Item Description:
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Neg 7 Agmts for cohort-based small business programming, 01/01/26-12/31/26, total combined NTE $612,500
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Executive Director be authorized to negotiate the following Agreements to provide cohort-based small business programming:
• PR00008110 Talon Performance Group, Inc.
• PR00008111 Simon and Associates, LLC dba Simon Says Lead
• PR00007989 Minneapolis Business Mentors
• PR00007990 Co.Starters Inc.
• PR00007991 Simon and Associates, LLC dba Simon Says Lead
• PR00007992 Certified Access, LLC
• PR00007993 The Coven, Inc.
all during the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 with a total combined not to exceed amount of $612,500; with the option for the Authority to amend the Agreements to adjust any individual not to exceed amount within the total combined not to exceed amount within the agreement period; that following review and approval by the County Attorney's Office, the Chair be authorized to sign the agreements on behalf of the Authority; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
In addition to one-on-one consulting provided by Elevate Hennepin, Hennepin County supports a series of small business learning opportunities that provide in-depth training over several weeks or months in a cohort setting. By offering programs in a cohort setting, the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) fosters peer-to-peer connections among diverse business owners across industries that often last beyond the duration of the program.
A core set of HCHRA programs-CEO Start, CEO Now, and CEO Next-have been designed and developed strategically to support business owners at key phases of their growth, from idea to second stage. Two additional programs, Certified Access and HR Next, have been developed by local business leaders to address specific business needs. Certified Access supports disadvantaged businesses interested in pursuing small or disadvantaged business certification to grow their business, and HR Next provides focused support to help businesses attract and retain workers. The suite of programs includes nationally recognized curricula in new business development and business fundamentals, in-depth marketing research, business operations training from certified trainers, expert speaker forums, peer roundtables, as well as asynchronous digital learning opportunities.
To-date, over 400 businesses have participated in one or more cohort programs. Recent cohort program participants were asked to complete a survey and provide feedback about the program and their business in the one to two years since taking the program. Among business owners that responded:
• 91% rated the overall value of the program “very valuable”
• 65% reported an increase in revenue
• 52% reported adding jobs, with an average increase of 5.7 full-time and 2.6 part-time employees
Below is a summary of recommended agreements and the programming they represent:
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PR00008110 |
Talon Performance Group, Inc. |
CEO Now |
Early-stage business growth |
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PR00008111 |
Simon and Associates, LLC dba Simon Says Lead |
CEO Next research |
Research component of CEO Next for second-stage businesses |
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PR00007989 |
Minneapolis Business Mentors |
CEO Next roundtables |
Facilitated roundtable component of CEO Next for second-stage businesses |
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PR00007990 |
Co.Starters Inc. |
CEO Start |
Idea stage business development |
|
PR00007991 |
Simon and Associates, LLC dba Simon Says Lead |
HR Next |
Attracting, retaining, and developing talent |
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PR00007992 |
Certified Access, LLC |
Certified Access Academy |
Small and disadvantaged business certification |
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PR00007993 |
The Coven, Inc. |
Digital memberships |
Online learning and business networking |
By supporting these opportunities, the HCHRA reduces barriers to entrepreneurship and addresses structural inequities faced by business owners who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, and women, in starting and growing a successful business in Minnesota.
Approval of the seven contracts identified herein will assist an estimated 150 businesses with peer-to-peer learning and in-depth training that supports businesses from idea to second stage, contributing to inclusive economic growth.
Current Request: This request is for authorization to negotiate seven agreements to provide cohort-based small business programming effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 with a total combined not to exceed amount of $612,500.
lmpact/Outcomes: Authorization of this request will provide in-depth programming to support the growth of an estimated 150 small and/or disadvantaged businesses.
Income Domain Disparity: In-depth group learning programs offered through HCHRA’s Elevate Hennepin efforts help address racial gaps in business ownership. To-date, 66% of entrepreneurs and business owners accessing small business consulting, 74% of those accessing financing, and 82% of those starting a business with support from Elevate Hennepin identify as Black, Asian, Hispanic/LatinX, Indigenous, or multi-racial.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval