Validate your business idea: Apply today for CEO Start

Applications are now open for CEO Start, a new opportunity in the CEO growth series from Elevate Hennepin.

CEO Start, powered by CO.STARTERS, is open to anyone in Hennepin County with a great business idea. Participants will assess their idea with a framework for testing and validating their concept so they can build a viable business; or understand why it might not work.

A group of 10 to 15 entrepreneurs will work through the nationally recognized CO.STARTERS program. Over the course of 10 weeks, participants will closely examine their ideas with peers, through industry research, facilitated discussions, and interviews with potential customers.

Participants will leave the program with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable venture, articulate their models, and repeat the process with their next great idea.

CEO Start is a collaboration between Hennepin County and the cities of Brooklyn Park, and Bloomington. 

Applications are now open for the inaugural CEO Start training. Applications will be accepted through application close date December 1, 2023.

The next cohort will begin accepting applications in May of 2024. Register for the Elevate Hennepin newsletter below to keep up with CEO Start and other Elevate Hennepin group-learning opportunities.