Start with strategy: Elevate Hennepin's ideal first step

Start with strategy: Elevate Hennepin's ideal first step

When entrepreneurs first connect with Elevate Hennepin, one of the ideal first stops is with a business strategy advisor. These expert consultants help founders clarify their path forward, identify foundational needs, and move forward with confidence. They also help avoid a lot of wasted time, effort, and money.

ConnectUP! founder and advisor Elaine Rasmussen said entrepreneurs often arrive with a specific challenge in mind—marketing, funding, or operations. The real issue, however, leads back to some foundational elements of the business.

"The problem that needed to be solved was usually not the problem that they had called us with—it was five steps before," said Elaine. "There is a science to business, and that part does not differ. Whether you're selling pies or whether you are selling consulting services."

She said that’s a key part of her work with business owners and entrepreneurs, ensuring that the business formula is right before solving challenges or looking for new opportunities.

At Impact Hub, which has a special focus on social enterprises, advisors work with founders who often have ambitious goals but limited time and resources. Terri Barreiro, co-founder and lead advisor, said she loves working with idea-stage and early-stage businesses to define the strategy and illuminate what comes next.

"We help them figure out what’s that first step along the way and to understand what the second and third steps are so they have a real path forward," said Terri.

Her colleague and fellow advisor Tina Pfau Gonzales added that strategy advising provides perspective for founders and owners who might be a little lost in the entrepreneurial spirit.

"Entrepreneurs get so in it that you have to step out a little bit—and we are often that way to step out and get perspective," said Tina.

For Cat Polivoda at Dendros, which focuses on go-to-market strategy, their perspective is essential. She helps entrepreneurs align their passion with market demand. As she puts it: "There’s a Venn diagram—what people want, what you want to do, and what people will pay you for. That middle thing is the sweet spot strategically."

Cat says starting with a robust strategy means issues that do arise (and they will) are easier to tackle.

"Everything is easier to figure out when you have a plan and some steps in place," said Cat.

A first step forward

Across ConnectUP, Impact Hub, Dendros and all the Elevate Hennepin business strategy advisors, the message is consistent: strategy isn’t just building a business plan or wasting time pondering what-ifs, but about creating clarity, structure, and defining the right next steps.

Elevate Hennepin business strategy consultants can support business owners and entrepreneurs at all stages whether just starting out, honing market fit for an existing business, or figuring out where to grow.