Certified Access Academy

Certified Access Academy is a 6-week cohort-based training opportunity to support disadvantaged businesses in their efforts to become certified to compete for government and corporate contracts.

In Certified Access Academy, participants will join a virtual cohort for six weeks where they will work directly with experienced advisors to fast-track the completion of the Central Certification Program (CERT) as well as the State of Minnesota Office of State Procurement certification applications. Getting certified can help small businesses compete for contracts and open the door to sustained relationships with government buyers.

Hennepin County covers the full cost of participation for businesses based in the county, a $4,500 value. There is no cost to business owners to participate, other than time.

Hennepin County and the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) invest in Certified Access Academy as part of our strategic work to drive inclusive economic growth.

Registrations are now open for the next class of Certified Access Academy that begins in April 2025. Space is limited. Apply here by March 7, 2025.

The program will provide business owners with:

• Culturally informed consulting
• Business operations resources and training
• Guidance identifying the right certifications
• Technical assistance to complete certifications
• Access to a procurement and supplier network
  
  

Business owners will exit the program positioned to compete for government procurement opportunities.

“The Certified Access services have been extremely helpful and instrumental in my company getting awarded contracts. Certified Access offers excellent assistance to small business owners."

—Certified Access Academy graduate

Who is eligible?

To join Certified Access Academy, business owners must:

Non-profit ideas and franchises are not currently eligible

About the facilitation team
Certified Access Academy was developed by Certified Access, a supplier development company building an ecosystem that supports businesses in their efforts to be “sought-after suppliers” with the resources to scale and sustain competitiveness. The Certified Access Academy is a virtual group-learning opportunity to support businesses with certification guidance and collaboration.

Apply

Certified Access Academy applications are now open and will close on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. Applicants will be notified of their application status via email by or before Friday, March 14, 2025. The virtual cohort will begin on Thursday, April 3, 2025, and will run each Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through Thursday, May 15, 2025. Please note there will not be a session on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

A virtual information session will be held on Thursday, February 27 at 11 a.m. to join this session please register here.  

Space is limited. To apply for this upcoming cohort by completing this form. 

Interested entrepreneurs can also sign up to receive updates for Certified Access Academy and other opportunities by signing up for the business support newsletter below.

* Pictured above: A 2024 graduating class of Certified Access Academy.