 Rayaf Health co-founders (third and fourth from left) with several of their Elevate Hennepin advisors and Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley (fifth from left).
The grand opening of Rayaf Health in Minneapolis was busy. Three co-founders, staff, media, community members, Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley, and several Elevate Hennepin advisors and leaders were all there.
The phrase, “it takes a village” came up several times. Dr. Farhiyo Abdulle, co-founder and lead medical practitioner, said the journey to opening Rayaf Health benefitted heavily from Elevate Hennepin support to fulfill the mission of a holistic, people-centered, and culturally competent women’s health clinic.
 Exploring a new business idea? Join Get Started, a new virtual, no-cost opportunity from Elevate Hennepin.
This 90-minute virtual interactive session was designed for anyone with a business idea looking for a jumpstart.
Participants will learn from a local facilitator, Angel Even, and Elevate Hennepin Business Navigators in a live, virtual session on how to explore their ideas through a business planning framework.
Through this program, entrepreneurs will:
- Map their ideas
- Understand their first steps
- Identify ways to get meaningful customer feedback
Participants will leave the program with materials, resources, and a process to examine their next great idea.
This no-cost webinar runs August 13 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
 Lee Hall of NextStage (left) and Sica Dawn, owner of Open Hair Space.
As part of the Elevate Hennepin small business capital strategy, financing opportunities are available for small businesses. Five small business loans have closed to date, and more are on the horizon. Check out if this opportunity is the right next step for your business.
Sica Dawn, the first lender from the Elevate Hennepin Small Business Loans program, recently launched her business Open Hair Space in Richfield.
“We wouldn’t be open without support from NextStage and the Elevate Hennepin Small Business Loans program,” she said. “Seriously, I have told so many people about this program. To say that you all helped us is such an understatement.”
Elevate Hennepin advisors can assist businesses in preparations for accessing capital, including understanding common roadblocks business face when applying for loans. Elevate Hennepin advisor NextStage manages the loans for the Small Business Loan program.
Learn more about the loans and see if you're eligible today!
The City of Minneapolis is hosting the fifth-annual Black Business Week from Thursday, July 24 to Thursday, July 31.
We're highlighting some exceptional events below from the Elevate Hennepin event calendar, but check out the range of events and activities to learn more about entrepreneurship and to celebrate Black-owned businesses in Minneapolis.
 Elevate Hennepin is hitting the road with Thriving Thursdays!
Join us in Brooklyn Center for our monthly pop-up series designed to bring expert business support directly into communities across Hennepin County.
Whether you're launching a new venture or growing an existing business, these events offer a chance to connect face-to-face with professional consultants, Business Navigators, and city economic development staff all at no cost. No registration necessary, walk-ins welcome.
Watch for more Thriving Thursdays events near you on the Elevate Hennepin events calendar.
In-person event, July 17, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Brooklyn Center City Hall
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
MEDA's VAN coffee chat July 2025
An opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs/mentors and practice your elevator pitch! Engage with business owners, learn about resources, collaborate, and get a boost of motivation at this free event from the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA).
In-person event, July 17, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
MEDA - Metropolitan Economic Development Association
1256 North Penn Avenue #4800 Minneapolis, MN 55411
Register today
Are you lender ready?
SBA’s newest initiative, the Are You Lender Ready Series, focuses on preparing small business owners to ask for a loan. This event is designed for existing businesses (with two years or more of operation) to help you prepare financially and connect with potential small business lenders.
In-person event, July 23, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location to be provided after registration
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55304
Register today
Turn clicks into clients: How to build an automated lead nurturing engine
Many business owners invest time and money driving traffic, but most of that traffic leaks out of the funnel before converting. Learn how to build your engine in this webinar from Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE.
In-person event, July 24, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Wilder Foundation
451 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55104
Register today
Black Business Week: IGNITE Business Conference
Network, learn, and grow your business with expert speakers and interactive workshop sessions. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this one day conference sponsored by the City of Minneapolis, an Elevate Hennepin partner, is perfect for anyone looking to take their business to the next level.
In-person event, July 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
2400 3rd Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404
Register today
Black Business Week: Black Business Expo
This free event is all about coming together to highlight the entrepreneurs, makers, and business owners shaping the future of North Minneapolis. Discover products and services created by talented local vendors or just connect and spread the word.
In-person event, July 26, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Northside Epicenter
705 N 42nd Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Register today
Black Business Week: A Black business showcase
Visit the heart of George Floyd Square for Legacy on the Block, a dynamic celebration of Black-owned businesses, local artistry, and cultural legacy. This free community event uplifts the voices and visions shaping the neighborhood past, present, and future.
In-person event, July 26, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
George Floyd Square
38th & Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis
Register today
Black Business Week: Black Business Week Summit
Join Neighborhood Development Center and the City of Minneapolis, an Elevate Hennepin partner, at Midtown Global Market as we connect entrepreneurs, share resources, and build networks at our Black Business Week Summit. With a wide range of activities, like headshots, wellness workshops, a resource fair including Elevate Hennepin staff and more.
In-person event, July 30, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Midtown Global Market
920 East Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55407
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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