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Saint Paul small business owners: Soleil Ramirez (chef/owner, Crasqui); Emily K, Krouse (owner/operator, Bb.q Korean fried chicken); Milissa Silva (CEO, El Burrito Mercado); Lorraine Love (owner, LaNoire Bridal); Gloria Contreras Edin (owner, Contreras Edin Law, PA); Amy Ennen Bertomeu (managing partner, North End Car Wash and Detail Center); Katy Armendariz, LICSW (founder, Roots Wellness Center); Jeannine Pohl (owner/portrait artist, Block Portrait Studios)
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Are capital improvements on your small business to-do list this spring? If so, consider applying for a Neighborhood STAR grant in 2025!
This program offers grants to projects that contribute to the prosperity, cultural diversity, and vitality of Saint Paul neighborhoods. To be eligible, businesses or other entities must be located in or doing business in Saint Paul and use the funds for capital improvements with an expected life of seven or more years. Most awards are for $50,000 or less.
The 2025 application will be available at stpaul.gov/nstar on Monday, March 31, 2025.
All applications must be submitted online through ZoomGrants by Friday, May 2 at 4 p.m. Applications must be complete and include all required attachments to be eligible for funding consideration.
Interested business owners should plan to join the virtual Neighborhood STAR Workshop on Tuesday, April 8 from 1-2 p.m. This is your chance to learn more about the program, get application tips, and ask questions of the STAR team. Log-in instructions for the workshop will be posted soon on the Neighborhood STAR website.
“The Neighborhood STAR program provides business owners and local organizations the funds to make better spaces,” said Amy Ennen Bertomeu and Alberto Bertomeu, owners of North End Car Wash and 2024 Neighborhood STAR grant recipients.
The City of Saint Paul has invested in over 1,200 projects, like the improvements at the North End Car Wash, through Neighborhood STAR since 1995. The program also presents a unique opportunity for the City to partner with local businesses to enhance Saint Paul neighborhoods.
“I am incredibly excited and grateful the City of Saint Paul is partnering with me on my project to bring love to Charles Avenue and Rice Street,” said Gloria Contreras Edin, owner of Tiger Investments, LLC and 2024 Neighborhood STAR awardee. “I am looking forward to starting my project and investing in our neighborhood.”
Find details about the program, including guidelines and FAQs, at stpaul.gov/nstar, and be sure to sign up for the Neighborhood STAR email list to get the latest updates.
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Saint Paul chef Soleil Ramirez brings Venezuelan heritage to 'Chopped'
Soleil Ramirez opened her restaurant, Crasqui, in Saint Paul in August 2023, inspired by her Venezuelan roots.
Check out the March 4 episode of Chopped on the Food Network to watch her represent the food scene of Saint Paul, and then experience her cooking for yourself!
Crasqui is located at 84 Wabasha Street South # 3, just across the river from downtown Saint Paul.
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 Explore an innovative and collaborative approach to fostering economic resilience and community wealth in Saint Paul: worker cooperatives. These unique ownership models provide a compelling opportunity to engage employees as co-owners, promoting shared responsibility, equitable decision-making, and long-term stability for your business.
Worker cooperatives are businesses that are owned and democratically governed by the employees. This model empowers workers and strengthens the local economy by keeping resources and profits within the community.
For business owners, transitioning to a worker cooperative can offer a succession solution, increase employee retention, and build a dedicated workforce. Whether you are considering retirement, enhancing workplace culture, or investing in your community, now is a great time to explore the possibility of converting to a worker cooperative.
To help support you in your planning, the City of Saint Paul is proud to partner with Nexus Community Partners as the administrator of the LOCAL Fund for Worker Ownership.
Ready to learn more about how work cooperatives can benefit your business and employees? Here are some ways to get started:
- Visit the Shared Ownership Center’s website at ownwork.org.
- Contact the Shared Ownership Center at Nexus by emailing soc@nexuscp.org or connect with the City of Saint Paul’s Office of Financial Empowerment at mai.c.yang@stpaul.gov.
- Register for the upcoming free business planning webinar series. Each webinar builds upon the last and is aligned with the LOCAL Fund application. Sessions will take place (almost) every other Thursday, 3 - 4:30 p.m. from April until June. By the end of the series, if the LOCAL Fund is a good fit for you and your team, you will be ready to apply!
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Apply for a parklet or sidewalk café permit
Warmer days are around the corner so now is the time to think about adding a sidewalk café at your business.
Parklets and sidewalk cafés are a great way to enhance the streetscape and add gathering spaces to public streets, while also giving customers a new way to enjoy local businesses.
If you own and operate a food establishment (restaurant, coffee shop, etc.) and are interested in learning more or applying for a sidewalk café, visit the City website for more details or reach out to PW-ROWpermits@stpaul.gov.
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Free energy efficiency consulting and rebates for small businesses
Looking for ways to reduce energy costs? Sign up for a free energy consultation from the One-Stop Efficiency Shop, sponsored by Xcel Energy.
The One-Stop helps small businesses save energy and earn rebates through practical lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration upgrades. The program includes:
- Free on-site energy assessments
- Rebates covering up to 75% of project costs
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Free smart thermostats and free installation
- Project support including help finding contractors and reviewing bids
- Access to low-interest financing
- Assistance completing and submitting rebate paperwork
Learn more and sign up for a free energy consultation at mncee.org/commercial.
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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, 149 applications and a total of $2,606,700 in grant funding has been processed in Saint Paul. Sign up for the newsletter to receive timely updates on future funding rounds.
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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 March 24 – secure your spot at least one week in advance. Additional cohorts will also be held throughout 2025.
For more information on AEDS’s services and resources, visit aeds-mn.org.
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New Saint Paul CareerForce location and resources for employers
CareerForce in Saint Paul is opening in a new downtown location on March 10. More exciting details about the new location will be coming soon!
Did you know that in addition to assisting job seekers, CareerForce Centers provide many service to employers, including access to a pool of potential employees, tools to help with recruitment and hiring, identifying training opportunities for current staff, and connecting with local workforce resources to address specific skill gaps and training needs? Stop in to the CareerForce Center in Saint Paul to get help finding and retaining talent.
Employer Reasonable Accommodation Funding available
Discover how the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more inclusive workplace. Small to mid-sized businesses in Minnesota can receive reimbursements of up to $30,000 for providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. Learn more at the virtual info session on Wednesday, March 19 from 2 - 3 p.m.
Funding for waste reduction and reuse projects available
Does your business or have a project that is working to expand waste reduction, reuse, rental, and/or repair efforts in Minnesota? Apply now to receive funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's waste reduction and reuse grant program! Find details on how to submit a proposal on the statewide waste reduction and reuse grants webpage. Applications are due by Thursday, March 27 at 4 p.m.
2025 Dual Training Grants from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) is launching a new round of the Dual Training Grant and Legal Cannabis Dual Training Grant. Dual Training Grant recipients can use the funds to help cover costs related to instruction toward attaining an industry-recognized degree, certificate, or credential for their employees through a dual-training program.
Requests for proposals opened March 4 and interested applicants have until Tuesday, April 15 to respond. More info on the RFP process can be found on OHE’s website.
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
Tuesday, March 18
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Virtual event
Don't miss this free training opportunity for all Saint Paul business owners from Destination Uplift, brought to you by Visit Saint Paul. Improve your online visibility and attract more potential customers with this SEO crash course, loaded with actionable tactics that you can implement immediately. No matter your experience level, this webinar will provide you with simple, effective strategies to make SEO work for you. RSVP now.
Set up your Destination Uplift account to find more free small business marketing resources and webinars (use code PARTNER2025).
Tuesday, March 18
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Virtual event
Join SCORE Twin Cities for a free, insightful webinar that will cover essential topics such as managing cash flow, determining if your business needs to borrow, showcasing why your business is a good investment, understanding crucial financial data, exploring credit options, and strategies for building your business empire. Register now.
Wednesday, March 19
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
West Minnehaha Recreation Center
Come meet organizations with missions that include recycling, creating green space, environmental clean-up, and more! Green resources and activities happening in the community will be highlighted as well. If you are interested in learning more about environmental activities in the county, this event is for you. Learn more about the event.
Wednesday, March 19
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Virtual event
Navigating taxes as a self-employed entrepreneur or small business owner can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! The webinar from Small Business Majority will provide the knowledge and resources you need to stay compliant and maximize your tax savings. Learn essential tax tips, deductions, and best practices to help you file your business taxes with confidence. Reserve your spot.
Wednesday, March 19
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m
Osborn370
Strengthen the Strong is a networking group with the mission to strengthen changemakers in the Twin Cities by creating a space where new connections, new ideas, and new partnerships can be developed. While the community and connection are endless, the food supply isn't, so be an early bird if you want to enjoy the lunch. RSVP today.
Thursday, March 20
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Macalester College - Weyerhaeuser Building
Saint Paul Public Works will be reconstructing Grand Avenue from Fairview Avenue to Snelling Avenue starting later this spring. Join City staff for a community meeting on March 20 to learn more about the activities and timelines. A presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m. and staff will be present to address any construction concerns or questions. For more information or to sign up for regular project updates, visit stpaul.gov/grandavenue.
Saturday, March 22
11 a.m. - 2 p.m
Sun Ray Park & Ride
Opening day for the new METRO Gold Line is March 22! Join Metro Transit for a community celebration at Sun Ray Park & Ride with family activities and entertainment including free commemorative poster (while supplies last), community outreach booths, food trucks, and more. Gold Line rides will be free from Saturday, March 22 through Friday, March 28, courtesy of Ramsey and Washington counties.
Monday, March 24
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Hayden Heights Library
The Open to Business program provides direct technical assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs at no cost. All current business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs intending to establish, purchase, or improve a business in Saint Paul are eligible and encouraged to participate. Additional office hours will be held at Highland Park Library on Tuesday, April 1 and Rondo Community Library on Thursday, April 3.
Thursday, April 3
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Virtual event
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.
Thursday, April 10
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saint Paul RiverCentre
Mark your calendars for Tech Fest 2025 on April 10 at the RiverCentre in downtown Saint Paul. At this free event, leaders from across the business landscape will share winning strategies for driving stronger performance on your organizations mission-critical priorities and offer inside access to the latest tech innovations, trends, and debates you won’t find anywhere else. Reserve your ticket now.
Thursday, April 10 - Saturday, April 12
All Day
Wilder Foundation
Are you ready to level up your business connections, confidence, and cash in 2025? Then you need to be in attendance at the premier entrepreneur ecosystem event in Minnesota. This year's theme is Capital Readiness Inside + Out and the summit will be packed with dynamic sessions tailored for entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem community led by industry experts. Learn more about registration and ticket cost.
Thursday, April 24
9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
YMCA - Saint Paul Eastside
Are you hiring entry-level employees or offering low-cost/no-cost training opportunities? Save the date for the Level-Up job and resource fair! This event is designed to connect 18-24-year-olds with career and training opportunities that set them up for success. By registering for a table, you'll have the chance to meet motivated graduating seniors and young adults actively seeking entry-level positions. Learn more and register.
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