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 Elevate Hennepin is Hennepin County's initiative to help businesses start and grow.
 Businesses generate nearly half of Hennepin County’s total waste, making them critical partners in Hennepin County’s zero-waste goals.
But they’re not on their own to figure it out, as Hennepin County business waste-reduction expert Andre Xiong explains.
“We can’t do it without them, and we can help them get it done,” said Andre.
 Small business owners can now apply for grants to help offset the cost of implementing the new Minnesota Paid Leave program.
Eligible small businesses can apply for Paid Leave Small Employer Assistance Grants of up to $3,000 per leave, with a maximum of $6,000 per employee each calendar year.
 We're thrilled to announce that Octin Health was named the 2026 MN Cup Grand Prize Winner!
The Edina-based company was founded by cardiovascular surgeon and CEO Meghana Helder. Octin is the developer of the Elika Device, a surgical technology that simplifies complex medical procedures, reducing surgical risk and improving patient recovery.
Along the way, Octin worked with Elevate Hennepin advisor Simon Says HR for human resources consulting.
A special congratulations to all the Hennepin County businesses that were part of this year's MN Cup, including:
- SmartPAL AI Inc
- Vireo Ag
- MR. MOMO
- Entravia
- Duome LLC
- AngioInsight
- Optimal Mobility, Inc
- CASA Ai
- MaterniPress
- Merra
- Fish Hut
MN Cup is a community-led, public-private partnership supporting Minnesota’s entrepreneurs. Stay tuned to Elevate Hennepin newsletter for news about next year's competition.
 Elevate Hennepin is in person for Thriving Thursday in Hopkins on September 24!
Join us for a business-support pop-up designed to bring expert advisors directly into the community.
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.
In-person event, September 24, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hopkins Center for the Arts Community Room
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, Minnesota, 55343
Twin Cities Startup Week - Community Day
Join Elevate Hennepin at the Twin Cities Startup Week community day hosted by BETA. Elevate Hennepin Business Navigators will be in person in St. Paul on September 18 to connect with attendees at the weeklong tech-focused event.
In-person event, September 18, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Great Northern Building
180 5th Street East., Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55102
Register today
Thinking about business
Are you thinking about starting a business? Join NEON for a free thinking about business workshop! They will walk you through business basics, and brainstorm how to turn your idea into a reality
In-person event, September 19, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
NEON Collective Kitchens
2041 West Broadway Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411
Register today
Dealing with debt
This workshop presented by the Hennepin County Library and Association of Financial Educators (AFE) helps people break down debt, build confidence, and take back control of their financial lives. Learn practical tools, real‑world examples, and strategies that make a meaningful difference.
In-person event, September 22, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
St. Louis Park Library
3240 Library Lane, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, 55426
Register today
Why build a business plan?
Join Elevate Hennepin education partner SCORE for a workshop that shows how business plan is far more than a financing document—it is the operating blueprint for your business.
Online event, September 24, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: $10
Register today
Better questions. Better decisions. Better business.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, sales professional, or leader, the quality of your questions directly influences the quality of your decisions, customer conversations, and business results. Learn how to answer the right questions in this workshop hosted by SCORE.
Online event, September 29, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: $10
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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