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Proposed Core Programmatic Areas for Enhanced Business Programming <br /> <br />Improve the Capacity of Business Support Organizations <br />Business Support Organizations (BCOs) are important lifelines to entrepreneurs and <br />small businesses. Any many instances BCOs are a first stop of businesses looking <br />to get a business started, navigate regulatory and technical hurdles, and seek <br />financing. As the County, we saw first-hand during recent crises and business <br />interruptions that our BCOs require resources to effectively and proactively respond. <br />The ongoing Business Reimagination Center initiative is piloting efforts in 2026 <br />that support capacity of BCOs. This piloted effort will inform future programming. <br /> High Level Budget Estimate: $250,000 <br /> <br />Expand Technical Assistance Service Offerings to Businesses <br />Small businesses often seek a myriad of technical assistance services in order for <br />them to growth and prosper. The County currently invests in the Open to Business <br />program that offers no cost direct technical assistance and other forms of support to <br />small business owners and entrepreneurs. Enhanced technical services support <br />general business challenges like accounting, marketing, digital literacy and/or could <br />support business sectors. The ongoing Business Reimagination Center initiative <br />is also piloting new and enhanced technical services that will inform future <br />programming. <br /> High Level Budget Estimate: $250,000 <br /> <br />Create New Cohort-Based Learning Opportunities <br />Cohort-based learning programs like CEO Next and CEO Now allow business <br />leaders to learn with and alongside their peers. CEO Next and CEO Now are a <br />regional partnership with Hennepin County. Hennepin County currently operates <br />these programs. Ramsey County is exploring possibilities for Ramsey County only <br />cohorts as well as cohorts serving business at different growth stages. <br /> High Level Budget Estimate: $250,000 <br /> <br />Establish Data Gathering, Research & Reporting Capabilities <br />Data is everywhere, and it is increasingly playing a role in business growth and <br />innovation. Decision making driven by robust data can create transformational <br />impacts in assisting businesses in their growth, as well as support more robust and <br />coordinated business retention, expansion and attraction efforts by the county and <br />cities. <br /> High Level Budget Estimate: $250,000 <br /> <br />Provide Direct Support to Projects and Businesses That Deliver Business <br />Growth <br />Accelerate business growth by providing direct, targeted support to projects and <br />businesses with strong economic potential through mechanisms such as grants, low- <br />interest loans, etc. <br /> High Level Budget Estimate: $1,000,000