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 Elevate Hennepin is Hennepin County's initiative to help businesses start and grow.
 Every crisis presents challenges and opportunities to rethink how a business operates.
We worked with Elevate Hennepin advisors on a series of short video guides to help business owners weather the challenges and find the opportunities.
Explore these video guides from advisors who specialize in finance, HR, legal strategy, technology, and leadership to find practical tips to build resiliency and prepare for long-term success.
Our small business relief funds guide is updated with information about current and upcoming funding opportunities. Recent updates include:
Hennepin County Small Business Recovery Fund: Applications for the Hennepin County Small Business Recovery Fund closed on March 25. The program received more than 1,100 applications from businesses across the county. Staff are now reviewing submissions, and applicants will be notified of next steps in the coming days.
MN PROMISE Act funds: The PROMISE Act grant team notes that $46 million remains available. Apply now for a grant up to $50,000 from round two of the MN PROMISE Act. The MN PROMISE Act is a state-funded small business revitalization program available to disadvantaged businesses located in certain areas of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and greater Minnesota.
Bloomington Small Business Assistance Grant: Businesses located in Bloomington with a brick-and-mortar location experiencing financial and operational disruptions due to federal immigration enforcement may be eligible to receive one-time grants up to $10,000 to help cover two months of business rent or mortgage. Applications will remain open until April 20, 2026, or until funds have been awarded.
Minnetonka Emergency Business Fund: Businesses located in Minnetonka can apply for up to $2,500. This fund offers one-time assistance to local businesses that have experienced an emergency or unforeseen circumstances that threaten the business operation and jeopardize job retention for employees.
Applications are now open for the next session of the Certified Access Academy – an eight-week, Elevate Hennepin cohort-based training opportunity to support disadvantaged businesses become certified to compete for government and corporate contracts.
Applications will remain open through April 21.
Participants will join a virtual cohort and work with experienced advisors to fast-track the completion of the Central Certification Program (CERT) as well as the State of Minnesota Office of State Procurement certification applications.
The session starts on April 30.
 MN Cup, the nation’s largest statewide startup competition, is open for applications.
Applications for the 2026 MN Cup season opened March 10 and will close April 11.
Hosted by the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, MN Cup is a community led, public-private partnership that connects emerging founders with mentorship, education, and seed capital to accelerate their ventures. More than 25 companies shared over $400,000 in prize funding in 2025.
 Join Get Started on April 15 at noon for a no-cost, 90-minute virtual interactive session 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 use 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.
Online event, April 15, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Minnesota paid leave for employers
Minnesota’s Paid Leave program brings new requirements for employers across the state. Join this free, online Minnesota Paid Leave workshop funded by the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for clear, practical guidance.
Online event, April 7, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register today
Accessing grants/donations through fiscal sponsorship
Join us at Impact Hub Minneapolis - St. Paul for an informative session on how fiscal sponsorship can help your organization secure grants and donations.
In-person event, April 8, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
825 Washington Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Register today
Unlocking accessibility: How ERAF can transform your business
Discover how the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more accessible workplace. Small to mid-sized businesses in Minnesota can receive reimbursements of up to $30,000 for providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities.
Online event, April 22, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Register today
Startup toolkit: registration, permits, and business banking
Starting a business can be overwhelming! Join Elevate Hennepin advisor WomenVenture to break down the essentials before launching. This two-hour session is your roadmap through the complex world of startup logistics and business banking. (Use ELEVATE promo code for $5 off)
Online event, April 28, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: $50 ($45 for Elevate Hennepin users)
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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