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Neighborhood STAR grant application opens on Friday, April 5
Does your Saint Paul business need some TLC? Looking for funds to help fix a leaky roof, add a new sign, or improve accessibility in your building? If so, consider applying for a 2024 Neighborhood STAR grant!
The program offers grants for:
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Businesses located in or doing business in Saint Paul
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Capital improvements with an expected life of 7+ years
- Projects that contribute to the prosperity, cultural diversity, and vitality of Saint Paul neighborhoods
The 2024 application will be available at stpaul.gov/nstar on Friday, April 5. Interested business owners should plan to join the virtual Neighborhood STAR Workshop on Wednesday, April 10 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. All applications must be submitted online through ZoomGrants by Wednesday, May 15 at 4 p.m.
Since 1995, the Neighborhood STAR program has assisted over 1,150 projects and programs with more than $132 million in funding. In 2021, Monique Linder, the founder and CEO of OMG Media Solutions, received a Neighborhood STAR award to help her business relocate to Saint Paul and build out a new space at Vandalia Tower. Last month, Mayor Carter, Council President Jalali, and members of the Neighborhood STAR Board were able to join Monique to celebrate the grand opening of her business' new home.
 "I would say go for it [apply for the Neighborhood STAR program]. I think it’s worth it," Monique encourages her fellow small business owners. "Shoot for your dreams and just go for it. There’s a lot of planning and a lot of hard work in it, so understand that up front."
"We have so many great people, great organizations, great businesses across our city who are doing really good things and oftentimes feel like they're doing those things by themselves," said Mayor Carter. "Through the STAR program, we get an opportunity to support construction projects and to support local businesses in a way that we just wouldn't have a vehicle for otherwise."
To learn more about the program, includingFAQ’svisit stpaul.gov/nstar.
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Start the MN PROMISE Act Loan process today
The MN PROMISE Act is a new, state-funded program that will provide loans and grants 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 the loan program, which must be used for capital improvements, such as buying a building or a business renovation or expansion.
The application for the PROMISE Act Grants will open later this spring. 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. Check out these resources to get ready for grants or schedule a virtual meeting with program staff to learn more about the MN PROMISE Act.
Grow your small business through the CEO Now program
Ramsey County, in collaboration with Hennepin County, just announced the application opening for CEO Now. This program offers growth-minded, small business owners an opportunity to learn, amongst their peers, and complete the program with an expanded professional network, a three-year strategic road map and the confidence to take their next steps forward.
Eligible businesses can join this cohort at no cost, thanks to ongoing investments in the business community from Ramsey and Hennepin County. Submit an interest form today! Applications are open until Thursday, April 25, with priority consideration given to applications received prior to Thursday, April 4.
Apply for the 2024 SBA T.H.R.I.V.E Emerging Leaders cohort
Take your business to the next level with T.H.R.I.V.E.! This FREE, executive-level training series from the Small Business Administration (SBA) helps entrepreneurs accelerate the growth of their businesses through targeted training led by motivated leaders in small business development. The SBA Minnesota District Office is now recruiting for their 2024 cohort in the Twin Cities. Apply online by Sunday, April 28.
Hands-on training program for aspiring Twin Cities entrepreneurs
The Community Entrepreneurship Program is a 10-month, hands-on program for any community member facing economic hardship who has a dream of starting and growing a business, including those who have already started a venture but need help to grow. The application for the next cohort opens Saturday, April 13. This program is offered by the University of St. Thomas Schulze School of Entrepreneurship and the Small Business Development Center.
Free ecobee smart thermostats for Saint Paul businesses
Xcel Energy commercial customers in Saint Paul may be eligible for free ecobee3 lite smart thermostats and free installation from Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). Smart thermostats allow you to monitor your business’s HVAC system remotely and adjust multiple thermostats from your smartphone. Plus, you’ll earn annual bill credits for each thermostat installed through the Xcel Energy AC Rewards program. Request your free installation and learn more at mncee.org/thermostats.
Funds available from MPCA to upgrade or purchase capital equipment
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is currently accepting applications for the Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan. These 0% interest loans are available to assist small businesses improve their business practices to meet or exceed environmental regulations. More information can be found on the loan web page. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Applications are open for the 2024 MN Cup competition
The University of Minnesota's MN Cup connects current and aspiring entrepreneurs to education, mentorship, seed capital, and the broader community. Applications are open until Friday, April 12. You do not need to have an entity formed or be earning revenue to apply - all Minnesotans and Minnesota-based businesses earning less than $1M annual revenue are eligible.
Market Entry Fund grant cycle now open
The Micro Grants program from The Market Entry Fund supports small-scale producers and manufacturers of packaged food and beverage in Minnesota. These grants can bolster the financial capability of emerging packaged food businesses that are owned by entrepreneurs of color, women, veterans, and other individuals demonstrating systemic barriers to equitable opportunities in this sector. Apply by Tuesday, April 30.
Call for artist vendors for Springboard's SpringPOP! event
Calling all artists and makers! Springboard for the Arts is accepting vendor applications for their SpringPOP! event on Saturday, May 4. This fun-filled community event will feature handmade vendors, art, food, music, and more. Twenty total vendors will be selected, and five will be young entrepreneurs. Apply by Monday, March 18.
Connect with small business support from the City of Saint Paul
The City of Saint Paul can connect you to a variety of programs and referrals to support small businesses. If you would like business resource support from our team, the first step is to submit an Intake Form. Reach out today to learn more about what programs can help you reach your business goals!
Important PPP forgiveness information
As of March 3, SBA will begin to refer PPP loans of $100,000 or less that have not been forgiven or are not in repayment to the U.S. Treasury for collection. They are encouraging PPP borrowers to work with the SBA PPP Center to get their loan forgiven or into repayment. Borrowers can submit forgiveness applications either through the SBA at SBA PPP Forgiveness or directly through their lender.
Dual Training Grant open for applications
The application for the Office of Higher Education's Dual Training Grant is open through Monday, April 22. Employers can apply for grant funds in the seven Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline industries: advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services, information technology, child care, transportation, and the legal cannabis industry. View the application materials and attend the grant writing workshop on Friday, March 15.
Check out the Ramsey County Inclusive Employer Toolkit
Attention Saint Paul employers! Ramsey County's Inclusive Employer Toolkit is available to help businesses build diverse and inclusive workplaces. Find resources that you can use to build diversity, equity, and inclusion into all areas of the employee life cycle, from recruitment, hiring, and onboarding to retention.
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Upcoming events
Friday, April 26
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
This event, hosted by the St. Paul Area Chamber, the Minnesota Black Chamber, and the Minnesota Hmong Chamber, aims to celebrate, educate, connect and showcase small businesses in our region. City of Saint Paul staff from Planning and Economic Development (PED), Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO), and the Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE) will have a table at the expo to share City resources and answer questions.
Friday, March 15
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Abrazar
Visit Saint Paul invites local small business owners to their March meeting to hear about exciting upcoming events such as NCAA Men's Frozen Four, the NCHC Frozen Faceoff, the St. Patrick's Day Parade and more! You'll also hear about what's new at Visit Saint Paul and get the chance to network with your peers. Non-members can use promo code VSPGUEST to waive the registration fee.
Wednesday, March 20
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Virtual event
Learn how your small or mid-sized business can request reimbursements for up to $30,000 in expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities through the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED’s) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund.
Wednesday, March 20
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Virtual event
This course covers how Minnesota Sales and Use Tax laws apply to retailers located in Minnesota. It also explains how sales tax applies to retail sales of goods made to customers in Minnesota, whether the business is located within Minnesota or out-of-state. The primary focus is to give participants a better understanding of what items a retailer may buy exempt from sales tax and what items are taxable.
Saturday, March 23
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Virtual event
Join this free, virtual Springboard for the Arts workshop to learn the basics of starting your own artistic or creative business. An attorney from Springboard’s Minnesota Lawyers for the Arts program will cover business models from LLC’s to 501(c)3’s, including information on how to prepare, and benefits and risks.
Wednesday, March 27
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
African Economic Development Solutions
Join African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) at their monthly LegalCorps clinic exclusively for business owners. This is a chance for entrepreneurs and small business owners to receive FREE personalized legal advice tailored to the unique needs of your business. Reserve a thirty minute timeslot now.
Thursday, March 28
11 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Virtual event
Join the East Side Area Business Association (ESABA) to talk about the MN PROMISE Act. This program offers grants or loans to help businesses and organizations with operational costs and needs – and the East Side of Saint Paul is a focus area. During this virtual meeting, staff from the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) will discuss the eligibility and opportunity for local business to access these funds.
Thursday, March 28
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Virtual event
Attend this virtual upcoming community meeting about the METRO Purple Line to learn more about the opportunities and impacts the project’s design options could have for businesses along Maryland and White Bear avenues. An in-person session will be held on Tuesday, April 2 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Ames Lake Apartments Community Room.
Thursday, April 4
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Rondo Community 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 Highland Park Library on Tuesday, April 2 from 1 - 3 p.m.
Thursday, April 11
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center
Businesses interested in doing business with government agencies and prime contractors are encouraged to attend this trade fair hosted by the Small and Disadvantaged Business Opportunities Council (SADBOC). This event will provide businesses an opportunity to learn about upcoming contracts, access available technical assistance, and meet with representatives from more than 60 agencies, contractors, and nonprofit organizations.
Tuesday, April 16
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Repowered Saint Paul
Employers, join Ramsey County for a scenario-based simulation to help gain a fuller understanding of specific obstacles justice-impacted people face and how we can work together to provide a fair chance for employment. Register today.
Saturday, April 20
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wilder Center
This FREE conference from the Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA) has a focus on small business development, asset development, and wealth building for Minnesota’s Asian American communities. Registration is now open and will close on Friday, April 5.
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New 1% "Common Cent" sales tax takes effect April 1
Beginning April 1, 2024, the City of Saint Paul will implement the 1% increase to the local sales and use tax.
In 2023, Saint Paul voters approved a 1% increase to the local option sales tax to be used for repairs and improvements to streets, bridges, parks, and recreational facilities within the city. The "Common Cent" tax will generate nearly $1 billion over 20 years, of which $738 million is earmarked for streets and $246 million for parks.
To remain consistent with the state, the sales tax will not include food, clothing, and other essential items.
For more information or to learn about the projects funded with the new sales tax, visit the city's Sales and Use Tax page.
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Minimum wage for youth
The City’s Minimum Wage Ordinance allows for employers to pay a temporary youth wage rate. The Ordinance states that, for the first ninety (90) days after the date of hire, employees who are ages fourteen (14)—seventeen (17) years must be paid not less than eighty-five (85) percent of the City minimum wage for small employers and rounded to the nearest nickel. However, after more than ninety (90) days after the date of hire, employees who are fourteen (14)—seventeen (17) years of age must be paid the applicable City minimum wage according to their business size.
As of July 1, 2023, the youth rate started at $11.05. On July 1, 2024, the youth rate will increase to $11.90.
You can learn more at stpaul.gov/minimumwage or email laborstandards@ci.stpaul.mn.us or call 651-266-8966.
Cultural STAR applications open April 5
The 2024 application for the City of Saint Paul’s Cultural STAR program also opens on Friday, April 5. Cultural STAR grants support programming, capital improvements, and organizational development activities for local nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Saint Paul (amazing for corridor activation and vitality). Online applications must be submitted by Wednesday, May 15 at 4 p.m. Find more information and view the program guidelines on the Cultural STAR website.
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