a 15-minute session with a Hennepin Business Navigator to get matched with the right advisor for your needs.

Connect with a business navigator

Upcoming Business training and Events via Elevate Hennepin

Event spotlight: BIPOC Entrepreneurs Day 2024

The Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) is hosting a BIPOC Entrepreneurs Day conference at the University of St. Thomas on Thursday, July 18. The theme is “Things I wish I Knew as an Entrepreneur.”

This free event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions on grant writing and business finances, and workshops on technology’s role in marketing, and networking.

In-person event, July 18, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
University of St. Thomas’ Schulze Hall
No-cost

Register today

Business consultations | Consulta de negocios

A representative from the City of Minneapolis will meet with business owners and entrepreneurs to share resources and assist those who want to start, maintain or expand a business in the City of Minneapolis (e.g., financing, city regulations and business technical assistance). Assistance is available in English and Spanish. Asistencia disponible en inglés y español.

In-person event, July 11, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
2200 Central Ave. N.E. Minneapolis, MN 55418
Register today

Hiring better, faster

Hiring can be one of the most expensive mistakes for a business. In this workshop from Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE, you'll learn some best practices and marketing tips to hire better, faster in this competitive market.

Online event, July 16, 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
Register today

Minnesota sales and use tax for artists

Have questions about Minnesota sales and use tax for your art? A representative from the Minnesota Department of Revenue will join Elevate Hennepin advisor Springboard for the Arts cover basic sales and use tax concepts for Minnesota and its local taxing jurisdictions

Online event, July 17, 1 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
Register today

QuickBooks online - Ask me anything!

Join Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE for a special QuickBooks Online Ask Me Anything (AMA) session. QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Lisa Peterson, will be on hand to answer all your questions.

Online event, July 17, 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
Register today

City of Minneapolis small business support

Meet with a representative from City of Minneapolis Small Business Team to learn about their resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs. No appointment necessary.

In-person event, July 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
2727 E. Lake St. Minneapolis, MN 55406
Register today

Thanks for following along with us! If you know someone who could use any of the resources above, please forward this newsletter or tell them to sign up!

We’ll be back in your inbox in a couple weeks. Until then, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! Be a part of our online community by sharing your #ElevateHennepin stories and tagging @ElevateHennepin in your posts.

Have a great week!

Elevatehennepin.org

hennepin.us/economic-development

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