Tech Essentials

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

This results-oriented program helps 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.

Upcoming workshops

There are two workshop series kicking off in April and May 2024. Choose the workshop series that best meets the needs of your business.

Small business digital solutions

This workshop series will introduce entrepreneurs to a range of web development and digital marketing topics. Participating entrepreneurs will learn how to build an effective online business strategy, set up a website, optimize for search engines, market and manage different social media platforms, set up digital ads and email marketing campaigns, and understand website traffic analytics.

• Meets weekly on Wednesdays, 6-8 pm
• April 17 – June 5
• Virtual; participants will have access to recordings.

Branding and technology

This workshop series aims to provide entrepreneurs with an understanding of the importance of branding and the use of technology and tools for brand consistency and implementation. By the end of this course, participating entrepreneurs will have a foundational understanding of branding's role in business and how to leverage digital tools for effective brand management and implementation. Participating entrepreneurs may also access an individualized needs assessment and custom guidance for how to innovate their technology stack.

• Meets weekly on Tuesdays, 6-8 pm
• May 7 – May 21
• In-person

Express your interest today by completing this form. Program staff will follow up with next steps.

Technology reimbursements from Hennepin County

Upon successfully completing either workshop series, participants are eligible for a one-time reimbursement to cover 75 percent of their technology investments, up to $1,500. Reimbursements must be used toward eligible hardware and software expenses and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Eligibility

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

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.

One-on-one support

Need one-on-one technology support? Work with any one of the Elevate Hennepin technology advisors for software installation, troubleshooting, and other technology tools.