A Discussion with Community and Economic Development Director Patricia Fitzgerald
Elevate Hennepin, in its third year, has supported over 2300 businesses with consulting and other support services. We talked to Patricia Fitzgerald, Community and Economic Development Director for Hennepin County Housing and Economic Development, to learn more about this all-encompassing business support program. 2 Dope Chicks – a tasty gem of a downtown restaurant – told us what participating meant to their business.
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Bins, bags, and collaboration: Tackling business waste with Hennepin County
Businesses generate nearly half of Hennepin County’s total waste, making them critical partners in Hennepin County’s zero-waste goals. But they’re not on their own to figure it out.
Measuring Elevate Hennepin performance through the first half of 2026
Since Hennepin County launched Elevate Hennepin, our advisor network and cohort facilitators have supported 5,264 unique business owners in cities across Hennepin County. These entrepreneurs leveraged one-on-one advising, cohorts, workshops, and on-demand learning.