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Introducing the Department of Planning and Economic Development's newsletter for small businesses

In the bustling heart of our beloved city, a thriving network of small businesses serves as the backbone of our community. At the Department of Planning and Economic Development, our goal is to bridge the gap between our vibrant city and the incredible businesses that call it home. In each edition of our small business newsletter, we will bring you the latest updates, news and resources to keep you informed on the things that could impact our business community. From permit information and city initiatives to funding opportunities and educational events, I hope this newsletter will become your go-to source for keeping your finger on the pulse of Saint Paul’s small business scene. Join us in this exciting journey of connectivity and empowerment as we build bridges between our city and our cherished small businesses. Together, we’ll shape the future of Saint Paul and continue to foster that flourishing entrepreneurial spirit to ensure that our city remains a thriving hub of innovation, creativity and economic growth.  Warm regards, Jimmy Loyd City of Saint Paul Economic Development Director

A new era for Golden Thyme: Rondo Community Land Trust secures Saint Paul staple
(MPR News | September 10, 2023)

Elite Repeat’s new owner couldn’t resist this resale deal: keys to the consignment boutique
(Pioneer Press | September 21, 2023)

BankCherokee celebrates 115 years of family-owned community banking: Insights from Heidi and Andy Gesell
(Community Reporter | October 1, 2023)

Resources for Businesses

Free consulting through Open to Business program

Starting or expanding a business? Connect with confidential business advisors from Open to Business every month at three Saint Paul Public Library locations:

• Hayden Heights Library: 4th Mondays, 1 - 3 p.m.
• Highland Park Library: 1st Tuesdays, 1 - 3 p.m.
• Rondo Community Library: 2nd Thursdays, 1 - 3 p.m.

The Open to Business program provides free direct technical assistance and other forms of support to small business owners. All current or prospective entrepreneurs intending to establish, purchase or improve a business within Ramsey County are eligible and encouraged to participate. No appointment required.

Access financial and technical support from the City of Saint Paul

The City of Saint Paul offers a variety of financial and technical assistance resources to support small businesses throughout the year. Please see our current list of financial and technical resources. If you would like business resource support from our team, the first step is to submit an Intake Form. Get connected today to learn more about what programs can help you reach your business goals!

City of Saint Paul is working to align Earned Sick and Safe Time 

The Minnesota Legislature passed a statewide Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) bill this last session. Although the bill was modeled after Saint Paul’s ESST Ordinance, Chapter 233, there are a few differences between the laws.

The City of Saint Paul's Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) is working with the Mayor and City Council to amend our Ordinance to align with the State’s language, Chapter 53, which is set to take effect January 1, 2024. We believe it is imperative to align the City’s ordinance to allow for simpler compliance on the employer side and for equal conditions for employees.

Funds available for employers to provide reasonable accommodations

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can reimburse small to mid-sized Minnesota employers for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. To be eligible, businesses must have less than 500 employees and generate $5,000,000 or less in gross annual revenue.

Small business environmental improvement loans available

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency provides loans at zero-percent interest to small businesses for capital equipment purchases that help the company meet or exceed environmental regulations, and covering costs associated with the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites. Qualified borrowers must be an existing small business corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or association with less than 100 full-time employees and an after-tax profit of less than $500,000.

Free intellectual property legal advice

The Intellectual Property (IP) Clinic at the University of Minnesota Law School provides members of the local community an opportunity to obtain legal assistance involving intellectual property such as copyrightable works, trademarks, patents and confidentiality obligations. There is no charge for participating, though clients are responsible for out-of-pocket costs (such as copyright registration and trademark application fees). Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 spring semester— email lawclinic@umn.edu if you are interested.

Solicitation for emerging and diverse developers

Ramsey County is accepting applications for the 2023 Emerging and Diverse Developers Solicitation for the acquisition, rehabilitation and construction of affordable housing units. The current solicitation is open to developers who own or have owned between zero and five housing properties in the state of Minnesota in the last 10 years. Applications must be submitted by October 31.

Upcoming events

City of Saint Paul Snow Summit 

Saturday, October 14
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Dale Street Municipal Garage

The Snow Summit is an opportunity for Saint Paul small business owners to learn how to keep their properties safe and accessible throughout the winter. Visit with local exhibitor groups, organizations and departments to learn about the proper use of salt, shoveling and city snow operations.

SBA Cyber Summit

Wednesday, October 18
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Virtual event

At the Small Business Administration (SBA) Cyber Summit, industry leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs converge to empower you with the knowledge and tools to protect your business from evolving digital risks. This free, virtual event has sessions on October 18, October 25, and November 1.

Business Plan Workshop

Wednesday, October 18
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Plaza Latina

Join the East Side Black Owned Business Network for an interactive business plan workshop! During this free training, you will learn the key components of a business plan, walk through a template step-by-step, and spend time refining your existing business plan as a group. Contact jmcgregor@esndc.org to RSVP.

Shared Ownership Learning Series: Owning Together - The Basics

Wednesday, October 18
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Golden Thyme Coffee and Cafe

The Rondo Community Land Trust and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers are partnering to present a three-part series on shared ownership. This training is targeted to residents from the Rondo community who are interested in the cooperative business model and would like to learn more about how to be involved.

Introduction to Sales and Use Tax Course

Thursday, October 19
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Virtual event

This free course from the Minnesota Department of Revenue is an introduction to sales and use taxes in Minnesota. The purpose of the training is to provide the sales and use tax basics, including fundamental elements, local taxes, exemption certificates, record-keeping, filing and payment instructions and contact information.

Successful Employer Training (S.E.T.) Virtual Session

Friday, October 20
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Virtual event

Ramsey County is partnering with World Youth Connect to get employers connected to the young workforce through Successful Employer Training (S.E.T) sessions. Get S.E.T and learn how to invest into young employees, help cultivate a positive work environment and the necessary tools to make employing youth successful. 

2023 Saint Paul Business Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, October 25
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers

The Saint Paul Business Awards recognize local businesses that provide critical services, contribute to the City's community, invest in their employees and are committed to Saint Paul's values of equity and diversity. Come celebrate the 2023 winners during the awards presentation and ceremony on October 25.

Storytelling Marketing: Using Your Story to Create Marketing Content for Your Business

Thursday, October 26
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Virtual event

During this free SCORE webinar, national bestselling author Joylynn M. Ross, founder and CEO of Path To Publishing, and Brandy M. Miller, Path To Publishing Copywriting and Storytelling Expert, will teach you how to use your story to create story-driven content that will bring awareness to your business.

Chamber Connect: Three Sixty St. Peter Street

Thursday, October 26
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Three Sixty St. Peter Street

Join the St. Paul Area Chamber for their monthly networking series! These events are low-key networking events aimed at building and strengthening connections and supporting member organizations, businesses and venues.  

stpaul.gov/ped
stpaul.gov/business-resources
@SaintPaulPED on Twitter

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