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 and improve overall business health.

This group-learning opportunity is designed to support established regional and midsize companies with custom human resources (HR) consulting and support. This opportunity is part of the Elevate Hennepin CEO Growth Series.

Registrations are now open for the next class of HR Next. To express interest in this opportunity, sign up here.

A strategic plan to solve talent challenges

Over eight months, participating companies will explore their workforce challenges, receive personalized one-on-one consulting for leaders and key staff, receive customized data and insights, and work through a proven curriculum with peers. Participants will also gain access to the Material HR platform and receive a DISC Assessment to better understand their leadership style.

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

Hiring and recruiting strategies
Talent retention efforts
Workplace culture approach

Participants who complete the program will walk away with a community of peer business leaders, a workbook for continued cultural growth, and a 3-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 facing talent challenges
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.

More about this program

HR Next represents a public-private partnership between Hennepin County's business-support ecosystem, Elevate Hennepin, and human resources consultant Simon & Associates which facilitates the curriculum. HR Next is part of continued investment in the Hennepin County business community to ensure the county is an ideal place to start and grow a business. Long-term, the county has a vested interest in the success and growth of local companies, and in quality job opportunities for county residents.

Apply

The next session of HR Next will run from April 1, 2025, to November 4, 2025. Sessions will be held in person in Golden Valley. Applications for the next HR Next opportunity are open now until February 25, 2025, complete this form to express your interest in the opportunity.

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