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Winter is here, and it's time to prepare for the snow and ice. Check out these reminders and tips to make sure your business has a safe and successful snow season.
Stay informed of snow emergencies
- Sign up for the City of Saint Paul's Snow Emergency text and email alerts at stpaul.gov/snow. (Did you know they're available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Oromo?)
- Follow updates on social media or call 651-266-PLOW (651-266-7569) for recorded status messages.
Know the winter parking rules
- Check out when and where you, your staff, and your customers should park their vehicles during a Snow Emergency with the Snow Emergency Parking Map.
- Downtown streets are all Night Plow Routes. Do not park on downtown streets after 9 p.m. on the first night of when a Snow Emergency is declared.
- New this year! Free off-street parking is available during the first 24 hours of a declared Snow Emergency from 5 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Block 19 Municipal Ramp (145 East 7th Street) in downtown Saint Paul.
Comply with shoveling and snow removal requirements
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Property owners or managers are responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow and ice in front of their business after winter weather events. Corner property owners must shovel curbs, walkways, and crosswalks to the street.
- Saint Paul City Ordinance requires snow and ice to be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours. DO NOT shovel or plow into the street.
- To report a sidewalk that’s a safety hazard and needs shoveling, contact the City Information and Complaint line at 651-266-8989. Be sure to provide the address of the property.
Follow the smart salting tips for sidewalks and driveways
- Shovel first! Again, all snow must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours.
- Remember that a little salt goes a long way—more salt does not produce more ice melt. One coffee mug of salt (roughly 12 ounces) is enough to treat a 20-foot driveway, and untreated salt stops working in temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Want to learn more? Check out one of the smart salting trainings offered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
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Get your business in on Saint Paulidays fun
Just in time for the holidays, Visit Saint Paul (VSP) has launched the Saint Paulidays marketing campaign, which highlights special reasons to celebrate Saint Paul and experience the magic of the season. Here are a few ways for your business to participate:
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Take control of your electric bill with free smart thermostats
Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) can help Xcel Energy commercial customers gain greater control of their HVAC systems this winter with Free Smart Thermostats. CEE will provide free ecobee3 lite thermostats, installation, and programming. You can also earn $25 annual electric bill credits for each thermostat installed through Xcel Energy's AC Rewards program.
Earned Safe and Sick Time Rules now open for public comment
On October 18, 2023, the City of Saint Paul amended the city Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) Ordinance to better align with the State of Minnesota ESST law. The amendments to the city ESST Ordinance are effective January 1, 2024. The Department of Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) has updated the Administrative Rules to align with the amended Ordinance, and the proposed rules are available for public comment until January 4, 2024.
Any interested party may review the proposed rules and submit feedback by completing the online form or contact HREEO by phone (651-266-8966) or email.
Apply for MN PROMISE Act grant or loan funds beginning early 2024
The Providing Resources & Opportunity & Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs (PROMISE) Grant and Loan Programs are new, state-funded programs that will provide grants and loans to disadvantaged small businesses located in certain areas of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. For more details, including what businesses are eligible and when applications will open, visit the MN PROMISE Act website, check out the helpful informational flyer or watch the recording of a recent info session.
Apply now for the NDC Plan It! Entrepreneur Spring 2024 Training Class
The Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) Plan It! training class helps emerging entrepreneurs and existing business owners learn and expand their knowledge about the fundamentals of running a business. This series will cover topics including accounting, finance, budgeting, marketing, operations, management, and more.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, January 25, 2024 and the class fee is based on a sliding scale ($150 - $650) determined by your household income and family size. Find more details, including schedule options and upcoming info sessions, on the Plan It! website.
Money Smart for Small Business free education program
Money Smart for Small Business provides entrepreneurs an introduction to topics related to starting and managing a business. This free financial education program was developed jointly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The instructor-led curriculum consists of 13 modules in English and Spanish that can be downloaded or ordered in CD format.
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!
Saint Paul’s 2024 park permit lottery is now open
City of Saint Paul businesses and residents can apply to enter the 2024 park permit lottery online or over the phone (651-266-6400) until 4:30 p.m. on December 20, 2023 with permits being issued beginning on January 2, 2024 to lottery entrants. The lottery system is used to give residents and businesses an equal opportunity to make reservations for in-demand picnic shelter and pavilion locations and dates.
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Upcoming events
Monday, December 18
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Hayden Heights Library
The Open to Business program provides FREE direct technical assistance and other forms of support to small business owners and entrepreneurs. All current business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs intending to establish, purchase or improve a business within Ramsey County are eligible and encouraged to participate.
There is also an Open to Business session at the Rondo Community Library on Thursday, January 11 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
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Tuesday, December 19
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Virtual event
Is your small business at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by women, ethnic minorities, veterans or persons with disabilities? If so, attend this session to learn about the state’s Small Business Procurement Program and the benefits of certification, including receiving preferences when responding to state opportunities and being listed in the public Directory of Certified Businesses.
Tuesday, January 2
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Virtual event
This FREE workshop from SCORE Twin Cities will provide some terrific guidance on the basic components of building your business. The webinar focuses on understanding what product or service you want to take to market, who’s your customer, who’s your competition and how you’re unique, as well as a look at what action plans to consider, understanding basic finance and funding and what resources are available.
Wednesday, January 17
12 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Virtual event
Join Workforce Solutions and RealTime Talent to learn about the top ten workforce trends to watch in Ramsey County in 2024 and beyond.
Recent years have brought seismic shifts in the world of work, driven forward by ongoing economic uncertainties, dramatic talent shortages, workforce misalignments, and rapidly evolving technology. But despite the turbulence, several pivotal shifts have begun to materialize, illuminating the path ahead in inclusive workplaces, skills-based hiring, and the digital workplace.
Friday, January 19
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Virtual event
Come learn about the programs and services Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) offers to assist you in starting or expanding your for-profit business. Another information session will also be held on Tuesday, January 23 from noon - 1 p.m.
Wednesday, January 24
8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Metro Square Conference Center
This FREE event aims to help local businesses and organizations learn about, connect to, and access workforce tools and resources. Find new talent pipelines and discover tools for implementing innovative and effective hiring practices to increase diversity and inclusiveness in your organization. Complimentary lunch and parking voucher are included.
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