 Apply now for Spring 2025 Plan It! Entrepreneur Training Cohort
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the Plan It! training classes through the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) will help you take your business idea to the next level. Plan it! helps emerging entrepreneurs learn fundamentals and build a business plan. Fees are determined on a sliding scale, based on household income, family size, and if you live or plan to operate your business in one of NDC's priority neighborhoods. Apply by Friday, January 25, 2025.
Free small business marketing resources from Visit Saint Paul
Visit Saint Paul is offering free access to a variety of digital marketing educational courses and content that you can explore at your own pace! The Destination Uplift platform has trainings on social media marketing, advertising, email marketing, analytics, and more! New courses include Creating your Google Business Profile & Business Listing and How to Create & Install your Meta Pixel. Use code PARTNER2024 to set up your free account.
Register for no-cost entrepreneurship training for New Americans
Learn the basics of entrepreneurship during this free 8-week interactive class from the International Institute of Minnesota. Develop your business plan and receive support from knowledgeable teachers, financial coaches and business experts alongside a cohort of New American peers. The next session starts February 22, 2025. Learn more.
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 help improve 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.
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.
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!
Three national small business grants you can apply for in November
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program is offering $10,000 grants and education to small businesses. You can register on their platform to access online courses in English and Spanish, along with mentorship opportunities, one-on-one coaching and more. Business owners who complete at least two courses by December 13, are eligible for a small business grant.
The Secretsos Small Business Grant offers a $2,500 grant, to help entrepreneurs leap over obstacles and accelerate success. The grants are designed for business owners who are committed to evolving, leading with integrity, and inspiring change. Applicants must be over 21 years of age.
The National Association for the Self-Employed offers a $4,000 growth grant on a rolling basis. This grant is for self-employed workers, and you must be a member of the national association to apply.
Affordable web & app development opportunity for Saint Paul businesses
The SciTech Internship Program has a new workforce initiative, Web Dev Pipeline, which places students from Macalester College in web development-based internships. Small businesses can apply to be matched with a talented young developer and also receive a grant to cover half the intern's salary. Applications are due by Friday, November 22.
Connect with free legal help through the UMN IP Clinic
The University of Minnesota's Intellectual Property (IP) Clinic provides community members with an opportunity to obtain legal assistance with matters like copyrightable works, trademarks, patents, and confidentiality obligations. Legal assistance is provided by second- and third-year law students under the supervision of a licensed attorney. There is no charge to participate in the clinic, which is looking for companies for its Spring 2025 semester. Email lawclinic@umn.edu for more information.
REMINDER! New reporting requirement for small businesses from U.S. Treasury
Small business owners have a new reporting requirement in 2024 from the U.S. Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The Corporate Transparency Act requires small businesses with fewer than 20 employees to report their ownership information as part of an effort to curb money laundering and illicit financial operations.
The reporting requirement began on January 1, 2024, but existing businesses have until January 1, 2025 for compliance. Businesses that form in 2024 have 90 days to fulfill the requirement. Submit your information electronically through the online reporting tool.
Read frequently asked questions about small business finance
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy just updated their Small Business Finance Frequently Asked Questions. This list details a broad range of finance data concerning small businesses in the United States. Check out the FAQs to learn more about small business lending, capital access, owner demographics, and more.
New Wage Theft Ordinance in City of Saint Paul
On November 6, 2024, the City of Saint Paul strengthened worker protections through a new wage theft ordinance that aligns with state law. Wage theft occurs any time employers fail to pay employees what they are legally owed, such as paying below minimum wage, not paying overtime, requiring work without pay, denying legal breaks, misclassification, withholding tips, non-payment of fringe benefits, and illegal deductions.
Currently, the Wage Theft rules are being drafted and will go live for a thirty (30) day comment period. City staff look forward to partnering with employers to get feedback on the rules. Please subscribe to the HREEO Newsletters to receive a notification when it goes live for the public or follow the Wage Theft webpage to learn more.
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.
Prep for winter with a free HVAC assessment from CEE
Before the temperatures drop, make sure your business's heating equipment is running smoothly with a free HVAC assessment from CEE's One-Stop Efficiency Shop, sponsored by Xcel Energy. After your free assessment, the One-Stop team will provide a detailed report with recommendations and estimated energy savings, rebates, and paybacks. They can also install ecobee3 lite smart thermostats for free at your business.
Apply for festival grants from the Minnesota Humanities Center
The Minnesota Legislature provided funding for the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) to administer $450,000 in Community Identity & Heritage Festivals Grants to individuals and/or organizations in Minnesota working to create, celebrate, and teach the art, culture, and heritage of diverse Minnesota communities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2025, or all funds are expended, whichever occurs first.
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