 Women’s Press publisher Mikki Morrissette (second from right) with local leaders at the magazine’s recent 40th anniversary celebration.
Local publisher Mikki Morrissette joined Elevate Hennepin’s CEO Now cohort with a diverse group of entrepreneurs in a range of fields, including housing development, hospitality, floral design, and painting.
While their businesses vary widely, they struggle with a lot of the same issues: establishing structure, hiring the right people, building a team, and learning how to delegate.
Mikki is the publisher and editor of the Minnesota Women’s Press, which just celebrated its 40th anniversary and is one of the longest continuously run feminist publications in the country.
“I bought the magazine seven years ago and have been flying by the seat of my pants,” she said. “We’ve been re-shifting things after the pandemic. Now comes the time to really roll up the sleeves and figure out what comes next.”
See why she thinks the cohort is so powerful.
 The 2025 spring group of CEO Start participants celebrating at their pitch event.
Applications are open for Hennepin County's CEO Start.
CEO Start, part of the Elevate Hennepin Growth Series, is an investment from Hennepin County and is open to any county entrepreneur with a business idea. Participants will assess their idea with a framework for testing and validating their concept so they can build a viable business.
A group of 10 to 15 entrepreneurs will work through the nationally recognized CO.STARTERS program. Over the course of 11 weeks, participants will closely examine their ideas with peers, through facilitated discussions, and interviews with potential customers. Participants will also work with a professional pitch coach to hone and practice their message ahead of a final pitch celebration.
Applications are now open for the next CEO Start. Applications will be accepted through July 15, and training begins in September.
Founders who need to register their business with the state can often save time and money by doing it themselves instead of using a filing service.
Entrepreneurs who already know the business structure they need, and have all their information together can simply head to the Secretary of State website to create a free account, file, and pay online or upload and mail a PDF version.
You'll enter the following information:
- Organization name
- Registered office or agent (if applicable)
- An email for official notices
- Organizer’s name and street address
From there, it's easy to apply for an employee identification number (EIN), which is required to open a business bank account. And with an EIN, founders can get a Minnesota Tax ID, which is required to track the collection of sales tax and employee tax withholding.
There are plenty of nuances in business formation including structure, nonprofit status, naming conventions, and how to register with multiple founders. Elevate Hennepin idea-stage advisors can offer guidance at no cost to determine when and how founders should proceed. Founders who are still exploring the when and how of registration should connect with an idea-stage advisor today.
 Take a deep dive into the anatomy of an impactful company pitch.
During this intensive 90-minute online workshop, Elevate Hennepin group learning partner Certified Access will equip business owners with actionable strategies to craft and deliver a persuasive business pitch that resonates with potential buyers, partners, and investors. Select participants may have an opportunity to pitch their company live.
Online event, June 26, 10 a.m.
Small business support at Hennepin County Library
A representative from the City of Minneapolis Small Business Team will meet with business owners and entrepreneurs to share resources and assist those who want to start, maintain, or expand a business in Minneapolis.
In-person event, June 23, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
North Regional Library
1315 Lowry Avenue North Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411
Register today
Elevate Hennepin CEO Start information session
Learn all about Hennepin County's CEO Start cohort and learn how to apply to the fall session. Join Elevate Hennepin staff to see how CEO Start participants develop a solid foundation in this cohort from Elevate Hennepin.
Online event, June 23, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Register today
Grow a Business Resource Fair
Whether you have already started a business or just beginning to consider a venture, take advantage of this opportunity to come in and speak face-to-face with representatives from organizations committed to supporting small business owners including Elevate Hennepin staff and advisors. Hosted by CareerForce, the State of Minnesota official career exploration and job search resource.
In-person event, June 24, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
CareerForce
4220 West Old Shakopee Road, Suite 200 Bloomington, Minnesota 55437
Register today
How to automate your business's social media
Managing social media often feels like a full-time job for busy entrepreneurs. In this webinar from Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE, learn how to use automation and AI to build a sustainable social media strategy.
Online event, June 25, 12 p.m. - 1:30 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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