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 Elevate Hennepin is Hennepin County's initiative to help businesses start and grow.
 Jodi Standke, founder of Talon Performance Group and facilitator of CEO Now.
For business owners with limited time, every hour spent away from daily operations must deliver real value. CEO Now, one of Hennepin County's signature cohort programs, was built with that reality in mind. It’s designed for action so leaders leave each session with tools they can use immediately.
As facilitator Jodi Standke puts it, “I'm a good Midwesterner. I don't like to waste money or monkey around. I want to do things that are usable and that make a real difference.”
 Family Mercado founders celebrating with Field Guide's Mary Quinn McCallum (left) and Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley.
Family Mercado, a new family-owned neighborhood grocery store, recently celebrated its grand opening in south Minneapolis. The store is owned and operated by Kristine Valbuena and Luis Guaman, who have long envisioned providing a welcoming, community focused market for their neighbors.
The launch of Family Mercado is the result of deep collaboration across the Elevate Hennepin advisor network. Advisors worked with the owners on business strategy, branding, marketing, legal guidance, and planning for the opening celebration — demonstrating the power of coordinated small‑business support.
“Small businesses like Family Mercado are the backbone of our local economy,” said Commissioner Angela Conley. “They create jobs, fill our commercial corridors with energy and pride, and turn neighborhoods into communities. When we invest in small businesses, we invest in people — and we invest in the future of Hennepin County.”
 Hennepin County is launching a new countywide campaign in November to celebrate the businesses that make our communities vibrant.
From neighborhood restaurants and retailers to service providers and makers, these local businesses bring character, create jobs, and help keep dollars circulating close to home.
By choosing to shop local, residents help strengthen our local economy while supporting the entrepreneurs and small businesses that make Hennepin County unique. Watch for more details about a new way to show your favorite local businesses a little extra love, and save the date for Small Business Saturday on November 28!
 Hennepin County Board Chair Irene Fernando with CEO Next graduates.
We’d like to offer a huge congratulations to the latest CEO Next graduates, who just completed the Elevate Hennepin eight-month cohort.
Graduates were joined by Hennepin County Board Chair Irene Fernando, Ramsey and Scott county leaders, alumni, and facilitators. Keynote speaker and cohort alumnus Frank Brown, owner of Minuteman Press Uptown, said the cohort offered a rare opportunity for successful business leaders.
“CEO Next gave me something that's difficult for business owners to find: Time and an environment to work on the business instead of always working in the business. That's why it is so valuable,” said Frank.
Applications for the 2027 CEO Next cohort will open soon, learn more or express your interest today!
Last chance to apply for the next 2026 CEO Start Bootcamp scheduled for December 5 and 6 in Minnetonka.
CEO Start Bootcamp is a two-day, hackathon-style learning opportunity to challenge assumptions, stretch entrepreneurial thinking, and provide concrete tools to bring a new business to life.
Don't miss this popular opportunity. Apply today before seats fill up.
The City of Minneapolis is seeking contractors to assist entrepreneurs who want to become licensed or permitted food vendors in Minneapolis.
Contractors are responsible for community engagement to locate prospective vendors. Contractors will find vendors in a variety of settings throughout the city such as parks, commercial corridors, and lakefront commercial outlets.
Apply by October 28 at 4 p.m.
Register now for this dynamic masterclass from Certified Access Academy. This virtual program will equip business owners with the tools to develop a powerful capability statement that will open doors and make decisionmakers take notice
Online event, October 29, 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
2026 Hennepin County Small Business Networking Event
Come learn how to do business with Hennepin County and partnering agencies. Hennepin County purchasing small business access team is hosting this networking event to connect small businesses with Hennepin County’s procurement staff, departmental representatives, partner agencies, and local support resources.
In-person event, October 28, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Regional Accelerator Center
1256 North Penn Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411
Register today
Intellectual property basics - copyright and trademark for artists
An attorney from Springboard for the Arts’ Minnesota Lawyers for the Arts (MnLA) program will cover intellectual property for visual and performing artists, focusing on copyright and trademark. Learn the difference between the two, how and why to register them, and how both can be used to protect your brand and your creative work.
Online event, October 31, 1 p.m. - 3 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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