 Anne Andrus, founder of Honey & Rye bakery in St. Louis Park.
Behind the scenes at Honey & Rye in St. Louis Park, founder Anne Andrus had a lot of questions about how to operate a larger business. One key issue was staffing. Like many food service owners, she was struggling with staffing and her human resources (HR) process.
So, when she saw HR Next, an HR-focused cohort from Elevate Hennepin, she applied and joined a group of second-stage founders working through the same kinds of challenges.
“I wasn’t in a room with other food industry owners who could relate to my specific issues, but I found it’s all the same,” said Anne. “Especially when HR is the focus, it’s all about managing, supporting, and how to have these kinds of conversations. It was helpful to have outside perspectives, because we all could see the same issues in a different light.”
Read how Anne worked through HR challenges with peers and with advisors.
 The next Elevate Hennepin Certified Access Academy is starting soon. Apply by August 29!
Founded by The Activate Network and Fearless Commerce, this no-cost, six-week virtual cohort, provided by Hennepin County, guides diverse entrepreneurs who seek government and corporate contracts with the tools and support they need to get certified.
The program will provide members with:
- Culturally informed consulting
- Business operation resources and training
- Guidance identifying the right certifications
- Technical assistance to complete certifications
- Access to a procurement and supplier network
To join Certified Access Academy, eligible business owners must:
- Own and operate a business located in Hennepin County
- Be interested in attaining certification as a small, minority, women, and/or disadvantaged business enterprise
- Be interested in attaining CERT and/or Minnesota Office of State Procurement certifications
Business owners will exit the program positioned to compete for government procurement opportunities. Sessions begin in October.
Apply by August 29 to express your interest!
 Exploring a new business idea? Join Get Started, a new virtual, no-cost opportunity from Elevate Hennepin.
This 90-minute virtual session was designed for anyone with a business idea looking for a jumpstart.
Participants will join local facilitator and Elevate Hennepin advisor, Angel Even, in a live interactive discussion about how to explore their ideas through a simple business planning framework.
Through this program, entrepreneurs will:
- Learn to 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.
Online event, August 13, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Digital marketing best practices for small business
Look at marketing from a holistic standpoint to not only understand the basics, but to drive deeper into additional concepts focused on business growth and awareness. Explore basic tasks, SEO, targeted content, marketing trends, sponsorship content, and more with Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE!
Online event, August 12, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Register today
Recovery ready workplaces start with HR
Join Elevate Hennepin HR advisor Simon Says HR for a free webinar just for HR professionals and people leaders. We’ll teach you how to tackle the conversations no one wants to have—because the way you show up can change lives.
Online event, August 13, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Register today
Introduction to paid leave webinar
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. This and future trainings will help business owners get ready for the change. Sessions will be held monthly. Registration is required.
Online event, August 14, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Register today
BossUp circle - tax preparation
Get your business finances in order before tax season with our comprehensive Small Business Tax Preparation Workshop from Elevate Hennepin advisor ConnectUp! Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, this session will break down essential tax concepts in a clear, approachable way.
Online event, August 21, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Register today
Brooklyn Park Thriving Thursdays: Elevate Hennepin pop-up office hours
Elevate Hennepin is hitting the road with Thriving Thursdays. Join us in Brooklyn Park for our monthly pop-up series designed to bring expert business support directly into communities across Hennepin County. No registration necessary, walk in’s welcome.
In-person event, August 21, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Brooklyn Park Small Business Center
7970 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 55445
Learn more
Start with Brand part 3: Design basics
Start with Brand is a three-part series from Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE. It's designed to help small business owners stop gambling with their time, money, and success. Brand Strategist, Kesha Lien, will lead you through creating a brand blueprint – a strategy-driven approach to marketing.
In-person event, August 21, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Roseville Library
2180 Hamline Avenue North Roseville, Minnesota 55113
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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