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 Elevate Hennepin is Hennepin County's initiative to help businesses start and grow.
 Lily Gross, the founder of Radish Farm Stop in southwest Minneapolis, might still be working through some construction delays, but she says Elevate Hennepin advisors helped her feel ready to launch her business.
"I feel positioned to start this business and hopefully be super successful. I think a lot of that is because of this support that I've had," said Lily. "Some of that is measurable, like a business plan or an employee handbook. But I think that what is harder to measure is the sounding board and confidence that comes from working with these mentors."
For many idea-stage entrepreneurs, taking the first step can feel overwhelming. The list of things to do seems endless and everyone says to do something different.
That’s why Elevate Hennepin’s Get Started workshop, sponsored by Hennepin County, is designed as a clear, approachable starting point. The 90-minute virtual workshop, offered monthly through Elevate Hennepin, brings new or pivoting entrepreneurs together to learn, and illuminate the best next step for them and their business or idea.
As Angel Antje, the workshop's lead facilitator (pictured) puts it, it’s an ideal first step into serious entrepreneurship.
“This is a starting point. It really gives participants an idea of the pieces that might be missing in their business plan as well as the things they need to focus on,” said Angel.
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 A new center for food entrepreneurship just opened in North Minneapolis.
Hennepin County Board Chair Irene Fernando joined other community leaders to celebrate the recent grand opening of Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)’s Collective Kitchens. This new hub for food entrepreneurs on West Broadway in North Minneapolis offers commercial kitchen space, networking, and community among food entrepreneurs.
Hennepin County is proud to support this work—including a $250,000 investment in 2023—because uplifting small businesses, especially in communities long impacted by disinvestment, is central to building a more resilient and equitable local economy.
Learn more and see how to secure space in the new facility for your business.
Hennepin County is curious about plastic use, and you can help!
Hennepin County invites all business owners to have a short, anonymous conversation about how their business generates, uses, and disposes of plastic. Information gathered from the interview will be used to form community-informed recommendations for improved efficiency and equity in countywide plastic waste management.
If you are interested in participating in an interview, please email Apurupa at agorthi@recycle.com to set up a call time that works for you.
 The Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit’s mission is to bring businesses of diverse backgrounds together to share, learn, and celebrate the immigrant entrepreneurship experience and contribution to the overall community. Look for Elevate Hennepin's table and talk with a Business Navigator about resources and next steps.
In-person event, June 5, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center
11411 Masonic Home Drive, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55437
MN Cup semifinalist reception
MN Cup invites you to its semifinalist reception on Wednesday, June 3 at Hanson Hall at the University of Minnesota (West Bank). The Semifinalist Reception is an opportunity to recognize the advancing companies and ideas in this year's competition, hear them present a live pitch, and engage with the entire MN Cup community.
In-person event, June 3, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Herbert M. Hanson Jr. Hall
1925 South Fourth Street Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455
Register today
Are you lender ready?
This no-cost workshop from the SBA Minnesota District Office, Minnesota SBDC and the City of Bloomington, focuses on preparing small business owners to ask for small business loans. It is designed to help our entrepreneurs to stand out, and will cover everything from business credit, understanding business financials, and pitching to a lender. Breakfast and lunch are included.
In-person event, June 9, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bloomington Civic Plaza
1800 Old Shakopee Road West, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55431
Register today
How to start selling online (without being a tech expert)
Selling online doesn’t have to be complicated or technical. Break down the process with the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) in this practical session. Walk away with clear, manageable steps and focus on what truly matters: clarity, ease, trust, and follow-up.
Online event, June 9, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Register today
Learn cash flow management
Want a thriving small business? Then you need healthy cash flow. Join this free webinar from MB Mentors to learn essential insights to confidently manage your finances, meet obligations, and build long-term profitability.
Online event, June 10, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Register today
Get Started with Elevate Hennepin
This no-cost, 90-minute virtual interactive session from Hennepin County's Elevate Hennepin initiative 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 on how to use the Business Model Canvas, talk to customers, and start small.
Online event, June 17, 12 p.m. - 1:30 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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