CEO Now – Free Program Available to Eligible Hennepin County Entrepreneurs

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

Zack AvreDid you know there’s a program available for Hennepin County CEOs to grow their businesses, connect with coaching experts and meet local peers in the same business growth stage? We spoke with Zack Avre, Senior Economic Development Analyst for Hennepin County, to learn the details of CEO Now.

Q:  Who may apply for the CEO Now program?

A:  To be eligible, business owners must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be incorporated or operating in Hennepin County
• Have two years of operating history
• Employ at least one person other than the owner
• Report between $250,000 and $2 million in revenue
• Have a demonstrated desire to grow their business
• Be receptive to coaching, mentorship and collaborating with peers
• Prepare to commit up to 10 hours each month through the 7-month program

Q:  What is the cost to participants?

A:  Thanks to investments from Hennepin County, CEO Now is completely free for eligible business owners. The only cost is the time businesses choose to invest in their business.

Q:  What is the length of the program?

A:  The curriculum lasts seven months and includes 40 hours of in-class time led by an executive training coach, speakers and other advisors. Participants will also spend about 12 hours working with peer CEOs in the program to share experiences, learn from each and build a trusted network. The program will be offered three times between 2023 and 2024.

Q:  What is the genesis of the program? 

A:  This is a new program from Hennepin County. It comes out of the heritage of CEO Next, an ongoing regional program that caters to midsize or second-stage companies. Hennepin County’s Department of Community and Economic Development saw a need for that kind of executive-level training for younger businesses, too. It was designed to empower those growth-oriented business owners to reach the next level. Much of the program is focused on tools and skills needed to scale your business and helping owners approach their business systematically and strategically.

When owners leave the program, they will have a three-year strategic growth plan, a network of peers and local advisors, and the confidence to follow that strategic plan.

Q:  Who will advise the cohort?

A:  The program is facilitated by Interise, a national business executive training firm, and it builds on their StreetWise ‘MBA’ training program. The lead educator is Dr. Stephen Crawford, an experienced executive coach here in the Twin Cities. Participants will also learn from other professional advisors who will share their expertise in finance, marketing, procurement and other topics with the group. The peer network established through the program also serves as a layer of peer-to-peer advising.

Q:  Do you have businesses who are sponsoring CEO Now?

A:  There are no financial sponsors for this program. This program is funded completely by Hennepin County to help businesses grow, and to spur economic activity across the county.

Q:  How may we follow news of the program?

A:  To keep up with CEO Now and all business resources and programming from Hennepin County Economic Development, connect with the county via our website, newsletter, and social media:

CEO Now program page
Elevate Hennepin website
Hennepin County Economic Development website
Hennepin County Economic Development LinkedIn
Newsletter signup link
Our February newsletter and January newsletter featuring CEO NOW