Skip to content

Elevate Stories

Elevate advising, community ‘cheerleading’ propels The Arts Creative forward

Katie Ross, founder of The Arts Creative, teaching a class of young people.

Elevate advising, community ‘cheerleading’ propels The Arts Creative forward

When longtime art teacher Katie Ross got the idea to start The Arts Creative in Bloomington, she had great ideas for classes, insights for connecting with students and building community. Finding capital, developing marketing, and business finances were not her strengths.

“That’s been a little bit of a learning curve for me, so I’ve been taking full advantage of everything I can,” said Katie. “I’ve got a lot of support from Elevate Hennepin.”

Katie worked with several advisors, including NextStage and AM & Associates, for support organizing her thoughts and developing a solid business plan. She worked with JLLB Media to develop a successful marketing strategy and see through the eyes of her consumers. She worked with Clear Talk Accounting to develop a solid financial management plan. And she worked with Springboard for the Arts to learn from other entrepreneurs with an art background and raise funds for one of her art camps.

She also joined CEO Start to bring all her insights together into a robust business strategy that she pitched to fellow entrepreneurs and her community in Bloomington.

“What can I say,” said Katie. “I really, really appreciate the support and resources from Elevate.”

Watch her story and how the “cheerleading” helped keep her moving forward when building her business got hard.

 

To join Katie and hundreds of other entrepreneurs, find an advisor that can support your business goals, visit the Elevate Hennepin resource directory today.

Show all resources

Get connected to professional resources, tools, and guidance from business experts.

Schedule a consultation

Meet one-on-one with a Business Navigator to assess your best next step.

Real businesses, real stories.

Ini Augustine, founder of Technologist Computers and Elevate Hennepin advisor providing free business technology guidance

Elevate advisor Ini Augustine’s top tech tip: Focus on the tech you have

Elevate Hennepin technology advisor Ini Augustine says many small business owners are only using a fraction of the software they’re already paying for.
Melanie Lewis in her kitchen making treats for her business Perfect Piece Sweets Co.

Elevate Hennepin advising ‘a huge help’ for Perfect Piece Sweets Co.

When Melanie Lewis started Perfect Piece Sweets Company, she knew everything about desserts, but not much about business. But she leaned on Elevate Hennepin advisors to build a sustainable growing business. 

Related upcoming events

Jan 25

Capital Readiness Accelerator Info Session

This accelerator prepares mid-level founders with tools necessary to prepare to access traditional capital networks and fund opportunities.

Feb 21

Money Smart for Small Business: Organizational Types

Money Smart for Small Business provides an introduction to topics related to starting and managing a small business.  

Mar 06

Money smart for small business: financial management

Join the U.S. Small Business Administration's Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin District Offices for the FDIC Money Smart for Small Businesses.