Tech Essentials

Tech Essentials is a new suite of business support designed to help business owners strengthen their technology understanding and innovate with efficient, digital tools.

This results-oriented program will help owners identify opportunities to enhance their business with technology, develop essential knowledge to thrive in a digital economy, and stay nimble in the face of change.

Work on your business with your network

Tech Essentials cohorts will span multiple sessions through 2023 and 2024. These intensive courses offer education from peers and experts to develop clarity around technology. Participants will learn how to use digital tools to simplify business processes and improve outcomes.

Cohort Training

Choose the track below that best meets the needs of your business.

DIY Web Essentials

The Web Essentials cohort that provides a robust primer to determine website needs and a guide for entrepreneurs to build and maintain their own web presence and advertise to online consumers.

This training will include:

• WordPress building guidance
• A primer on web-hosting essentials
• SEO basics
• Digital advertising support
• Social media management fundamentals
• Website management best practices
• Website security essentials 

Tech Stack

The Tech Stack Cohort offers a needs assessment and custom guidance for growing businesses looking to innovate their technology.

This training will include:

• An individual needs assessment
• Website setup and training
• Social media and digital marketing training
• Online ordering and CRM training
• Branding guidance
• Website building guide
• Assistance creating a customer database

Technology reimbursements from Hennepin County

Upon completing either cohort, participants are eligible for a one-time reimbursement to cover 75 percent of their technology investments, up to $1,500. This includes eligible hardware and software expenses.

Eligibility

Scholarships are available for Tech Essentials cohorts for eligible Hennepin County entrepreneurs at no cost as part of the county’s ongoing investments in Elevate Hennepin^SM.

To be eligible, business owners must:

• Be incorporated or operating in Hennepin County
• Have six months of operating history
• Be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State
• Report less than $1 million in annual revenue
• Be receptive to coaching and mentorship

Contact an Elevate Hennepin business navigator today to see if Tech Essentials is the right opportunity for your business.

About the facilitation teams

Hennepin County has partnered with Asian Media Access, a Minnesota-based organization that offers technology and media training for businesses and diverse communities, and the Neighborhood Development Center, a nonprofit committed to removing barriers to economic equity by equipping neighborhood entrepreneurs with knowledge and resources.