 Finding the right tech tools, developing the right technology strategy or building a high-quality digital presence is challenging for every business.
“Almost nobody has a handle on their technology,” says Ini Augustine, Elevate Hennepin technology advisor and founder of Technologist Computers.
Read how Hennepin County entrepreneurs and businesses can find a wide range of no-cost technology consulting to get a handle on their technology needs.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal unveiled honorees of its 29th annual Fast 50 awards, recognizing the Twin Cities' fastest-growing privately held companies by revenue growth.
This year, Tierra Encantada, a Spanish immersion daycare and Elevate Hennepin CEO Next alum, joins the Fast 50.
We want to send a heartfelt congratulations to founder and CEO Kristen Denzer who said she developed new systems for growth in CEO Next, a cohort program for second-stage businesses made possible by investment from Hennepin County. CEO Next brings together successful business leaders to work through challenges that come with scale.
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 Exploring a new business idea? Join Get Started, a new virtual, no-cost opportunity from Elevate Hennepin on Wednesday, September 17.
This 90-minute virtual session was designed for Hennepin County residents with a business idea looking for a jumpstart.
Participants will join local facilitator and Elevate Hennepin advisor, Angel Even, from ConnectUp! 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
Thanks to investment from Hennepin County, participants will leave the program with materials, resources, and a process to examine their next great idea.
 Elevate Hennepin staff recently hosted an online information session to share what Elevate Hennepin is, how it works, and how it continues to evolve to support the Hennepin County business community one entrepreneur at a time.
Catch up with how advisors, cohorts, and other resources continue to make a real difference, thanks to ongoing investment from Hennepin County. If you know someone or a group that could benefit from this support, consider sharing this video with all the details about Elevate Hennepin today!
 Elevate Hennepin is on the road with Thriving Thursdays. Join us this month on Thursday, September 18 in Hopkins 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, Thriving Thursdays offer a chance to connect face-to-face with professional consultants, Business Navigators, and city economic development staff all at no cost.
This month, meet with HR advisor A.M. & Associates and marketing advisor Whip-Smart, as well as an Elevate Hennepin Business Navigator who can help you find the right resource for you and your business. RSVPs encouraged, walk-ins welcome.
In-person event, September 18, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, Minnesota 55343
AI street smarts
This free one-hour workshop hosted by Social Enterprise Alliance will help you build real-world literacy so you can use AI responsibly without falling for scams or hype. Learn practical habits and develop a clear-eyed, confident approach to AI.
Online event, September 4, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Register today
Business credit workshop
This session with Elevate Hennepin advisor IFRI-TRYV is designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners understand the fundamentals of personal and business credit, how it impacts funding opportunities, and actionable steps to improve your credit.
In-person event, September 9, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 1256 North Penn Avenue Suite 4800 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55411 Register today
BlockBreaking: hidden opportunities for growth
This highly interactive workshop challenges you to take a close look at your business to find hidden opportunities. During this 90-minute webinar from Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE, attendees will create a snapshot of their business and reframe their strategy to find new opportunities.
Online event, September 17, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register today
Short-form content 101: Reach your audience
Join the Hennepin County Library and discover the art of creating content on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to market yourself and/or your professional ventures. Learn how to craft engaging short-form audio and visual content for your audience.
Online event, September 18, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Register today
Entrepreneur Expo
The Entrepreneur Expo connects micro-entrepreneurs and new business owners – especially those who are women, Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrants, or LGBTQ+ – with organizations dedicated to supporting their success. Join the Hennepin County Library, Elevate Hennepin, and other local business support organizations in person for skill-building workshops, panels, one-on-one advising, and networking.
in-person event, October 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Minneapolis Central Library 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 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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