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Cybersecurity threats are real, and small businesses are often the most vulnerable. That's why two strong Saint Paul institutions have partnered to provide FREE cybersecurity consultations for small businesses in our community.
Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) has launched a new initiative in partnership with Metro State University, focused on bolstering the cybersecurity practices of small businesses across Minnesota, with a strong focus on businesses on Saint Paul's eastside.
Through this collaboration, students in Metro State's cybersecurity program provide free consultations to assess and enhance the cybersecurity status of small businesses. This vital effort equips local entrepreneurs with the tools to safeguard their operations, while also providing real-world experience for students.
Significant construction at NDC's building at 809 East 7th Street has paved the way for this initiative, creating a cutting-edge space where students and business owners can connect. This is more than just a program—it’s an investment in the future of our community.
To sign up for your free consultation, submit the client intake form. Read this Star Tribune article or email CyberClinic@metrostate.edu for more information.
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Office of Cannabis Management will accept business license applications beginning February 18
The State of Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) recently announced that applications for cannabis business licenses will be accepted from Tuesday, February 18 until Friday, March 14.
"It's exciting news," OCM spokesperson Josh Collins told WCCO Radio. "We know that there are a lot of prospective business owners interested in taking the steps towards opening a new business. This is that first opportunity for general licensing to be available to everybody."
During this cycle, social equity applicants and general licensing applications for microbusinesses, mezzobusinesses, cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical cannabis combination businesses will be open. Applications for cannabis event organizer licenses, lower-potency hemp edible manufacturer, and lower-potency retailer licenses will be open later in the year.
Cultivator, mezzobusiness, manufacturer, and retailer licenses will be selected through a lottery process that will first be open to social equity applicants, and then to general applicants. OCM anticipates the lottery process to begin in May/June 2025. Applications for microbusiness, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical cannabis combination business will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will not be included in the lottery process.
Additional information and technical resources for applications will be available at mn.gov/ocm beginning February 14.
If you have questions about the type of licenses available and where your cannabis business can locate in the City of Saint Paul, please visit stpaul.gov/cannabis.
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Apply for CEO NOW cohort by February 18
Are you a small business owner with revenues between $250,000 and $2 million ready to take your business to
the next level? CEO Now is a no-cost, seven-month program designed to help you grow your business with expert training, peer support, and practical tools. Learn how to balance finances, build a profitable sales process, and find key personnel to grow your team.
Applications are open until Tuesday, February 18.
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Learn about BizRecycling grants
BizRecycling provides grants to businesses, apartment buildings, schools, food shelves, and farmers markets to reduce waste and improve recycling. Five different grants are available to help your business reduce, reuse, and recycle better. For example, Saint Paul nonprofit Face to Face used a BizRecycling grant to secure bins, labels, signage, and switch to compostable to-go containers.
Learn more and apply for a grant.
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Funding available from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Free ecobee smart thermostats for Saint Paul businesses
Sign up for the SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. 2025 Program waitlist
The T.H.R.I.V.E. program from the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides free entrepreneurship education and training for executives of small, poised-for-growth companies. Participants will acquire MBA-equivalent knowledge, amplify leadership skills, and build relationships with a community of business peers, advisors, and experts. The next cohort starts in June. Join the waitlist to be notified when the application portal opens.
The Black Business Network (BBN) is sponsoring Support Black-Owned Businesses This February with #ShopBBN. Any Black-owned businesses is invited to participate, with the option to provide a 10% discount during February. Participants will receive a public-facing flyer to display in storefront windows, as well as a business outreach flyer for promotional purposes. Contact Ky'Mari Love at connect@blackbusinessnetworkmn.org for details.
Participate in Ramsey County's Inclusive Workplaces Cohort
Applications for the upcoming Inclusive Workplaces Cohort are now being accepted until Friday, February 21. This Executive Leadership Cohort learning experience from the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County (WIB) supports employers becoming more inclusive workplaces, to ensure we are amplifying the diversity of our community as a tool for economic growth. There is no cost to participating businesses.
Get to know the UST Family Business Center
The University of St. Thomas Family Business Center creates opportunities for family businesses to learn, connect, and tackle critical conversations about leadership, ownership, succession, and more. Whether you're navigating generational transitions or strengthening family alignment, the center welcomes all family businesses to move forward with confidence. Contact familybusiness@stthomas.edu to learn more.
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!
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Upcoming events
Thursday, February 27
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Landmark Center
Are you looking to start or grow your business? Connect with local entrepreneurs, developers, community organizations, and business owners committed to advancing Black economic development at the Empowering Progress Business Expo. Register today to learn about small business financing, government contracts, business licensing, human resources, tax accounting, and more. In addition, join the free Financial Empowerment lunch and learn with Michael Franks, Advisory Pro Financial LLC from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Wednesday, February 19
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Virtual event
Join Ramsey County Workforce Solutions as Erin Olson of RealTime Talent speaks about the nuances of five critical workforce trends emerging in Ramsey County. This dynamic presentation will explore how changes in demographics, migration, and commuting behaviors continues to influence local employment dynamics across varied and diverse Ramsey County communities. Register today.
Thursday, February 20
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Virtual event
Do you wish there was a secret formula to determine your pricing structure and make sure it makes financial sense? During this session from Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, an expert will help you determine all the factors that go into pricing, whether that’s for goods or services. This is a high-value session with a finance professional focused on your business, offered to you at no cost — sign up today!
Saturday, February 22
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Dilla Sports Bar & Restaurant
Join the Hamline Midway Coalition for a simple, fun morning of connecting local businesses and neighbors at Dilla Sports Bar and Restaurant. Whether you run a brick-and-mortar shop or operate from home, if you provide goods or services to the Hamline Midway neighborhood, come join the celebration! Please register in advance.
Tuesday, February 25
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Virtual event
This webinar from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry will provide an overview of Minnesota labor laws affecting youth workers, such as work hour limitations, hazardous work restrictions, training wages, and more. Reserve your spot to get equipped with the knowledge to navigate the legal requirements for youth employment in Minnesota.
Tuesday, February 25
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Virtual event
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your tax literacy. Join SCORE's free upcoming webinar to learn how to optimize your small business tax strategy. The expert presenter will guide you through the key aspects of small business taxes to help you enhance your tax literacy and empower your business for financial success. Register now.
Wednesday, March 5
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Neighborhood Development Center
What if your business dreams had a roadmap? Achieve It!, hosted by the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) Business Lab, assists entrepreneurs in learning how to set better business goals so you can conquer each one with confidence. In this workshop, you will: set goals for your business, learn about the key ingredients to setting realistic goals, identify how to reach your goals, and connect with other business owners. Sign up now.
Thursday, March 6
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Neighborhood Development Center
Discover how the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) Lending Team can help turn your ambitions into achievements and support the growth of your small businesses. Learn about NDC's lending processes and offerings, eligibility requirements, and more. These sessions are held on the first Thursday and third Tuesday of each month and are open to anyone interested in learning more — no RSVP is needed.
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