 Katie Ross, the founder of The Arts Creative in Bloomington, launched her business a few years ago. But last year, she began using Elevate Hennepin resources to turn her fledgling business into a growth-focused, arts-education company.
Read how Hennepin County's investment in Elevate Hennepin helps Katie as she continues to grow.
Now is your chance to apply for the next CEO Start Bootcamp scheduled for October 11 and 12 in Brooklyn Center.
CEO Start Bootcamp is a two-day, hackathon-style learning opportunity to challenge assumptions, stretch entrepreneurial thinking, and provide concrete tools to bring a new business to life.
"The facilitators were so attentive and helpful in so many aspects in helping me grow my business and my knowledge. I can’t wait to use them in action." -2025 participant
Through this program, entrepreneurs will:
- Explore their business model
- Craft their message
- Layout a financial model for success
- Set goals to move forward
Thanks to an investment from Hennepin County, participants will leave the program with materials, resources, and a process to examine their next great idea.
The next bootcamp will be held on October 11 and 12 in Brooklyn Center.
 City of Maple Grove Economic Development Manager Jennifer Monson detailed how she and city staff work with local businesses and entrepreneurs to take their next steps with Elevate Hennepin and other business-support resources.
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We are elated to see Twila Dang win the Bloomington Hatch contest. Twila is a 2025 graduate of CEO Start, an Elevate Hennepin cohort that prepares entrepreneurs with insights, relationships, and tools to turn their ideas into viable businesses.
Her business, BookMother, a planned independent bookstore, is the winner of the 2025 Hatch Bloomington business pitch competition.
Twila will be awarded $100,000 to help her open her brick-and-mortar business in Bloomington.
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 Elevate Hennepin is on the road with Thriving Thursdays. Join us 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 business strategy advisor IFRI-TRYV 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
Community and connections: Grow your network and plan your vision
Join Elevate Hennepin advisor WomenVenture for an evening of networking, resource sharing, and vision board making at the Coven St. Paul space. Learn about the services that WomenVenture offers to both pre- and post-launch entrepreneurs, and spend some time chatting, connecting, and planning your vision.
Online event, September 25, 6 p.m. to 8 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, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Minneapolis Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
Register today
Business plan essentials for artists
Learn from Elevate Hennepin advisor Springboard for the Arts how to prepare a simple business plan, in arts-friendly language, to help you organize all the various aspects of your artistic practice and make informed business decisions.
Online event, October 4, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Register today
Business clinic for entrepreneurs
Work with the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) and Elevate Hennepin advisor IFRI-TRYV in person. This business clinic combines practical instruction with personalized advising to guide entrepreneurs through the critical stages of financial readiness and accessing capital for their businesses.
In-person event, October 6, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
MEDA Headquarters
1256 Penn Avenue North, Suite 4800, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411
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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