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Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and the Workforce Innovation Board (WIB) are leading efforts to support business owners and employers to address discrimination and unconscious bias within their organizations.
One of these efforts is to provide an . The toolkit aims to help employers provide a more welcoming and inclusive workplace for all by offering practices to build diversity, equity, and inclusion in the areas of employee recruitment, hiring, onboarding and retention.
“Inclusion is good for all employers,” said Elisa Rasmussen, WIB chair. “I am excited and proud that the WIB is championing this toolkit and providing targeted resources for employers to create a workplace culture that is welcoming to all people.”
“The Ramsey County Inclusive Employer Toolkit has been an invaluable resource in designing our employee hiring and retention strategy," said Donna Rapacz, Director of Business Operations at Merrick Inc. in Ramsey County. "By adopting many of the hiring strategies, we no longer struggle to find essential employees for our mission-critical positions. We are grateful for the toolkit and how it helped us to pivot our HR strategy."
New resources on the topics of skills-based hiring and creative employee benefits packages were recently added to the toolkit. You can view the toolkit online or download as a PDF.
Learn more at the Ramsey County Inclusive Workforce Summit
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 Come network with fellow hiring professionals, learn from experts, and get inspired for the work ahead in 2025! This event, presented by Ramsey County in partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota and the St. Paul Area Chamber, aims to help employers learn about, connect to, and access workforce tools and resources.
Wednesday, January 29
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Find new talent pipelines and discover tools for implementing innovative and effective hiring practices to increase inclusiveness in your organization. Choose from a variety of breakout sessions, led by workforce experts, on topics such as skills-based hiring, accommodating employees with disabilities and more.
The summit is free to attend and open to local organizations and businesses seeking solutions for meeting workforce needs. Complimentary lunch and parking voucher are included. Register today.
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Central (CERT) certification program transition and relaunch
The Central Certification (CERT) Program makes it easier for small and local companies to do business with the City of Saint Paul, City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and Ramsey County. Beyond local government, anyone can use the CERT directory to find certified small businesses.
Last year, the CERT collaborative announced that the day-to-day management of the CERT Program would transition from the City of Saint Paul to an outside company (Strong & Starlike Consulting, Inc.).
On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the new program administration team held a webinar to focus on the CERT program relaunch. The webinar served as a time for the new program administration team and CERT collaborative partners to share information updates about the CERT Program. Attendees heard information on the following:
- CERT program transition updates and progress
- Benefits of certification
- How CERT collaborative partners engage CERT-certified businesses
- Information on CERT monthly workshops
- Infrastructure on connecting and communicating with the CERT team
Watch the CERT Program Relaunch webinar or learn more by visiting the CERT Program Transition page.
Saint Paul minimum wage increases effective January 1, 2025
In accordance with the City’s Minimum Wage Ordinance, the wage rate for some employers in Saint Paul increased as of January 1, 2025:
- Macro business (10,001 employees or more) increased to $15.97
- Large business (101-10,000 employees) increased to $15.97
The current minimum wage rate for small businesses (6-100 employees) and micro businesses (5 or fewer employees) will remain until July 1, 2025.
Under the ordinance, business size matters. Employers must count all employees whether employed full-time, part-time, jointly with another employer, or working on temporary basis. Please visit stpaul.gov/minimumwage for more information.
Saint Paul’s wage theft ordinance takes effect January 1
The City of Saint Paul’s wage theft ordinance is in effect as of January 1, 2025. Wage theft happens when employers do not pay employees the wages they earned. The ordinance holds employers accountable and brings faster resolution to employees. To file a complaint or learn more, visit stpaul.gov/wagetheft.
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 Dalton Outlaw, owner of Element Gym and Outlaw Development and previous NDC Plan It! participant
Apply by January 25 for Plan It! Entrepreneur Training spring cohort
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? The Plan It! program at the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) empowers aspiring entrepreneurs with the key skills needed
to run a successful business and develop a winning business plan.
"NDC provides the essential tools that allow business owners to achieve long-term success and self-sufficiency while also gaining access to opportunities to create generational wealth," shared previous Plan It! participant Dalton Outlaw, the owner of Element Gym and Outlaw Development in Saint Paul.
NDC offers both in-person and virtual classes to fit your schedule. Apply by Friday, January 25, 2025 to join the next cohort.
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 currently 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.
To date, 120 applications and a total of $2,219,600 in grant funding has been processed in Saint Paul. Sign up for the newsletter to receive timely updates on future funding rounds.
Download the new compliance checklist for small businesses
The State of Minnesota's Small Business Assistance Office (SBAO) released a new compliance checklist to help early-stage companies navigate state and federal requirements. This guide covers essential topics such as business registration, licensing, tax obligations, and more. Designed for both new and existing businesses, the checklist is a valuable resource for staying compliant while focusing on growth — download now.
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.
Cost-sharing program for local CPG, food, beverage companies
The Make It Minnesota program through Minnesota Department of Agriculture provides cost-sharing support to local food and beverage businesses. The program reimburses up to 50% of eligible expenses related to marketing, equipment, and business development. This funding helps businesses expand their reach and increase production capacity while supporting the state’s innovative food economy. Learn more and apply now.
Check out workshops and resources from LegalCORPS
LegalCORPS provides free legal services to small businesses, startups, and nonprofits that can’t afford private legal counsel. From business law clinics to entity formation to intellectual property advice and contract review, LegalCORPS connects entrepreneurs with volunteer attorneys to address a wide range of legal needs.
Small business owners… let your voices be heard!
Researchers from the University of Minnesota and Michigan State University want to hear from small business owners about their experiences with government. What is government doing well? What is it doing poorly? How can small business owners advocate for themselves? Take the survey before the end of January.
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. 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!
Minnesota fluorescent ban: What building operators need to know
Under Minnesota's Cleaning Lighting Bill, the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of screw- or bayonet-based types of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will be banned as of January 1, 2025. Building operators can keep and use their existing inventory but will not be allowed to purchase new mercury-containing lamps.
Xcel Energy commercial customers can access free lighting consulting, project support, and efficiency-based rebates from CEE's One-Stop Efficiency Shop.
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Upcoming events
Wednesday, January 15
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
El Rio Vista Recreation Center
The annual City of Saint Paul Supplier Fair is an opportunity for prospective vendors to learn about upcoming contracting opportunities, attend workshops, and network with subject-matter experts from various City departments. The event is free to attend, however, registration is required before January 14 at 11:59 p.m.
Wednesday, January 15
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Department of Administration
The Minnesota Department of Administration is hosting a networking day for Hmong small business owners. Topics include how to work with the government, steps to certification, application and supplemental forms, navigating the technology, finding opportunities, and contract compliance. There will be an opportunity to network with the Office of Equity in Procurement (OEP), APEX Accelerator, Office of State Procurement, Hmong American Partnership, and Hmong Chamber of Commerce throughout the event. Sign up now.
Tuesday, January 21
7:15 a.m. - 9 a.m.
University of St. Thomas - Anderson Center
Join the St. Paul Area Chamber for a special moderated discussion with Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Each will share their 2025 priorities, discuss challenges, and explore ways businesses can support and promote regional growth. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with local leaders and fellow business professionals. Register early to reserve your spot.
Tuesday, January 21
1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Virtual event
Saint Paul Public Works invites all community members to a virtual Snow 101 presentation. Learn more about the City's snow operations, as well as exciting new work in 2025 to explore new ways to do citywide snow plowing. There will be time to ask any snow-related questions as well. Find the virtual meeting link at stpaul.gov/snow.
Wednesday, January 22
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Pimento Jamaican Kitchen & Rum Bar
Kick off the 2025 Strengthen the Strong series with an unforgettable happy hour in partnership with St. Paul Chamber Connect! Get ready for an evening filled with meaningful connections, inspiring conversations, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Expect to mix and mingle with fellow change-makers, enjoy refreshments, and soak in the dynamic energy of the Twin Cities' best and brightest. RSVP today.
Thursday, January 23
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA)
This half-day intensive course from MEDA targets BIPOC entrepreneurs seeking to understand business lending, identify suitable funding opportunities, and grow their enterprises. Topics include — understanding key business lending concepts and terminology, identifying different types of loans and lenders, and developing strategies for effective loan utilization and repayment. Seats are limited so reserve your spot now.
Wednesday, January 29
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Midtown Global Market
Whether you're starting or scaling, this free informative workshop will give you the tools to succeed. Join Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) and Lathrop GPM LLP as they cover the legal landscape of a business from inception to maturity. This presentation is designed for business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in understanding the vital legal considerations that impact the lifecycle of a business. Reserve your spot.
Wednesday, January 29
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Virtual event
This webinar from the Minnesota Department of Revenue covers basic information for S corporation and partnership businesses in Minnesota. After completing this course, business owners will be able to: identify the basic types of business entities, the steps needed to start a partnership or S corporations, locate partnership and S corporation resources, and navigate and update account information in e-Services. Register today.
Thursday, January 30
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Virtual event
Are you a small business owner looking for the right insurance coverage? Join this SCORE workshop to better understand the different types of insurance coverage available and which ones are best suited for your specific business needs. Reserve your spot.
Monday, February 3
10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Minnesota State Capitol
Black Entrepreneurs Day presented by ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com is an opportunity for African American business owners to lobby their legislators for access to funding, resources, and services so their companies can go from just surviving to thriving. The day begins with a Rally in the Rotunda at 10 a.m. followed by meetings the representatives and a complimentary lunch. RSVP now.
Wednesday, February 19
12 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Virtual event
Join Ramsey County Workforce Solutions to hear Erin Olson, RealTime Talent’s Senior Director of Strategic Research, speak about the top ten workforce trends to watch in Ramsey County in 2025 and beyond. Despite recent turbulence, several pivotal shifts have begun to materialize, illuminating the path ahead in inclusive workplaces, skills-based hiring, and the digital workplace. Register today.
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