|
MN PROMISE Act Loan Applications Now Open
Have you heard about MN PROMISE Act Loans? The Providing Resources & Opportunity & Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs (PROMISE) Act Loan Program is a new, state-funded program that will provide loans to disadvantaged small businesses located in certain areas of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Eligible Saint Paul businesses, nonprofit organizations, and developers can apply now for this funding which must be used for capital improvements, such as buying a building or a business renovation or expansion.
This program is being administered by Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA). The State of Minnesota has allocated $24 million for PROMISE Loans in the Twin Cities over the next two years, and these funds will move from the State of Minnesota, through MEDA, into the community.
- Have primary business operations located in the state of Minnesota and must registered with the Secretary of State
- Be located in a community that has been adversely affected by structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, lack of access to capital, a loss of population or an aging population, or a lack of regional economic diversification
- Have an annual revenue of under $1,000,000 per year in 2021 and 2022
|
 In Saint Paul, eligible areas include University Avenue, Midway, Eastside, or other neighborhoods. Click the map or visit mnpromiseact.org/eligibility to search the map and check your eligibility.
We encourage you to start the application process promptly to take advantage of this opportunity. Please review the key information about the program and process below. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to the dedicated support team at mnpromiseact@meda.net.
|
|
PROMISE Act Grants coming in spring 2024
Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) will be administering the PROMISE Act Grants, with the application opening in spring 2024. Grant funds can be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, equipment, and other similar expenses that occur in the regular course of business.
Starting in mid-February, NDC will be hosting a series of workshops that will walk you through everything you need to apply.
|
|
2024 STAR grant applications open Friday, April 5
Save the date! The 2024 grant applications for the City of Saint Paul’s Neighborhood STAR and Cultural STAR programs will open on Friday, April 5.
Neighborhood STAR grants fund capital projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods and Cultural STAR grants support arts and cultural organizations and events in Saint Paul.
Online applications for both programs will be due Wednesday, May 15 at 4 p.m.
Watch your inbox or visit the program websites for more information. The 2024 guidelines and information on application workshops will be available in March.
Build Your Future Workforce—Hire a Saint Paul Right Track Intern
Are you an employer looking to diversify and build your future workforce? Are you seeking to serve our city and invest in the talent young people? Hiring a Right Track intern is a great way to offer experience and mentorship to our youth!
For over a decade, the City of Saint Paul’s Right Track program has been engaging young people in Saint Paul in meaningful youth employment and training experiences.
In 2023, the Right Track program engaged over 800 young people, matching them with skills trainings experiences across industries. In partnership with over 100 employer partners, Saint Paul youth earned more than $1.5 million last summer. This year we seeking to increase that number 900 internships.
Young people bring innovation, energy, and creativity to their internship experiences, and help us think differently and challenge norms to help us prepare for a vibrant and diverse future workforce.
Sign up now to host Right Track interns this summer. Visit the Right Track Employer page and pledge today to hire a Right Track intern this summer. If you have questions or would like more information, e-mail righttrack@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
City simplifies process for amplified sound permits and variances
New for 2024, most Sound Level Variances are covered by administratively-issued Amplified Sound Permits. The new process also changes the permit-issuing agency based on the location of the event: events on parks property will be issued by the Parks and Recreation Department, and events held anywhere else are handled by the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI).
Public hearings are no longer required, and the applicant is responsible for notifying neighbors and properties within 300 feet of the event’s location.
Please note that Sound Level Variances are still required for events with excessive sound outside of regular hours.
Visit the DSI website for more information.
Help prevent wire theft — if you see something, say something!
Since 2021, Saint Paul has experienced an increase of reoccurring wire theft across the city from street light fixtures both in the public right of way and parks.
During the winter months the internal conduits in street lights can freeze and crews are not able to re-wire street lights until the ground thaws in the spring; however, city staff are trying to take advantage of the recent warmer weather this winter to re-wire as many street lights as possible.
The Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments are working closely with the Saint Paul Police Department to prevent and deter thefts, as well as catch individuals trying to steal wire and damage city street lights. Successful arrests have been made thanks to help from community members who have reported suspicious activity.
Small businesses and residents can help prevent wire theft. If you see something - say something. If you see suspicious behaviors or anyone “working” on street lights, signals, or EV charging stations during any time of the day or night, please report it to 911.
For more information about wire theft, visit www.stpaul.gov/streetlights.
Stay up-to-date on the minimum wage in Saint Paul
Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum wage hourly rate in Saint Paul for macro businesses (those with more than 10,000 employees) increased to $15.57.
The minimum wage rates for other business will remain the same until July 1, 2024. The current rates are $15.00 for large businesses (101 - 10,000 employees), $13.00 for small business (6 - 100 employees), and $11.50 for micro businesses (5 or fewer employees).
To learn more, please visit stpaul.gov/minimumwage.
2023 Building Energy Benchmarking update
The City of Saint Paul is excited to release the 2023 Building Energy Benchmarking Report, showcasing a record-breaking 91% compliance rate with the Benchmarking Ordinance. This report examines the 627 commercial, multifamily, and public buildings over 50,000 square feet that were benchmarked this past year, evaluating their energy and water usage.
The Efficient Buildings Collaborative (EBC) Map complements the annual benchmarking report and includes details like building location, energy-saving features, certifications (such as ENERGY STAR certification), energy performance metrics, and other relevant information. The map aims to highlight examples of energy-efficient buildings, share best practices, and encourage more widespread adoption of sustainable building techniques.
Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Saint Paul Benchmarking newsletter.
|
|
Check out DEED's new guide to starting a business in Minnesota
DEED's Small Business Assistance Office just released a new version of A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota. This guidebook is the most comprehensive reference of its kind and a must read for anyone contemplating the startup or purchase of an existing business in Minnesota. Check out the digital version or fill out this form to request a physical copy.
Free recycling and organics bins for Saint Paul small businesses
The BizRecycling Bin-Only Grant is available to small businesses to improve recycling or organics (food scraps) collections. If your Saint Paul business has an annual gross revenue of less than $1,000,000, you may order up to $2,500 in bins and equipment for managing trash, recycling, and organics directly from BizRecycling. To get started, set up a site assessment with BizRecycling expert by emailing info@bizrecycling.com.
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.
Request a Workplace Safety Consultation Visit
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry offers FREE on-site safety and health consultations. Employers can find out about potential hazards, improve their safety management systems, and even apply for a safety grant of up to $10,000 to abate safety hazards
This program targets small, high-hazard businesses and is completely separate from the MN-OSHA Compliance inspection activities. Please note that no citations are issued as part of a consultation visit. Request a workplace safety consultation now.
Access financial support from the City of Saint Paul
The City of Saint Paul offers a variety of financial support and other assistance programs to support small businesses. 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!
Apply for the 2024 CEI Vanguard Accelerator Grant by February 21
Apply now for the Center for Economic Inclusion Vanguard Accelerator! In partnership with Founders First CDC, the Center for Economic Inclusion (CEI), and NEOO Partners, the Vanguard Accelerator offers Latina and Black Women-owned businesses in the Saint Paul/Minneapolis region the opportunity to be considered for capital investment and funding to accelerate their growth. The deadline to complete this grant application is Wednesday, February 21.
WomenVenture's Accelerating Success program starts February 27
Accelerating Success is an in-depth, 12-session course intended for entrepreneurs who have been in business for more than two years and have revenue of more than $100,000 per year. This course will guide business owners through developing financial savvy, using strategic marketing, and creating a plan for long-term growth. Cost is $600. Some sessions will be held online and some in-person at the WomenVenture office.
New Impact Fund application now open for prospective investees
Applications are being accepted for the next New Impact Fund cohort. This initiative focuses on uplifting Black-owned businesses in underinvested areas by providing financial and social capital. View the flyer and apply online by Thursday, February 29. Have questions about the application and selection process? Sign up to attend the New Impact Fund open office hours.
Register for a Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline Industry Forum
The Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline helps businesses meet their workforce needs by bringing together structured on-the-job training with formal related education. Attend one of the virtual industry forums to learn about the Pipeline program and get help with creating a workforce development initiative at your organization. Upcoming forums include Health Care Services on February 13, the Child Care on February 14, Transportation on February 15, and Legal Cannabis on February 16.
Find and pay for STEM interns with FREE funding
All small tech, medtech, engineering or manufacturing companies in Saint Paul should look into the SciTech Internship Program. Employers receive assistance finding qualified candidates and a $1:$1 matching stipend to cover 50% of the intern’s wages (capped at $2,500) when they hire a student through SciTech. Companies registered to do business in Minnesota with 250 or fewer employees are eligible to apply.
Be a vendor at Grand Old Day on Sunday, June 2
Interested in being a part of the largest free one-day festival in the Midwest? The Grand Avenue Business Association (GABA) is now accepting applications for Grand Old Day vendors. Applications are due Tuesday, April 30.
|
|
Upcoming events
Tuesday, February 13
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Springboard for the Arts
Join the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) at Springboard for the Arts in Saint Paul for an in-person MN PROMISE Act Info Session to learn about eligibility and what to have ready to apply. This grant initiative funded by the State of Minnesota is designed to bolster the development and repositioning efforts of small businesses, including artist-run business or initiatives, in Minnesota.
Tuesday, February 13
2 - 3 p.m.
Virtual event
The Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) presents a FREE monthly call for small business owners. These meetings are an opportunity for small business owners to have a conversation with business experts and their peers. This month's meeting will include a presentation about Cybersecurity for Small Businesses from the staff of Metro State University's Cyber Clinic.
Thursday, February 15
3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Tech Talk is a quarterly event hosted by the Minnesota Technology Association that brings you presentations from some of the brightest minds in the science and technology field in Minnesota. Check out the fantastic lineup for this event, including the session What can a business do with a drone?.
Thursday, February 15
4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Brookdale Library
In celebration of Black History Month, join DEED, the SBA Minnesota District Office, and other resource partners for this FREE small business open house. Entrepreneurs at any stage of their business journey can learn more at this event. There will also be an interactive one-hour open forum session at 4:30 pm. where you can get your small business questions answered by a panel of experts.
Friday, February 16
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Virtual event
Don't miss this FREE supervisory training for all Ramsey County businesses! Learn how to invest into young employees, help cultivate a positive work environment, and the necessary tools to make employing youth successful.
Friday, February 16
11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
'Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol' will bring hundreds of Minnesota’s Black small business owners to the Capitol. Registered entrepreneurs will also be entered into a raffle to win a $5,000 grant. Those wishing to participate in the event can register online. The event is presented by ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, the small business founded by podcast entrepreneur Sheletta Brundidge.
Tuesday, February 20
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Virtual event
If you are a small business owner in need of additional financing, it's important to understand the loan application process and what lenders will be looking for. By the end of this FREE session from SCORE Twin Cities, you will have a better understanding of the loan application requirements and be better prepared to apply for the financing your business needs.
Wednesday, February 21
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Virtual event
Come and learn how your business can take advantage of the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED’s) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF). Small to mid-sized Minnesota businesses can request reimbursements for up to $30,000 in expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities.
Tuesday, February 27
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Virtual event
This webinar will walk attendees through the basics of employment-based training and share tips about how to set up a dual-training initiative at your company. The Dual-Training Pipeline team will offer resources developed to support on-the-job-training and partnerships with education providers. The session is perfect for people new to Pipeline as well as those who would like a refresher about the program.
Tuesday, March 5
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Highland Park Library
The Open to Business program offers FREE confidential business counseling to current and prospective 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. Another session will be held at the Rondo Community Library on Thursday, March 14 from 1 - 3 p.m.
Wednesday, March 13
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m
The Essence Event Center
From idea to execution; join SCORE Twin Cities for an evening of quick-hit inspirational talks on key ingredients for starting your small business. You should attend this event if you are a member of the Saint Paul small business community who is interested in starting a business, has recently started a business, wants to refine or redefine their brand, is curious about how AI can help your small business, or wants to make new connections in the small business community. Cost to attend is $40.
|
|
|
|
|
