 A pry bar and a seat with wheels is all Jeremy Marshik needs for a lot of his day-to-day work at LumberStash, a sustainable salvage company based in South Minneapolis. But he looked to Elevate Hennepin consulting for guidance on finding the right digital tools to help his business grow.
He leaned on Elevate Hennepin for support and worked with branding and marketing consultants and found the right process for his unique business.
See how Jeremy worked with his advisors to take his business to the next level.
Elevate Hennepin and Hennepin County are proud to announce CEO Start Bootcamp.
This new cohort opportunity is a two day bootcamp-style learning opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to work collaboratively with peers and expert facilitators to strategize, problem solve, and apply foundational business tactics to validate their idea or venture.
A two-day intensive to launch your big idea
Groups of up to 20 entrepreneurs will work through parts of the proven national CO.STARTERS curriculum in an intensive learning experience that challenges assumptions and builds confidence.
Participants will leave the program with an understanding of how to create a sustainable venture, the ability to articulate their business model, and the confidence to move forward.
CEO Start Bootcamp is offered in-person multiple times per year and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The first session will be hosted by the City of Edina on April 5 and April 6, 2025.
 As part of the Elevate Hennepin small business capital strategy, two new financing opportunities are available for small businesses: Elevate Hennepin Small Business Loans and the Elevate Hennepin Commercial Property Ownership Fund.
In 2024, Hennepin County committed $4.22 million to create more equitable access to capital. The financing opportunities are now available through a competitively selected nonprofit community-based lender NextStage.
The funding launches a Hennepin County strategy to help address the capital needs of entrepreneurs and reduce disparities in access to capital among small businesses.
Read more about the financing available and if these types of loans are a good fit for your business needs.
Attend an information session
Join Elevate Hennepin and NextStage staff for an information session to learn about Elevate Hennepin Small Business Loans and the Elevate Hennepin Commercial Property Ownership Fund.
Online event, March 12, 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
No cost
Secure your spot in Certified Access Academy today, applications close on March 7, 2025.
Certified Access Academy, sponsored by Hennepin County, is a six-week cohort-based training opportunity to support disadvantaged businesses in their efforts to become certified. Getting certified can help small businesses compete for contracts and open the door to sustained relationships with government buyers.
The cohort will run from Thursday, April 3, 2025, through Thursday, May 15, 2025.
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Crafting a compelling pitch is crucial when seeking investors or partners. Learn how to tell your startup’s story, highlight key metrics, and tailor your pitch to different audiences to leave a lasting impression.
Online event, March 12, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Launch MN customer discovery 101
When you have an idea for innovation, customer discovery is the first place to start. Can you find someone who needs your idea and is willing to pay for it? This workshop will get you started.
Online event, March 6, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Register today
E-commerce 1: Getting started for artists
Learn how to maximize your online sales with Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, Etsy and other platforms with Elevate Hennepin advisor Springboard for the Arts. This workshop is geared toward beginners with little or no experience in e-Commerce.
Online event, March 15, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Register today
By investing in business owners, Hennepin County is building a foundation to create a more inclusive and thriving economy that strengthens communities.
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