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 Elevate Hennepin is Hennepin County's initiative to help businesses start and grow.
 Alex Gebru, owner of A1 Tree & Stump Removal
Alex Gebru said the impact of Elevate Hennepin’s HR Next program was transformative for his landscaping business. He learned the importance of human resources, building systems for onboarding, offboarding, and hiring.
“Human capital is everything and it will really make or break your business,” he said.
Read how he built an ideal human resources framework for his growing business.
 Certifying your business is the first step to a wide range of new opportunities. Join Elevate Hennepin facilitation partner Certified Access to keep your certified business moving forward, growing, and evolving.
This fall, Elevate Hennepin and Certified Access, which helps business owners get certified in the Certified Access Academy, offers a new masterclass series to guide entrepreneurs on their next steps forward after certification to compete for government and corporate contracts.
Watch for these events in our event calendar or register today!
Certified, Now What?
This one-hour workshop helps newly certified businesses turn credentials into momentum. It offers practical strategies for leveraging certification to expand networks, secure contracts, and grow with confidence.
Online event, September 17, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Register today
Certified Presence: Positioning for Business Growth
Participants learn to articulate their value through compelling capability statements that resonate with decision-makers, enhancing visibility and opportunities in competitive markets.
Online event, October 29, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Register today
Certified Access Presence: The Power of the Pitch
An interactive session where attendees master impactful pitch structure, with chances for live presentations and feedback, sharpening their ability to connect with buyers, partners, and investors.
Online event, November 12, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Register today
Join the virtual 12-week Build Something Great Cohort starting this September.
Chameleon, an initiative from the Minneapolis Downtown Council dedicated to building a vital downtown by supporting BIPOC and women-owned entrepreneurs, is hosting this cohort to provide business development guidance for diverse entrepreneurs.
Dig into your branding, build a strong financial model, and develop systems to keep your business running for the long-term.
Applications close August 21, 2026, and the first session is September 16, 2026. Learn more and apply today.
 Join Elevate Hennepin's Get Started on September 17 at noon for a no-cost, 90-minute session designed for anyone with a business idea looking to get going. Participants will gain access to tools, resources, and support to take the next best step.
Online event, September 17, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The owner's guide to business succession planning
Are you planning to sell your business, transfer it to family, transition it to key employees or continue leading it for years to come? Join Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE for a workshop to truly understand what goes into thoughtful succession planning.
In-person event, August 19, 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Northeast Bank
77 Broadway Street Northeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55413
Register today
Drop-in business consultations
Drop in to speak with representatives from the Small Business Administration and the City of Minneapolis Small Business Team in person for free help starting, running, or growing your business.
In-person event, August 25, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55401
Register today
Unlocking accessibility: How ERAF can transform your business
Learn 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, August 26, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Register today
Starting a food business 101
Ready to turn your food passion into a real gig? Join the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) in person for Starting a Food Business 101. NEON will cover all the basics you need to get your tasty ideas off the ground, from permits to marketing.
In-person event, September 1, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
NEON Collective Kitchens
2041 West Broadway Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411
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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