CEO Now

Cohort-based executive education for growth-oriented business owners

CEO Now is a new cohort-based opportunity for established, growth-minded business owners and founders with employees to build and strengthen systems to keep growing.

Participants will join a cohort of up to 20 peer business owners and founders for seven months of focused business instruction and peer learning.

Technical know-how for new founders

This action-oriented program will help owners and founders of growing businesses learn the strategic and technical foundations of running their businesses more efficiently through:

Development of a three-year strategic growth plan tailored to their business
Hands-on curriculum that combines business expertise and management know-how
Professional peer group of other founders and owners
Access to experienced instructors and local business advisors
Preparing owners to access growth capital and outside investment

Work on your business with your network

Owners will spend up to 100 hours working on their business, not just in it. This includes 40 hours of in-class time exploring topics like business and strategic assessments, finances, marketing and sales processes. Participants will also dedicate 12 hours to working with peer groups, which meet throughout the program to supplement in-class learning with real-world experience. This peer group will define essential discussion and working topics and will become a trusted advisory board over time.

Eligibility

The program is available to 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
Employ at least one person other than the owner
Have two years of operating history
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

About the facilitation team

Interise is a nationally recognized nonprofit committed to delivering inclusive programs for established small businesses; and national partnerships that create impact at local, regional, and state-wide levels.

CEO Now builds on Interise’s award-winning StreetWise ‘MBA’ education, which has been effective in helping businesses lay the groundwork for growth, economic development, and job creation.

Apply Now

We will be offering limited spots for CEO Now cohorts throughout the year. The first CEO Now cohort is expected to start in Spring 2023.

Applications are now closed for the first CEO Now cohort, new applicants will be placed on a waitlist for future cohorts.

Start your application today by completing this form. Program staff will follow up with next steps.