CEO Start Bootcamp
A two-day intensive to launch your big idea
CEO Start Bootcamp, an investment from Hennepin County, is a bootcamp-style learning opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to actively collaborate with peers and expert facilitators to strategize, problem solve, and apply business basics to validate their idea or venture.
Over two days, CEO Start Bootcamp will provide an intensive, hackathon-style learning experience that challenges entrepreneurs, offers them vital business tools, and propels their growth. Groups of up to 20 entrepreneurs will be guided by local facilitators, and work through the proven CO.STARTERS curriculum that has inspired the launch of thousands of businesses across the country.
The goal is to challenge assumptions, stretch entrepreneurial thinking, and provide concrete tools to bring a new business to life.
Participants who complete the program will walk away with business fundamentals, access to resources, a community of support, and an understanding of their next steps.
This opportunity is available to Hennepin County residents at no cost thanks to ongoing investment by Hennepin County. Hennepin County and the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) invest in CEO Start Bootcamp as one part of an overall strategy to promote inclusive economic growth.
Registrations are now open for CEO Start Bootcamp. To express interest in this opportunity, sign up here.
Validate your business idea fast
Through this program, entrepreneurs will:
- Explore their business model
- Craft their message
- Layout a financial model for success
- Set goals to launch
Participants will leave the program with an understanding of how to create a sustainable venture, the ability to articulate their business model, and the confidence to move forward.
Great pace, awesome advice and encouragement for how to get started in achievable steps. I feel way more confident about moving forward and establishing a plan.
—Past Bootcamp participant
Who is eligible?
To qualify for CEO Start Bootcamp, participants must:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Be a resident of Hennepin County
- Have a business idea
- Be willing to question, shape and fine-tune that idea
- Be willing to talk about the idea with others
- Have capacity to attend the full two-day session and collaborate with peers
Non-profit ideas and franchise organizations are not currently eligible.
About the facilitation team
CEO Start Bootcamp is powered by Hennepin County, utilizing the nationally recognized CO.STARTERS curriculum. CO.STARTERS, a tool from the Finsync Entrepreneur Ecosystem, is a nationally recognized community-based approach to economic development. All facilitators are local business experts trained to deliver the CO.STARTERS curriculum and connect participants to local resources.
National program results
- 26,781 entrepreneurs served
- 1,829 leaders trained
- 93.6% of participants continue working on their venture after one year
- 63.1% have generated a profit
Based on 2023 data from CO.STARTERS
Apply
CEO Start Bootcamp is now open for registration. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Space is limited. Complete this form to express your interest in the opportunity.
This program will be offered in-person on the following dates and times. Locations for future events will be added as they are confirmed.
- April 5 and 6, 2025 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) - Edina
- June 14 and 15, 2025 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) – location TBA
- October 11 and 12, 2025 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) – location TBA
- December 6 and 7, 2025 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) – location TBA
Contact
Frances Huntley
Frances.Huntley@hennepin.us
Find consulting and resources at ElevateHennepin.org.
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