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 Elevate Hennepin is Hennepin County's initiative to help businesses start and grow.
 Entrepreneurs served over time from 2020 through the second quarter of 2026.
More than 1,000 entrepreneurs connected with Elevate Hennepin in the first half of 2026, tapping into adaptable, personalized support to navigate challenges and build stronger businesses.
Together they invested more than 11,000 hours with our advisors across several disciplines, including business strategy, marketing, financial management, and human resources.
Read how Elevate Hennepin worked closely with the business community through the first half of the year.
 As part of the Elevate Hennepin small business capital strategy, financing opportunities are available for small businesses.
Hennepin County has committed a total of $2.1 million to create more equitable access to capital for small businesses through Elevate Hennepin Small Business Loans. The financing opportunity is available through a competitively selected nonprofit community-based lender NextStage.
Connect with an advisor for more information in preparing your application or apply with NextStage today!
 Don't miss the 2026 Twin Cities Startup Week!
Since 2014, Twin Cities Startup Week (TCSW) has brought together founders, investors, students, and the whole technology ecosystem for a week of education and connection.
Like every year, the tech community has dozens of sessions to choose from hosted by organizations across the metro. Elevate Hennepin Business Navigators will be in person in St. Paul on September 18 to connect with attendees.
And don't miss these special events during the week:
MN Cup Competition Grand Finale
Celebrate the 22nd-annual Minnesota Cup Competition showcasing 27 startups. Vote for your favorite live and see who wins more than over $100,000 in awards.
In-person event, September 14, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
McNamara Alumni Center
200 Southeast Oak Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455
Register today
Startup World Cup
The Twin Cities Regional session of the National Startup World Cup is a competition between 10 local startups to compete for a $1 million investment prize.
In-person event, September 18, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Great Northern Building
180 5th Street East , Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101
Register today
Grab your a day pass
The TCSW Day Pass gives you access to all Twin Cities Startup Week events happening on one day of your choosing at a special discount of $25. It’s a simple, flexible option for attendees who want to experience a full day of sessions, workshops, and networking without committing to the entire week.
Do you understand your customer? Entrepreneurship for good training
Join Elevate Hennepin advisor Impact Hub Minneapolis–St. Paul for Entrepreneurship for Good for a customer-focused training to learn how to use interviewing to gather actionable information and define the right customer segments for your business.
In-person event, September 9, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Impact Hub Minneapolis - St. Paul
825 Washington Avenue Southeast #200, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55414
Register today
Path to funding: WomenVenture lending program explained
Join Elevate Hennepin advisor WomenVenture's lending team to gain a clear understanding of how their lending program works. This session will guide you through the steps of their lending process, help you determine when you’re ready to apply, and provide tips on deciding the right loan amount for your needs.
Online event, September 15, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Register today
Get Started with Elevate Hennepin
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 16, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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
How to fund your business in this changing economy
Learn about different ways to fund your business from Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE. Having a clear picture of your options allows you to confidently narrow down what will work best for you.
Online event, September 23, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Register today
Hopkins Thriving Thursdays: Elevate Hennepin office hours
This Thriving Thursday event is an in-person, office hours-style pop-up for Hopkins-based businesses provided by Elevate Hennepin. Connect with Elevate Hennepin business strategy consultant Antonelli and Associates, marketing consultant Whip-Smart, and Elevate Hennepin Business Navigators to take your next step forward.
Online event, September 24, 11 a.m. - 2 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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