 For more than 20 years, the Latino Economic Development Center has offered support for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses.
With a special focus on Latino entrepreneurship, the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) offers a range of advising through Elevate Hennepin, Hennepin County's business-support initiative. LEDC services include business strategy, certification, access to capital, and focused guidance for idea-stage entrepreneurs.
Read how LEDC advisors view themselves as a business-support hospital for Latino entrepreneurs.
 Outcomes through the first half of 2025.
We are proud to continue serving business owners and entrepreneurs.
Since Hennepin County launched Elevate Hennepin, we've offered nearly 50,000 hours of professional, no-cost support to more than 4,000 businesses and entrepreneurs. Our talented network of professional consultants and advisors have facilitated more than $46 million in facilitated financing and the launch of 263 new businesses.
By investing in business owners, Elevate Hennepin offers a foundation to build a more prosperous county, a thriving economic landscape, and stronger communities.
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Chris Guttormson and Leanne Ritz, co-owners of Ripple Effect Brewing, recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of opening their brewery in Rogers.
Now, they're reflecting on a year in business after working with Elevate Hennepin advisors to get the brewery started.
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 Raj Selvaraj, a Pizza Karma co-founder, talked with Eden Prairie Local News about his experience in CEO Now. He said the cohort from Elevate Hennepin helped him prioritize and develop a growth strategy for what comes next.
 Exploring a new business idea? Join Get Started, a virtual, no-cost opportunity from Elevate Hennepin on Wednesday, October 15.
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 Antje, 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.
 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
Small business resource fair for immigrants
Connect and learn at a resource fair designed to support immigrant businesses and business owners. This event gathers small business experts and resources to offer a unique learning and networking opportunity. We are pleased to have select Elevate Hennepin advisors and Elevate Hennepin staff involved.
In-person event, October 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
International Institute of Minnesota
1694 Como Avenue Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55108
Register today
Business plan essentials for artists
Join Elevate Hennepin advisor Springboard for the Arts to develop your business plan. Learn 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
Latino Business Week
Join the City of Minneapolis and learn more about entrepreneurship to celebrate Latino-owned businesses in Minneapolis. This week features a wide range of events including:
- Éxito Empresarial: 2025 NDC Latino Business Week Summit
- Plan de Continuidad y Contingencia (contingency and continuity plan workshop)
- Latinidad en Acción: Arts & business
- Network mixer and community forum
Find details and register for these events held across Minneapolis.
In-person events, October 5 to October 11
Multiple locations
Register today
Rogers Thriving Thursdays: Elevate Hennepin pop-up office hours
Elevate Hennepin is hitting the road with Thriving Thursdays. Join us in Rogers for our monthly pop-up series designed to bring expert business support directly into communities across Hennepin County.
Connect with IFRI-TRYV to discuss a strong business strategy. Sit down with Monicat Data to talk marketing. Or meet in-person with an Elevate Hennepin Business Navigator to find the right Elevate Hennepin resource for your idea or business.
In-person event, October 16, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
21st Century Bank Event Center
12716 Main Street, Rogers, Minnesota, 55374
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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