HR Next

Develop a talent strategy that will take your HR tactics to the next level

HR Next empowers business leaders with no-cost consulting, data-informed tactics, and strategies to solve workforce challenges, build a strong culture, and improve overall business health. This Elevate Hennepin cohort opportunity is designed to support established regional and midsize companies with custom human resources consulting and support.

Hennepin County invests in Elevate Hennepin as part of our strategy to promote inclusive economic growth.

Applications are now open for the next class of HR Next, which starts in March 2026. Apply today, applications close for this competitive program on February 25, 2026.

A strategic plan to solve talent challenges

Over eight months, participating company founders and leaders will take a close look at their company culture and build robust structures to address workforce challenges. HR Next goes well beyond HR compliance, bringing personalized one-on-one consulting, custom data and insights, and a proven curriculum. Participants will explore a wide range of HR topics through education and peer-to-peer collaborating with one another and industry experts.

This opportunity will guide business leaders as they improve their company's:

Hiring and recruiting strategies
Talent retention efforts
Workplace culture

Participants who complete the program will walk away with a community of peer business leaders, a workbook for continued cultural growth, and a three-year recruitment and retention plan for their business.

“The amount of resources and tools provided, far beyond what most small business owners would typically have access to, have immensely helped our team to improve the way we train, manage, and lead our teams.”

— Anne Andrus, owner Honey & Rye

Who is eligible?

To join HR Next, businesses must:

Be an established business
Be located in Hennepin County
Employ between 10 and 80 people
Report $1 million or more in annual revenue
Have a desire to improve company culture

Participating companies must also have time capacity and commitment from leadership to dedicate staff time and focus over the next year.

About the facilitation team

HR Next is a partnership between Elevate Hennepin and human resources consultant Simon Says. Simon Says founder and CEO Dina Simon facilitates the curriculum. Dina possesses a diverse leadership background, including senior-level participation at multi-billion-dollar companies, as well as successfully founding two start-ups.

Apply

The next session of HR Next will run from March to October 2026. Applications for the next HR Next cohort are open now until February 25, 2026.

To express interest in this program, apply here.