Enter to win free coworking space at Wellworth in Downtown Saint Paul
Discover the perks of working downtown! The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance and the coworking space Wellworth are offering a chance to win a free, 6-month membership at Wellworth as well as free parking — a $1,650 value. Sign up for a chance to win through the end of the year. If you have questions about this opportunity, email info@wellworthcowork.com.
Stay up to date on MN PROMISE Act funding
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 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. Please note that eligibility does not guarantee funding.
While the second application round for the grant program is still to be decided, thus far, 109 applications and a total of $1,972,900 grant funds have been processed in Saint Paul. Sign up for the newsletter to receive timely updates on future funding rounds.
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! Use code PARTNER2024 to set up your free account.
Applications open for Launched & Growing training program
Ready to take your business to the next level in 2025? WomenVenture's 10-session Launched & Growing course is perfect for early-stage entrepreneurs (6 months to 3 years of revenue) who want to refine their strategies, improve financial forecasts, and build a roadmap for growth. Apply by December 27 for the January cohort. Additional cohorts begin in February and April as well.
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.
Boost your skills with AEDS' Business Development Training
Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner looking to take your venture to the next level? African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) offers a 6-week virtual Business Development Training, held twice a week, to equip you with the tools and skills to succeed. The next session starts on January 20, 2025 – secure your spot at least one week in advance. Additional cohorts will also be held throughout 2025.
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. Learn more – the next session starts February 22, 2025.
Grow your business with UST’s Community Entrepreneurship Program
The University of St. Thomas' 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 program provides a six-week business training bootcamp, one-on-one mentorship, consulting support, connections to community resources, a micro-grant program, and networking opportunities.
The Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs is the first part of the program. The next six-week business training bootcamp will be held at the Rondo Community Land Trust on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting February 22, 2025. Register early as seats are limited.
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.
Find and pay for STEM interns with free funding
The SciTech Internship Program is a free small business resource to make hiring interns easier and more affordable. Workforce grants of up to $2,500 per student are available now for small and midsized companies offering paid internships in STEM. Watch the program trailer to hear from employers currently benefitting from the program.
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!
Share your input on the next City of Saint Paul Consolidated Plan
The City of Saint Paul is in the process of gathering community input for the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. Each year, Saint Paul receives about $8 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Consolidated Plan identifies priorities for how to use these funds to address housing, economic development, public facilities and infrastructure, and public service needs.
Visit engagestpaul.org/conplan to learn more about the process and share your feedback through the online survey (available in English, Hmong, Karen, Spanish, and Somali).
Visit Saint Paul is excited to announce the return of the Saint Paulidays campaign, a comprehensive marketing effort that begins now and runs through New Year’s. Your business is invited to utilize the campaign assets to market your holiday happenings! To participate in the Saint Paulidays campaign:
Submit feedback on the new City of Saint Paul Wage Theft ordinance
The passing of a Wage Theft ordinance in the City of Saint Paul will add another level of enforcement to hold employers accountable and get faster resolution for employees. 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.
This ordinance will take effect on January 1, 2024. The City has drafted Administrative Rules which are available for public comment until February 13, 2025. We encourage all interested parties to review the proposed rules and submit their feedback through the online form.
Employers needed for the Labor Standards Board
The Labor Standards Advisory Committee (LSAC) is comprised of representatives from business, workers, and unions. The LSAC was created by the Mayor and City Council as a resource to help guide the City's future of our labor standards work. The LSAC is currently accepting new applicants and is eager to add more employer voices. For more information or to apply, visit stpaul.gov/lsac or email dana.beasley@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
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