Reminder! CEO Next applications due September 15
CEO Next empowers second-stage companies to keep growing through advanced business and market research, peer learning, and expert forums. This program is available at no-cost to qualifying Saint Paul businesses through a partnership between Hennepin County and Ramsey County. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, September 15 for the upcoming cohort (which runs October 2024 – July 2025). Apply now.
Apply for Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant by October 11
Don’t miss this opportunity from BizRecycling! The Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant provides one-time funding of up to $50,000 to eligible businesses, schools, and nonprofits in Ramsey County for planning, equipment, supplies, and capital improvements that result in the significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 11 at 4 p.m.
MN PROMISE Act loan applications still being accepted
The MN PROMISE Act is a state-funded small business revitalization program that provides 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 still apply for the loan program, which must be used for site preparation, building construction, infrastructure, landscaping, and other capital improvement costs. Fill out this form to see if your business is eligible for MN PROMISE Act Loan funding. Please note that eligibility does not guarantee funding.
The next application round for the grant program is tentatively scheduled for late 2024.
Business loans and grants now available at YOBIZMO
YOBIZMO is an initiative of the Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA) dedicated to empowering Asian small business owners in Minnesota. Whether you're looking to start, grow, or stabilize your business, AEDA's program offers access to business loans and grants designed to support your unique needs. To get started, fill out the YOBIZMO intake form.
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!
Schedule a free premise survey with SPPD Crime Prevention team
The Crime Prevention Unit of the Saint Paul Police Department offers free premise surveys for any indoor or outdoor space that’s be utilized by customers, staff, or other people. Utilizing Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, the team gives recommendations on safety measures that can be implemented in your space. If you’re interested in scheduling a survey, please contact Sagal Abdirahman or Patty Lammers.
Report non-emergency concerns to the City of Saint Paul call center
From garbage to graffiti, the City of Saint Paul call center (651-266-8989) is here to help get code violations taken care of. Real, knowledgeable people are available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to answer questions, log complaints, and get your problem one step closer to being solved. After hours, please leave a message or report an incident through the online form.
Free weekly legal consultation services at AEDS
Every Friday, African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) of Minnesota offers FREE legal consultation services for business owners and entrepreneurs. A lawyer will be available for 30-minute sessions to review business documents or answer your legal questions. Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to get expert legal advice tailored to your business needs. Complete the intake form prior to your consultation.
NDC's Mindset Reset Program is now open for registration
Explore the updated Inclusive Employer Toolkit from Ramsey County
The Ramsey County Inclusive Employer Toolkit continues to offer information to help employers improve workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion. New resources on skills based hiring and creative employee benefits packages were recently added. View the toolkit online or download a copy to share with your team.
Check out the MSP Startup Guide
The MSP Startup Guide is a tool to help you quickly and easily access the right resources to help grow your business – funding, training, mentorship, and more. Explore the guide using the keyword search to find resources, organizations, and events from across the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region that match your needs. This tool is built and curated by members of the Forge North coalition.
Nominate your business for National Small Business Week Awards
Are you the next National Small Business Person of the Year? Nominate your business for the 2025 Small Business Administration (SBA) district office and national awards by December 5! In 2023, local entrepreneur Abdirahman Kahin of Afro Deli was named the National Small Business Person of the Year! Learn more about National Small Business Week (May 4 - 10, 2025) and how to submit nominations at sba.gov/nsbw.
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