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 Elevate Hennepin is Hennepin County's initiative to help businesses start and grow.
Hennepin County has proclaimed February Shop Local Month in partnership with the State of Minnesota.
The federal immigration enforcement surge has caused major disruptions, loss of revenue, and fear in the Hennepin County business community. Still, small businesses have rallied to support their local communities and offer mutual aid.
Shopping or dining at one of our immigrant-owned businesses is one way we can stand with our neighbors and show support for the businesses that contribute so much to our community.
We have created a small business relief funds guide that provides an overview of relief fund opportunities taking applications and upcoming opportunities. Please apply if eligible.
Minneapolis Foundation's Economic Response Fund: This fund includes an initial $4 million seeded by Minnesota companies and individuals to support small businesses statewide. Initial distributions are expected in coming weeks. Grants are intended to support businesses over a 30- to 60-day period. Check your eligibility and apply
Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund: Applications are open until February 23 for this restaurant-focused fund. This fund, administered by the Minneapolis Foundation, is offering emergency grants of $2,500 to $10,000 in an initial grant round to help keep these businesses open and thriving. The initial fund prioritizes independent restaurants that lack a platform to fundraise on their own in the seven-county Twin Cities metro. Check your eligibility and apply
Southeast Asian and Immigrant/Refugee Small Business Stabilization Grant: Applications are open for this fund from the Hmong American Partnership through March 8, 2026. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $5,000 to support Southeast Asian and immigrant/refugee business owners with brick-and-mortar businesses in the Greater Twin Cities area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until Sunday, March 8, 2026. Check your eligibility and apply
Hennepin County is amplifying a metro-wide independent survey from the Lake Street Council to gather data, perspectives, and stories to help the Lake Street Council and stakeholders understand these impacts and advocate for solutions. No personal information required. Survey closes February 28.
Caroline Karanja, founder of Hack the Gap, talks through how to build your first online storefront for your business.
This is the first in a video series featuring Elevate Hennepin advisors sharing key skills and guidance to be resilient in this moment and recover for the long-term.
Recognizing this uniquely disruptive moment for businesses owners, we are extending the deadline to apply to March 20, 2026, with priority given to applications received by March 4, 2026.
This program, an investment from Hennepin County, will guide participants through topics like leadership, company values, sales and marketing, and goal setting in collaboration with each other and from industry experts.
Participants will leave the program with an action-oriented strategy, an understanding of how to create systems of scale, and a network of peer business owners.
Spots are limited and fill quickly for this competitive program. Learn more, see eligibility guidelines and apply today. The next session of CEO Now will start in April. In-person sessions will be held in Edina.
Apply now for HR Next! Applications close March 17, 2026.
This engaging cohort empowers business leaders with no-cost human resources consulting, data-informed tactics, and peer collaboration to solve workforce challenges and build a stronger company culture. This Elevate Hennepin cohort opportunity is designed to support midsize companies with custom human resources consulting and guidance to recover from disruptive times like what the business community sees today.
HR Next brings personalized one-on-one consulting, custom data and insights, and a proven curriculum to help you grow the right way.
 For timely guidance from our expert Elevate Hennepin advisors, join one of our upcoming webinars covering key topics around recovery and building a resilient business.
Marketing Your Business in Uncertain Times
Join Elevate Hennepin advisor and founder of Whip-Smart, Jen Jones, for this short and practical webinar for local business owners focused on clear, low-cost marketing actions you can take right now.
Online event, February 23, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register today
From zero to funded: How to launch a successful GoFundMe campaign
Join Elevate Hennepin advisor and founder of Technologist Computers, Ini Augustine, to learn how to craft a compelling story, set the right funding goal, and attract early momentum for a recovery fundraising campaign.
Online event, February 24, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Register today
Sales and use tax for taxable service providers
Join the Minnesota Department of Revenue for a tax course designed for taxable service providers in Minnesota.
Online event, February 25, 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Register today
Health insurance 101 for small business owners and startups
Navigating health insurance as a solopreneur or small business owner can be overwhelming. Join Elevate Hennepin education partners SCORE to make sense of coverages and benefits for your first employees.
Online event, February 26, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Register today
Future-proofing your workforce: Skills for 2030 and beyond
The future of work is here, and forward-thinking Minnesota employers are already preparing their teams for tomorrow's challenges. Join the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for this session to explore how AI automation is reshaping skill requirements across industries.
Online event, March 4, 11 a.m. - 12:30 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.
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