 Human resources wasn't a core competency for Ryan Stinson, like many small business owners. His company, Stinson Services, did plenty of technical training and worked on an individual basis with staff for things like financial planning, but there was no unified HR strategy.
That meant HR challenges grew as the company did, and the issues were magnified by the volatile roofing industry of Minnesota. He joined HR Next, part of the Elevate Hennepin CEO Growth Series, to take on those challenges and develop a HR strategy to smooth out the seasonal volatility and strengthen the company culture for the long term.
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As Minnesota’s businesses deal with the uncertainty of proposed tariffs and countermeasures, the Minnesota Trade Office and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) are looking for real-world impacts from Minnesota businesses.
Make your voice heard via the survey.
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Hennepin County has two sustainability focused grant opportunities for businesses.
Waste prevention grants
Are you a business, nonprofit organization or reuse retailer looking to prevent waste? This year, $400,000 is available to fund projects that focus on waste prevention, including:
- Reusable food packaging
- Reusable shipping and packaging containers
- Food-waste tracking software
- Research and development of innovative waste prevention projects
Apply for up to $50,000 for your project, with a minimum grant amount of $2,500. All projects must include matching funds of 25% of the total grant fund request. Review the grant guidelines (PDF) and flyer (PDF) for more information on the program and requirements.
Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Free bins and bags
Hennepin County also offers free resources, technical assistance and support to small businesses and nonprofit organizations to start and/or enhance their recycling and organic waste recycling programs. Eligible companies can select up to $3,000 worth of containers and compostable bags from the county's product list to get started. Check out the grant guidelines (PDF) and flyer (PDF) for details on container and bag options.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until November 14, 2025, or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
 2024 Bloomington Hatch winners Grant Veitenheimer and Nick Peterson.
The City of Bloomington announced Hatch Bloomington is back for its second year, and so is a chance to win $100,000 to bring a bold business idea to life in Bloomington.
This pitch competition is designed to foster local entrepreneurship, revitalize commercial corridors, and empower innovative thinkers to launch the next great business in our community. The prize money is to be used towards opening a brick-n-mortar location in Bloomington.
 
Meet with government agencies and Elevate Hennepin staff at the 26th annual Small and Developing Business Opportunities Council (SADBOC) Government Procurement Fair.
The fair will provide attendees with the opportunity to:
- Meet with representatives from over 60 government agencies and learn about procurement opportunities
- Attend informative workshops on the government marketplace
In-person event, April 17, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center
6155 Earle Brown Drive Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Startup financing workshop
Based on your venture's growth potential and business model, various funding options may be appropriate, including SBIR/STTR and other grants, bootstrapping, angel investors, loans, and (occasionally) venture capital. Join MIN-CORPS to make sense of it all financing when it comes to your business.
Online event, April 8, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Register today
Business formation choosing the right structure
Deciding on the right legal structure is critical for any business. This session will guide you through the options—LLC, 501(c)(3), corporation, and more. Understand the implications for liability, taxes, and fundraising so you can make an informed decision tailored to your venture’s goals.
Online event, April 9, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Register today
How to buy or sell a business
Join Elevate Hennepin education partner MB Mentors for key questions and answers about how to buy or sell a business including due diligence, legal ramifications, and much more.
Online event, April 9, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Register today
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