Skip to content

Area of support — Business Strategy

Map out your vision for your business

Work with business strategy experts

A variety of trusted professionals are ready to support you through the essential steps to develop a business strategy, including: 

  • Assessing mission, vision, and aspirations 
  • Creating or reviewing your business’s core values; strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) 
  • Fine-tuning your objectives, strategies, and operations 
  • Develop or update your business plan, and more. 

Elevate Hennepin advisors (noted with a blue checkmark) offer strategic guidance for your business to get to the next step. While they may support some implementation activities, business owners are responsible for ongoing maintenance and day-to-day operations. Businesses should be prepared to engage their own resources for complex projects that are anticipated to take more than 25 hours. 

Contact an advisor below to help you identify and plan for your strategic next step or visit our resource directory to find more strategic planning options or resources across all our support categories.

Not sure where to start? Schedule a one-on-one consultation with a Business Navigator

Strategic planning resources

Antonelli and Associates, LLC

Antonelli Lindsay has been at the forefront of creating and developing successful businesses across various industries
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Advisors and consultants, Hennepin County,
Specialization
Nonprofit sector; Restaurant sector; African American or Black; Asian and Pacific Islander; Disadvantaged businesses; Indigenous / Native American; Women; Immigrant; Veteran
Stage
Startup businesses (0 employees); Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Language
Speaks English; Speaks another language

Ascent Online Digital Learning Platform

A digital, on-demand platform designed to help women entrepreneurs learn critical information.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Specialization
Women
Language
Speaks English

Backpocket Strategy

For over 25 years I have worked with entrepreneurs, career professionals and Fortune 100 companies to increase their profitability and maintain their sanity.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Financial management, Advisors and consultants, Coaches and mentors, Hennepin County,
Specialization
African American or Black; Asian and Pacific Islander; Disadvantaged businesses; Indigenous / Native American; Latinx; LGBTQIA+; Nonprofit sector; Social impact businesses; Women
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Language
Speaks English

BETA

Guidance and connection for Minnesota-based tech startups.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Technology, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Stage
Idea stage businesses
Language
Speaks English

CEO Next

CEO Next Business Institute is a regional county partnership program that provides practical tools and techniques for CEOs, designed specifically for growing regional second stage businesses.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Cohort learning and networking, Coaches and mentors, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Stage
Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Language
Speaks English

CEO Now

CEO Now is a new cohort-based opportunity for established, growth-minded business owners and founders with employees to build and strengthen systems to keep growing.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Cohort learning and networking, Hennepin County,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

CEO Start

Explore, validate, and develop a plan to turn your idea into a viable business.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Coaches and mentors, Cohort learning and networking, Government resources, Hennepin County,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

CEO Start Bootcamp

Over two days, CEO Start Bootcamp will provide an intensive, hackathon-style learning experience that challenges entrepreneurs, offers them vital business tools, and propels their growth.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Coaches and mentors, Cohort learning and networking, Government resources, Hennepin County,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

City of St. Paul small business resources

Saint Paul is a vibrant city and a fantastic place to do business. The Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED) provides a variety of financial and technical assistance programs and resources to help businesses of any size start, grow and thrive across all neighborhoods of Saint Paul.
Learn more →

Specialties

Financial management, Business strategy, City specific resource, Advisors and consultants, Government resources, Lending resources,
Specialization
African American or Black; Asian and Pacific Islander; Disadvantaged businesses; Immigrant; Indigenous / Native American; Latinx; Social impact businesses; Restaurant sector; Veteran; Women; LGBTQIA+
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

Community Entrepreneurship Program

Community Entrepreneurship Program
Learn more →

Specialties

Access to capital, Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Stage
Idea stage businesses; Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

ConnectUP! Institute

ConnectUP! Institute is a social finance and enterprise development center. We provide education, consulting and collaboration on innovative social finance.
Learn more →

Specialties

Access to capital, Financial management, Business strategy, Advisors and consultants, Coaches and mentors, Hennepin County,
Specialization
African American or Black; Asian and Pacific Islander; Social impact businesses; Women; Construction; Nonprofit sector; Disadvantaged businesses; Indigenous / Native American; LGBTQIA+; Latinx; Immigrant; Veteran; Co-op businesses
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

Contracting with Hennepin County

Hennepin County buys goods and services through a cost-effective, competitive, and fair process accessible to all businesses.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

Dendros Group, LLC

The Dendros Group helps small businesses build capacity and navigate growth with tailored strategies that address mission-driven leadership, operations, and planning.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Advisors and consultants, Hennepin County,
Specialization
Construction; Co-op businesses; Nonprofit sector; Restaurant sector; Social impact businesses; African American or Black; Asian and Pacific Islander; Disadvantaged businesses; Indigenous / Native American; LGBTQIA+; Women; Immigrant; Latinx; Veteran
Stage
Idea stage businesses; Startup businesses (0 employees); Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Language
Speaks English

Foreign Trade Zone

Reduce your cost of doing business internationally through the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ #119).
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)

Hennepin County Environment & Energy Hazardous Waste Training and Resources

Training, tips, templates, resources, and licensing information to help businesses that work with hazardous waste.


Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

Hennepin County Food, Beverage, and Lodging Inspections

Hennepin County Environmental Health Services provides food, beverage, and lodging inspections as well as informational resources for those programs.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County,
Specialization
Restaurant sector
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

Hennepin County Library

Resource bank for patents and trademarks, industry reports and consumer profiles. Also find business planning tools. Hennepin County librarians additionally are available to help business owners access and navigate these resources.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

HR Next

HR Next empowers business leaders with no-cost consulting, data-informed tactics, and strategies to solve workforce challenges and improve overall business health.

Learn more →

Specialties

Human resources, Business strategy, Cohort learning and networking, Coaches and mentors, Government resources, Hennepin County,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

IFRI-TRYV

We serve our clients by providing access to resources and capital to empower their businesses.
Learn more →

Specialties

Access to capital, Business strategy, Financial management, Advisors and consultants, Coaches and mentors, Hennepin County,
Specialization
African American or Black; Women
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

Impact Hub MSP

Impact Hub Minneapolis-Saint Paul is a locally rooted, globally connected, 501c3 nonprofit organization that inspires, connects and empowers people working to solve social problems in our city and beyond.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Financial management, Advisors and consultants, Hennepin County,
Specialization
Social impact businesses; Nonprofit sector; LGBTQIA+; Women
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Startup businesses (0 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Language
Speaks English

Latino Economic Development Center

The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) was created in 2003 and is the only Latino-led and Latino-focused economic development organization as well as CDFI in Minnesota and the upper Midwest.
Learn more →

Specialties

Access to capital, Business strategy, Certification, Lending resources, Advisors and consultants, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Specialization
Disadvantaged businesses; Immigrant; Latinx; Construction; Restaurant sector; Social impact businesses; Indigenous / Native American; LGBTQIA+; Women
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English; Speaks Spanish

Led by TRUTH

Led by TRUTH invests in founders of color by co-creating a learning experience that provides an inclusive space for founders to be the catalyst that turns their dreams into reality.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Coaches and mentors, Advisors and consultants, Hennepin County,
Specialization
African American or Black; Disadvantaged businesses; Asian and Pacific Islander; Indigenous / Native American; Latinx
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees); Idea stage businesses
Language
Speaks English

Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce

Promoting American Indian businesses with advising and connection.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Specialization
Indigenous / Native American
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Small Business Support Resources

Lending resources, one-on-one advising, and events to support emerging small business owners.
Learn more →

Specialties

Access to capital, Business strategy, Advisors and consultants, Government resources, Lending resources, Coaches and mentors, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

NextStage

NextStage is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support entrepreneurs at every stage.
Learn more →

Specialties

Access to capital, Business strategy, Financial management, Advisors and consultants, Hennepin County,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English; Speaks Hmong; Speaks another language; Speaks Somali; Speaks Spanish

MCCD Open to Business

MCCD Open to Business is an association of nonprofit community development organizations committed to expanding the wealth and resources of neighborhoods through housing and economic development initiatives.
Learn more →

Specialties

Access to capital, Business strategy, Coaches and mentors, Advisors and consultants, City specific resource,
Specialization
Disadvantaged businesses
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English; Speaks Hmong; Speaks Somali; Speaks Spanish

Sigma Consulting & Training

Sigma Consulting and Training is a consultancy and training provider specializing in advising and guiding BIPOC-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Learn more →

Specialties

Financial management, Business strategy, Certification, Access to capital, Accounting, Advisors and consultants, Hennepin County,
Specialization
African American or Black; Immigrant; Co-op businesses; Nonprofit sector; Social impact businesses; Disadvantaged businesses; Asian and Pacific Islander; LGBTQIA+; Women; Veteran; Latinx; Indigenous / Native American
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Language
Speaks English; Speaks Somali

The Coven Digital Membership

The Coven is an Elevate Hennepin specialist offering Hennepin County businesses no cost memberships to professional development courses and live events through their virtual and in-person community that provides entrepreneurs with education and support.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Cohort learning and networking, Coaches and mentors, Hennepin County,
Specialization
Women; LGBTQIA+; Disadvantaged businesses
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees); Idea stage businesses
Language
Speaks English

MN Targeted Group/Economically Disadvantaged/Veteran-Owned (TG/ED/VO) Small Business Procurement Program

Procurement support for economically disadvantaged or veteran-owned businesses working with Minnesota government.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

MniSota Fund

Fund that provides training and access to capital to promote entrepreneurship among American Indian people across Minnesota.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Lending resources, Advisors and consultants, Hennepin County,
Specialization
Indigenous / Native American
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees); Idea stage businesses
Language
Speaks English

MNUCP Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

An organization dedicated to creating equal opportunity for Disadvantage Business Enterprises in highway, transit, and airport projects.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

SBA Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program

Loans and grants to fuel small business growth in historically underutilized business zones.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

SBA Small Disadvantaged Business

Federal contracts for small disadvantaged businesses.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

SBA T.H.R.I.V.E - Emerging Leaders Reimagined

Executive-level training to accelerate the growth of high-potential small businesses.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Certification, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Specialization
Disadvantaged businesses
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Language
Speaks English

SBA Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program

Federal contracts for small, women-owned businesses.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Specialization
Women
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Language
Speaks English

Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship

Supporting growth of emerging businesses in Scott County.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Advisors and consultants, Government resources, Minnesota,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

Small Business Development Center

Statewide network of professional business consultants that offer advising and funding assessment to businesses from startup to growth.
Learn more →

Specialties

Access to capital, Business strategy, Advisors and consultants, Lending resources, Government resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

Small Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP)

Consulting and technical assistance to support Minneapolis entrepreneurs and established businesses.
Learn more →

Specialties

Financial management, Access to capital, Human resources, Legal, Marketing, Business strategy, Technology, Advisors and consultants, City specific resource, Government resources, Lending resources,
Specialization
Co-op businesses; Restaurant sector; Social impact businesses
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

Small Developers Technical Assistance Program (D-TAP)

Technical assistance for small, women-owned, and minority-owned business in Minneapolis.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Lending resources, Government resources, Advisors and consultants,
Specialization
Women
Language
Speaks English

Victor Jones Consulting

Victor Jones is a business coach and strategist who specializes in concept development, management, planning, operations, human resources, and finances.
Learn more →

Specialties

Financial management, Business strategy, Coaches and mentors, Advisors and consultants, Hennepin County,
Specialization
Restaurant sector; African American or Black; Disadvantaged businesses; Construction; Social impact businesses; Asian and Pacific Islander; Indigenous / Native American; Latinx; LGBTQIA+; Women; Veteran; Immigrant
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English

West Bank Business Association

Agency supporting economic development of the West Bank district via advising and connecting.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, Government resources, Lending resources, City specific resource, Advisors and consultants, Hennepin County,
Specialization
Nonprofit sector
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Language
Speaks English; Speaks another language; Speaks Somali; Speaks Spanish

West Broadway Business and Area Coalition (WBC)

Technical assistance and financial resources to support businesses along the West Broadway Corridor in North Minneapolis.
Learn more →

Specialties

Business strategy, City specific resource, Lending resources, Government resources, Advisors and consultants,
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)

WomenVenture

Tools to help women-owned businesses achieve economic success through planning and assessment, accounting best practices, and financial advising.
Learn more →

Specialties

Access to capital, Business strategy, Marketing, Advisors and consultants, Lending resources, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
Specialization
Women; Construction; Nonprofit sector; Restaurant sector; Social impact businesses; African American or Black; Asian and Pacific Islander; Disadvantaged businesses; Indigenous / Native American; LGBTQIA+; Immigrant; Latinx; Veteran
Stage
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Language
Speaks English

Upcoming strategic planning events

Demystifying the FAR in federal contracting

If you’re embarking on the federal contracting journey, you’ll need to understand the requirements of the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation). 

 

DEED monthly small business call

The Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED), Office of Small Business & Innovation is offering a monthly meeting for small business owners.

 

Restore yourself and build resilience

In this interactive presentation, we’ll dive into the proactive strategies and core tactics to build and maintain entrepreneurial resilience.