A new model of business support
Elevate Business began as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by a diverse Business Advisory Council convened by Hennepin County during the height of the pandemic, Hennepin County teamed up with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber to partner with trusted experts that could help businesses meet the challenges of the pandemic and civil unrest.
The initiative has since grown into an innovative model to help diverse businesses in Hennepin County not only recover from the impacts of the pandemic, but to grow and build for success long into the future.
The business advisors and resources available through Elevate Business serve entrepreneurs at every level and represent the diversity of Hennepin County businesses. It is our goal to provide business resources that support all business owners, with a focus on the economic empowerment of people of color, women, and other underserved business owners that have historically experienced disparities and were further disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Together, we’re creating a business support ecosystem that will help our region emerge from the pandemic with an even stronger, more inclusive, and resilient economy over the long-term.
Connect with a business advisor today!
Any Hennepin County business owner or resident who owns or is starting a business can access 25 hours of free consulting. Hennepin County has contracted with 23 professional business advisors and specialized consultants to offer free expert support to local businesses in a wide range of areas including:
- Planning and evaluation
- Legal
- Financial
- Marketing
- Access to capital
- And more!
In practice, this could look like help researching and writing a business plan, financial or legal guidance, accessing classes and cohort-style learning, or tapping into our network of community-based lenders.
Explore the advisors below and select one that best fits your needs. By clicking "Connect with an advisor," you will be taken to an online registration form. To look through advisors and view events directly in the platform, check out www.elevatebusinesshc.com
