 No matter the business or the stage, Elevate Hennepin business strategy consultants are the ideal first step when taking on a new venture, challenge, or opportunity.
As ConnectUP! founder and advisor Elaine Rasmussen says, strategy is the science behind business.
“There is a science to business, and that part does not differ. Whether you're selling pies or whether you are selling consulting services,” said Elaine.
Read how she and all the Elevate Hennepin business strategy advisors help illuminate the path to your next goal.
 Abby Allen presenting Gluestick at Minnedemo
Abby Allen, founder of Gluestick, demonstrated her crafting instruction platform in front of a packed Ordway Theater at Minndemo, a Minnestar event that showcases novel technology ideas.
As one of the first graduates of the CEO Start cohort from Elevate Hennepin, she said the cohort has been instrumental as she built, pivoted, and iterated her business. She said she even goes back to her CEO Start guidebook from time to time.
“It's been a very, very valuable resource,” said Abby.
 Small Business Saturday is November 29 this year, and it’s the perfect time to visit your favorite local businesses and explore your local business districts.
Love Local highlights all the work we do to support our business community but also serves as a reminder of how much business owners do. This year, we’re showcasing the power of local businesses in front of the Hennepin County Board and spreading the word with cities across the county to show our appreciation.
The campaign starts soon, to join, visit a local business and spread the word to others.
Hennepin County is expanding its technical assistance offerings to support commercial real estate ownership among established small businesses at the early stages of assessing the feasibility of acquiring a specific property.
Eligible small businesses seeking to acquire commercial real estate for their own use and occupancy in Hennepin County and who demonstrate a matching financial commitment can access up to $10,000 value in consulting services from real estate finance experts and other property acquisition experts.
Applications for the Commercial Ownership Assistance program will open October 27, 2025. Eligible applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. An optional information session will be held at 10 a.m. on October 24.
Visit the website to view program guidelines and learn more.
 Congratulations to Hennepin County business and 2025 MN Cup grand prize winner AcQumen Medical!
The company was awarded $100,000 to support the growth of technology that helps doctors manage the heart function of critically ill infants and children.
Leaders at AcQumen worked closely with Elevate Hennepin advisor New Publica.
"We delivered a foundational stride in shaping the brand's digital voice and presence including a website review, defining their audience, talking points, and strategic social media content," said Carmen Monserrate, CEO of New Publica and Elevate Hennepin marketing advisor. "This work helped ensure their communication was as precise as their technology."
MN Cup is a community-led, public-private partnership supporting Minnesota’s entrepreneurs. More than $5 million of cash prizes have been awarded since 2005.
Want to turn used building materials into a business?
Learn how in business training from Building Circularity, MN, a Hennepin County-led collaboration focused on circular reuse and waste reduction in on construction and renovation projects.
Business owners and entrepreneurs passionate about reducing building waste can apply today through January 16 for a training in the business behind building material reuse. Through this six-month cohort, participants will learn about the growing industry and develop a material reuse business idea with an industry expert.
Learn about the cohort in upcoming information sessions:
- Information session one, November 5, 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Register today
- Information session two, November 5, 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Register today
Grants for waste infrastructure
Start or enhance your recycling and organic waste recycling programs with grants from Hennepin County. Select up to $3,000 worth of containers and compostable bags from the county's product list to help you get started.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until Friday, November 14, 2025, or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first. Visit the business recycling web page to learn more and get started.
Food-waste events
Homegrown Minneapolis is offering a series of events to help Minneapolis restaurants, cafes, bakeries, caterers, food trucks, and similar businesses prevent and divert food waste. Events will be held at Glass House, 145 Holden Street North in Minneapolis, on the following days.
- Prevention: strategies to prevent wasted food, Monday, October 20 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Diversion: resources to divert food from the landfill, Monday, November 17, 9 a.m. - 11:30
Events are free but RSVPs are required.
 Elevate Hennepin is on the road with Thriving Thursdays. Join us on Thursday, October 16, in the city of Rogers 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 and technology advisor Monicat Data, 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, October 16, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
21st Century Bank Event Center
12716 Main Street, Rogers, Minnesota, 55374
On-camera 101
Storytelling builds trust, connection—and yes, more sales. And right now, video is one of the most powerful ways to be seen and heard. Join Elevate Hennepin advisor ConnectUp!, the host of a training from PR and media training consultant Maggie Winter of MK Consulting, to learn how take video like a pro.
Online event, October 16, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Register today
E-commerce 1: getting started for artists
Learn how to maximize your online sales with Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, Etsy and other platforms. This workshop from the Hennepin County Library is geared towards beginners with little or no experience in e-commerce.
Online event, October 18, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Register today
Navigating Google’s evolving algorithm
Join Ben Theis of Skol Marketing for a deep dive into the latest shifts in Google’s algorithm and how they’re reshaping SEO. From AI-generated content to rich media and Google's E-E-A-T guidelines, this session breaks down what’s changing, what it means for your content strategy, and how to stay ahead.
Online event, October 21, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Register today
1 Million Cups Minneapolis
Each Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs around the country gather to share a (virtual) cup of coffee and present their latest ideas! Join us at Impact Hub for the MSP Chapter of 1MC. Two entrepreneurs will share their venture to gather ideas, feedback and support from the community.
Online event, November 5, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
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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