Meet MayPa Yang: Elevate Hennepin’s new Business Navigator

Meet MayPa Yang: Elevate Hennepin’s new Business Navigator

We’re thrilled to introduce MayPa Yang, the newest Elevate Hennepin Business Navigator. MayPa brings incredible energy, experience, and a deep commitment to helping entrepreneurs and business owners succeed.

She started working with entrepreneurs at the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), starting as a front desk receptionist then working her way up to director of business development. Along the way, she discovered what truly lights her up: connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow.

“I really found this passion to help connect entrepreneurs with resources that are readily available—or resources they just may not be aware of,” MayPa said. “It’s about giving them the autonomy to take their business wherever they want to go.”

She said that’s her role as a Business Navigator, assisting entrepreneurs with an idea to regional business owners find a way to learn and grow. All Elevate Hennepin Business Navigators hold 15-minute calls to explore the business or idea and identify the right next steps without lengthy forms or a complex process.

MayPa’ s passion is the perfect fit for a Business Navigator and is rooted in her own experience as a first-generation American from an immigrant family. Growing up, MayPa often helped her parents navigate systems and paperwork, and she saw firsthand how gaps in language, technology, and access can hold people back. That perspective drives her mission to make sure every entrepreneur feels empowered and supported.

“When I found Elevate Hennepin, I thought, this is perfect,” she says. “It brings me back to what’s fulfilling: being in the room with entrepreneurs, helping them find solutions, and seeing the impact.”

MayPa knows that building trust takes time, especially in communities that have historically faced barriers to entrepreneurship. But she’s confident Elevate Hennepin’s track record speaks for itself.

“It takes trust and time. But Elevate Hennepin has proven results. These resources work, and they can help push entrepreneurs toward success,” she explained.

Now, she’s excited to leverage Elevate Hennepin’s countywide network to create an even greater impact.

“I’m excited to have a bigger network of resources to share and connect entrepreneurs,” MayPa says. “I can’t wait to be part of the success stories and contribute to this impactful initiative.”

With her background in business and marketing education, her hands-on experience in economic development, and her passion for equity and empowerment, MayPa is ready to help Hennepin County business owners take their next big step.