 This is the season to celebrate and support the small businesses that make Hennepin County such a great place to live.
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners took a moment at a recent meeting to celebrate our local businesses and hear how Elevate Hennepin supports small businesses.
Watch the video below to hear local business owners from Pizza Karma and Silva Way share their stories of working with Elevate Hennepin.
 When Marsha Magdalene opened the doors to Shop My Closet this summer, she wasn’t just launching a store — she was introducing a new way to experience retail in Uptown Minneapolis.
Elevate Hennepin advisors provided insights and best practices as she brought her vision to life.
As we approach the end of the year, we want to acknowledge our incredible Elevate Hennepin advisors and Business Navigators.
Due to high demand all through the year and upcoming holidays, our advising capacity may be limited through the remainder of 2025.
In addition, our Business Navigators have been working hard to offer support and guidance all year and will be taking a holiday break to rest and prepare for 2026. Business Navigators will pause their work from December 15 to January 1 to recharge for the year ahead.
If you need guidance to find the right resource for your business, connect with a Business Navigator before December 15 or connect after the New Year. And feel free to connect with advisors in our resource directory, but know support may be limited.
 Hennepin County Commissioner Heather Edelson (left) celebrates with CEO Now graduates and facilitator.
We'd like to extend a huge congratulations to the latest graduates of CEO Now! CEO Now is a group-learning opportunity for established, growth-minded business owners to build and strengthen systems to keep their businesses growing.
These business owners spent eight months working through a nationally renown curriculum and tackling real-world business challenges together.
They walked away with new tools, tactics, and a robust network of peer business owners.
The next CEO Now cohort will start in spring of 2026. Learn more and express your interest today!
The City of Minneapolis is launching cannabis-specific business technical assistance.
Learn more on the City of Minneapolis website, and for questions related to Cannabis Technical Assistance, email the Minneapolis Small Business Team.
 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.
In-person event, December 6-7, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on each day
Minnesota paid leave workshop
Learn about the paid leave requirements for Minnesota employers starting January 2026. Join an attorney from Elevate Hennepin advisor LegalCORPS to learn about the requirements and how to ensure your business is compliant when the new rules go into effect.
Online event, November 26, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Register today
Federal certifications for government contracting
The federal government has goals for contracting with small businesses. Learn all about eligibility, certifications, and how to work with government organizations with MNSBIR.
Online event, December 2, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Register today
Buying a business
Are you interested in learning how to evaluate the acquisition of a company? Join Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE for everything you need to know to make informed decisions when acquiring a company.
Online event, December 3, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Register today
Hiring better, faster
Hiring the right people is one of the most critical and costly decisions a business can make. This one-hour webinar from Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE is designed to help small business owners and hiring managers improve their recruitment strategies, avoid common pitfalls, and attract top talent more efficiently.
Online event, December 3, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Register today
Get Started with Elevate Hennepin
Join Elevate Hennepin for Get Started, a 90-minute virtual workshop designed for anyone with an idea for a business. This short workshop provides an easy entry point for all idea-stage entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of vetting their business idea.
Online event, December 10, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.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.
|
