Government programs to power your small business
We offer a convenient listing of government-run resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find information about:
- City-based low-interest loan programs
- Workforce development
- Incentives for energy efficiency, recycling, and foreign trade
- Library resources
- Guides to opening and scaling a business, and more
Connect with a resource below to help you identify and plan for your next critical step.
Not sure where to start? Schedule a one-on-one consultation with a Business Navigator.
Explore a wide range of government resources in the Elevate Hennepin resource directory.
Government resources
Alternative financing for Minneapolis retail, service or light manufacturing.
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Specialties
African American or Black; Immigrant
Speaks English
APEX Accelerator provides technical and marketing assistance to all Minnesota businesses interested in selling their products and services to the government.
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Specialties
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Speaks English
Ascent Online Digital Learning Platform
A digital, on-demand platform designed to help women entrepreneurs learn critical information.
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Specialties
Women
Speaks English
Guidance and connection for Minnesota-based tech startups.
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Specialties
Idea stage businesses
Speaks English
Brooklyn Park real estate/equipment loan
Alternative real-estate and fixed-asset loans for Brooklyn Park businesses.
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Specialties
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Speaks English
Financial support for job-creating redevelopment projects.
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Specialties
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Speaks English
Central Certification (CERT) Program
Small business certification for minority-owned, women-owned and emerging small businesses.
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Specialties
Women
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Speaks English
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.
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Specialties
Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Speaks English
Explore, validate, and develop a plan to turn your idea into a viable business.
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Specialties
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Startup businesses (0 employees)
Speaks English
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.
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Specialties
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Idea stage businesses; Startup businesses (0 employees)
Speaks English
Certified Access Academy is a 6-week cohort-based training opportunity to support disadvantaged businesses in their efforts to become certified to compete for government and corporate contracts.
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Specialties
Disadvantaged businesses; Women; African American or Black; Latinx
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Speaks English
City of Dayton Revolving/Low Interest Loan Fund
Low-interest loans for high-priority areas in the City of Dayton.
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Specialties
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Speaks English
City of Hanover Low-Interest Loan Program
Low-interest loans for startups, expansions, and retentions in Hanover.
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Specialties
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Speaks English
Common Bond Fund revenue program
Loans for growing manufacturing companies.
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Specialties
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees)
Speaks English
Community Entrepreneurship Program
Community Entrepreneurship Program
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Specialties
Idea stage businesses; Startup businesses (0 employees)
Speaks English
HR Next empowers business leaders with no-cost consulting, data-informed tactics, and strategies to solve workforce challenges and improve overall business health.
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Specialties
Early growth businesses (1-9 employees); Second stage businesses (10+ employees); Startup businesses (0 employees)
Speaks English