CEO Next Business Institute
Recognizing the impact growing businesses make on the local economy, Ramsey, Hennepin, Dakota, and Scott counties, along with the city of Saint Paul, established a resource program for second stage businesses. The purpose of the program is to help growing companies make a larger impact by offering business research and support at zero cost.
Program eligibility
This program serves CEO's of for-profit and privately held second stage businesses who meet the following criteria:
- 10 to 99 employees.
- Revenue between $1 million and $50 million.
- Readiness to transition from small to large scale.
How to apply
CEO Next is currently accepting applications. Priority consideration will be given to applications for businesses in those counties received before September 15. Start your application by completing the short form below. Program staff will follow up with next steps.
Information Session
Join other CEOs at this information session to learn about the 9-month opportunity to engage in CEO roundtables, learn from speaker forums, and work with a team of experts on strategic research to achieve your unique business goals. Hear from CEO Next alum about their journey and experience.
Thursday, September 5
9 a.m.
Ridgedale Library
12601 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Benefits of program
Peer learning
The CEO roundtable provides a confidential forum where participants can share challenges and experiences with a small cohort of other noncompeting industry CEOs. The roundtables meet once a month for a half day during the program year (October through June) and are led by an experienced facilitator.
Expertise
Unlike larger businesses, many smaller businesses need to shore up their internal infrastructure while preparing to grow profitably. CEOs and their businesses are connected with a team of topical experts and research specialists who will spend up to 45 hours addressing areas of human resources, operations and supply chain, accounting and finance, global trade, sales and marketing, succession planning, secondary market research, online marketing and customer prospecting.
Forum events
Monthly, CEOs meet to hear from a guest speaker—typically an entrepreneur who has grown their business. They share their successes and struggles while answering audience questions.
Case studies
- Hed Cycling (PDF)
- Master Technology Group (PDF)
- Phygen Coatings (PDF)