Elevate Hennepin Advisor Network RFP

The Hennepin County Economic Development team is seeking proposals from organizations and consultants to serve as Business Advisors for the Elevate Hennepin program, providing specialized consulting support to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Hennepin County. The selected advisors will enter into professional service agreements with the county to provide consulting and advising services at no cost to eligible businesses, up to a maximum of 25 hours per business. The advisors will be paid by the county at a rate of $100 to $125 per hour, depending on their qualifications and experience. The contract duration may vary between 1 and 2 years, with a not-to-exceed contract amount of $10,000 to $60,000 per year. • Key areas of support include access to capital, accounting, AI and technology, business certification, business strategy, financial management, human resources, idea stage and financial preparedness, legal, and marketing. • Eligible applicants include mission-oriented for-profit business consultants, non-profits, and community development financial institutions. • The selected advisors will be required to meet performance standards and requirements, including providing high-quality customer service, maintaining business client confidentiality, and adhering to legal and professional ethics.