Elevate Hennepin named BBB Strategic Partner of the Year

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Minnesota and North Dakota named Hennepin County its Outstanding Strategic Partner of the Year.

Hennepin County Board Chair Irene Fernando accepted the award on behalf of Hennepin County at an event September 24, saying collaborators like BBB are essential to the county’s work to expand the regional economy and remove barriers to entrepreneurship. 

“Our collaboration with the Better Business Bureau has been essential to expanding access to trusted guidance, especially entrepreneurs who face barriers to success,” Fernando said. “This award celebrates the county accomplishments, but far more importantly, this award represents the shared work and the shared impact that we've built together for small businesses across the community.”

She said Hennepin County can’t take all the credit, and noted the award highlights all the organizations, people, and work it takes to do this work.

“Thank you again to BBB for this meaningful recognition. Thank you to county staff, advisors, and city partners, who do this work every day,” she said. “And most importantly, thank you to the entrepreneurs, makers, and dreamers for your vision, for your risk, and your sacrifice. It's an honor to celebrate this award with you.”

As a current Elevate Hennepin advisor, BBB offers a wide range of marketing consulting and technical assistance including headshots, promotional videos, on-camera coaching, social media, and brand consulting.

Bao Vang, vice president of communications for the regional BBB, said the collaboration impacts businesses across the county. 

“Through this partnership in the Elevate Hennepin initiative, small businesses gain access to a network of support, designed to help them grow and succeed,” she said. “The result is more than services delivered. It is stronger businesses, stronger entrepreneurs, and a stronger community. And we know that impact is here today in this room. We have many Elevate Hennepin business owners joining us.”

Watch a video from the BBB highlighting the partnership and some of the ways Elevate Hennepin and the BBB serve Hennepin County businesses.