Item Description:
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Neg 6 Agmts for cohort-based small business programming, 01/01/25-12/31/25, total combined NTE $565,500
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Executive Director be authorized to negotiate Agreements with each of the following entities to provide cohort-based small business programming:
• PR00006498 with Co.Starters, Inc.
• PR00006500 with Simon Says HR
• PR00006501 with Certified Access, LLC
• PR00006560 with Interise
• PR00006561 with Minneapolis Business Mentors
• PR00006565 with The Coven
all during the period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 with the option for the Authority to extend for one additional year without amendment, with a total combined not to exceed amount of $565,500; 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, Hennepin County is fostering peer-to-peer connections among diverse business owners across industries that often last beyond the duration of the program. Hennepin County works to build a more inclusive business ecosystem by supporting peer learning among business owners through roundtables, speaker forums, and digitally through sponsored memberships with The Coven.
A core set of 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. These programs feature nationally recognized curricula delivered by local facilitators and trainers. Two additional programs, Certified Access and HR Next (formerly called Elevate Hennepin Talent), have been developed by local leaders to address specific business needs. Certified Access supports disadvantaged businesses interested in pursuing certification as a means to grow their business, and HR Next provides focused support to help businesses attract and retain workers.
Below is a summary of recommended agreements and the programming they represent:
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PR00006498 |
Co.Starters, Inc. |
CEO Start |
Idea stage business development |
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PR00006500 |
Simon Says HR |
HR Next |
Attracting, retaining, and development talent |
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PR00006501 |
Certified Access, LLC |
Certified Access |
Disadvantaged business certification |
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PR00006560 |
Interise |
CEO Now |
Early-stage business growth |
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PR00006561 |
Minneapolis Business Mentors |
CEO Next roundtables |
Facilitated roundtable component of CEO Next for second-stage businesses |
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PR0000X6565 |
The Coven |
Digital memberships |
Online learning and business networking |
By supporting the cost of these traditionally expensive services and training opportunities, Hennepin County 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 six contracts described above 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 six agreements to provide cohort-based small business programming effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, with an optional one year extension.
Impact/Outcomes: Authorization of this request will provide in-depth programming to support the growth of an estimated 150 small and disadvantaged businesses.
Income Domain Disparity: In-depth group learning programs offered through Hennepin County’s Elevate Hennepin efforts help address racial gaps in business ownership. To-date, 59% of entrepreneurs and business owners accessing small business consulting, 65% of those accessing financing, and 73% 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