CEO Start Bootcamp

A two-day intensive to launch your big idea

CEO Start Bootcamp is a two-day bootcamp-style learning opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to work collaboratively with peers and expert facilitators to strategize, problem solve and apply foundational business tactics to validate their idea or venture.

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.

Groups of up to 20 entrepreneurs will work through parts of the proven national CO.STARTERS curriculum in an intensive, learning experience, that challenges assumptions and builds confidence.

Participants who complete the program will walk away with key business fundamentals, access to resources, a community of support, an understanding of their next steps. This opportunity is available to Hennepin County residents at no cost thanks to ongoing investment by Hennepin County. 

Hennepin County and the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) invest in CEO Start Bootcamp as one part of an overall strategy to promote inclusive economic growth. 

Validate your business idea fast.

Through this program, entrepreneurs will:

• Explore their business model
• Craft their message
• Layout a financial model for success
• Set goals to launch

Participants will leave the program with an understanding of how to create a sustainable venture, the ability to articulate their business model, and the confidence to move forward.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for CEO Start Bootcamp, participants must:

• Be a resident of Hennepin County
• Have a business idea
• Be willing to question, shape and fine-tune that idea
• Be willing to talk about the idea with others
• Have capacity to attend the full two-day session and collaborate with peers

Non-profit ideas and organizations are not currently eligible.

Apply

Applications are not currently being accepted for the next session of CEO Start Bootcamp.

This program will be offered in-person during the months of October and December of 2025. Exact dates and locations are to be determined, and will be added here when available.

Please check back in late summer of 2025, or sign up for the Elevate Hennepin Newsletter to stay informed about this opportunity.