 Whether you're just planting the seeds of a new idea or raking through the details of a growing venture, Elevate Hennepin is your guiding resource for what comes next. Don’t go it alone—lean on us. Watch two new videos describing Elevate Hennepin offerings:
Expert advising: Through Elevate Hennepin, you can find expert advising from professional consultants from several business disciplines. Each advisor can work with you for up to 25 hours.
Transformative cohorts: No matter your stage of business, there is a cohort that brings peers together to learn and take on business challenges and opportunities with peers and experts.
Get a refresher on how Elevate Hennepin can help you and your business. And if you know someone who could use these resources, share!
These resources are an investment in the Hennepin County business community and your word-of-mouth support is invaluable to reach entrepreneurs and fellow business owners across the county.
 Join Get Started on November 19 at 1:30 p.m. This no-cost, 90-minute virtual interactive session is designed for anyone with a business idea looking for a jumpstart.
Participants will learn from expert facilitator, Angel Antje, and Elevate Hennepin Business Navigators how to record their idea to the Business Model Canvas, an efficient method for building the initial draft of a business plan.
Participants will leave the program with materials, resources, and a process to assess their business idea.
Starting in 2026, there will be new requirements for employers to provide paid family and medical leave for up to 12 weeks.
If your business employs staff, you will need to take several steps to prepare for the new year.
Learn more from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). And don't forget, Elevate Hennepin HR advisors can offer guidance and support as you and your business prepare for the new rules.
 Now is your chance to apply for the next CEO Start Bootcamp scheduled for December 6 and December 7 in Plymouth.
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
- Lay out a financial model for success
- Set goals to launch
Thanks to an investment from Hennepin County, this opportunity is available at no cost. Participants will leave the cohort with materials, resources, and a process to examine their next great idea.
 Join Elevate Hennepin education partner and advisor Certified Access in a 90-minute, no-cost virtual masterclass designed to help you strategize and maximize the benefits of your business certification.
Dive into practical insights and actionable steps to leverage your credentials for business growth and new opportunities.
Whether you're looking to expand your network, secure new contracts, or simply understand the full potential of your certification, this session will provide the clarity and tools you need to move forward with confidence.
 Elevate Hennepin is on the road with Thriving Thursdays. Join us on Thursday, November 20, in either Minnetonka or New Hope for our monthly pop-up series designed to bring expert business support directly into communities across Hennepin County at no cost.
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 ConnectUP! in New Hope, and business support firm MCCD in Minnetonka, as well as Elevate Hennepin Business Navigators who can help you find the right resource for you and your business. RSVPs encouraged, walk-ins welcome.
Minnetonka Thriving Thursday
In-person event, November 20, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Marsh
15000 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, Minnesota, 55345
New Hope Thriving Thursday
In-person event, November 20, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
New Hope City Hall
4401 Xylon Ave North, New Hope, Minnesota, 55427
Social media marketing
Learn the ins and outs of using Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook to market your business to specific audiences. This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and hosted by the Hennepin County Library.
Online event, November 6, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Register today
Marketing metrics for small business owners
What is the best approach to monitor and review marketing metrics? Learn what to measure and how with Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE. Walk away with knowledge to build a consistent system for tracking and reporting marketing results.
Online event, November 12, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $10
Register today
Boosting efficiency through smarter operations
In this three-part virtual series from Elevate Hennepin advisor ConnectUp!, expert consultants to show you how AI can be your partner in streamlining key areas of business growth: money, innovation, and marketing. Each session is practical, beginner friendly, and designed with busy business owners in mind.
Online event, November 13, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $35 per workshop
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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