 WomenVenture's Emily Conroy (in the blue blazer second from left) with a group of advisees.
As an Elevate Hennepin advisor, WomenVenture uses more than 40 years of experience in small business consulting to break down the complexities of small business ownership.
“We think of WomenVenture as this infinity loop where someone comes to us when they start a business, then help with marketing and strategy to grow, then coming back for business loan guidance,” said Emily Conroy, chief program and client experience officer at WomenVenture.
The organization focuses on three key services for Elevate Hennepin: access to capital guidance, business strategy, and marketing.
See how all of those offerings help business owners break down the complexity of business to keep moving forward.
 A CEO Start participant pitching peers and community.
Applications are open for CEO Start!
CEO Start, one of the Elevate Hennepin cohort learning programs, 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 curriculum. 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.
Dozens of Hennepin County entrepreneurs like Happy Jolly Llamas have used CEO Start as a launching point, and you could to!
Applications are now open for the next CEO Start session that runs from September through November 2025. Applications will be accepted through July 15.
 Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota Paid Leave will provide job protections and payments to workers who need time off to care for themselves or a family member.
Employers and businesses can learn and prepare in this webinar from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Online event, July 10, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
City of Minneapolis small business support
A representative from the City of Minneapolis Small Business Team will meet with business owners and entrepreneurs to share resources (B-TAP) and assist those who want to start, maintain, or expand a business in Minneapolis.
In-person event, July 3, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
East Lake Library
2727 E. Lake St. Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55406
Register today
SBIR/STTR ask us anything
The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR & STTR) programs award funding to small businesses to enable them to develop a technology and chart a path toward commercialization.
Online event, July 9, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register today
What is content + why does your business need it?
Learn all about content marketing from Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE. Learn how content helps grow your business, how to set content goals, and walk through a one-month content calendar.
Online event, July 9, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Register today
Exploring energy and cleantech entrepreneurship
Curious about starting an energy or clean technology startup? Or are you someone in the industry looking to support innovative entrepreneurs from your current position? Get a first-hand perspective on the challenges and opportunities in energy entrepreneurship from people who have taken the leap. Cohosted by Grid Catalyst and WRISE, and featuring Hennepin advisor ConnectUP!.
In-person event, July 16, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Wilder Foundation
451 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55104
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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