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Are you ready to launch or grow your business? Begin with Plan It!—Neighborhood Development Center’s comprehensive Entrepreneur Training Program. Designed for both aspiring and current entrepreneurs, Plan It! equips participants with the tools to build a strong business foundation. Program topics include accounting, financing, credit, operations, and management. Graduates also gain access to NDC’s full range of ongoing support services, including technical assistance, lending, and real estate resources.
One such Plan It! graduate is Dalton Outlaw, a longtime NDC client, entrepreneur, and owner of Element Gym in St. Paul. Known for his commitment to community empowerment, Dalton is now expanding his impact through a transformative new project: Magnolia Flats. This East St. Paul development will bring new affordable housing to the area and reflects Dalton’s continued investment in the community he serves. With support from NDC and additional funding, Dalton is turning a once-vacant lot into a vital community asset.
Dalton’s story is a powerful example of what Plan It! can spark. His journey from gym owner to community developer highlights the long-term value of NDC’s comprehensive support model. The next Plan It! cohort is currently accepting applications, with a deadline of June 27, 2025. Interested participants are encouraged to apply early and attend an informational session to learn more.
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City of Saint Paul Minimum Wage Increase Coming July 1, 2025
Under the City’s Minimum Wage Ordinance, business size matters. Starting July 1, 2025, the City Minimum Wage will increase for specific business sizes.
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Minimum wage for Micro businesses (5 or fewer employees) will increase to $13.25.
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Minimum wage for Small businesses (6 - 100 employees) will increase to $15.00.
Construction reminder
The first Common Cent Sales Tax project on Grand Avenue is underway between Fairview Avenue and Snelling Avenue. All businesses are open during construction and there is parking on the side streets. For more information, visit stpaul.gov/GrandAvenue.
Stay up to date with Public Works construction by signing up for project specific alerts at www.stpaul.gov/construction (the email sign-up is at the bottom of each project page).
DSI Call Center
Unwelcome artwork on your property? Any designs, symbols, drawings, or other markings on any structure without the owner’s permission are considered graffiti under City code, Ch. 45. The City of Saint Paul call center is available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can walk you through the steps to report and remove unwanted graffiti. Call us at 651-266-8989.
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MN PROMISE Act: Round 2 Coming Late Summer
Round 2 of the MN PROMISE Act is coming soon! To stay up to date on key dates and announcements, we encourage you to check Round 2 updates on their website regularly.
The MN PROMISE Act team is also posting updates every week on social media, and all Round 2 information will be shared there as soon as it’s available. Be sure to follow along.
Promise Act in action: recent Promise Act recipient, TU Dance a Saint Paul–based grantee doing inspiring work in the arts, discusses their experience with the program and its impact on their work – check out their Promise Act story here.
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LEDC launches lending promotion to support small businesses
For a limited time, the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is offering loans of up to $25,000 at a low 3.5% interest rate to support small businesses needing working capital. To be eligible, businesses must have three or more years of stable operations, a minimum annual revenue of $200,000 and a minimum credit score of 640. Loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, and availability of funds. Learn more.
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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.
LED Grow Lighting Rebates
Access free consulting and rebates covering up to 60% of project costs by partnering with lighting experts to get the most out of your indoor grow operation. Through this program through the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), you can get on-site project support from start to finish, increase yields and reduce operating costs with high efficiency LEDs, and access superior rebates and let CEE do all the paperwork. For more information and to get started, please complete the short request form here.
Stay cool this summer with free smart thermostats
Xcel Energy commercial customers in Saint Paul may be eligible for free ecobee Enhanced smart thermostats and free installation from Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). Smart thermostats allow you to monitor your business’s AC remotely and adjust multiple thermostats from your smartphone. Plus, you’ll earn annual bill credits for each thermostat installed through the Xcel Energy AC Rewards program. Request your free installation at mncee.org/thermostats.
In addition to replacing all manual and programmable thermostats at your business, CEE’s HVAC team can help you reduce cooling costs by programming optimal temperature setbacks for unoccupied times. Free commercial HVAC assessments, consulting, and rebates are also available from CEE. Visit mncee.org/thermostats to get started.
CEE is a nonprofit serving eligible commercial customers in Xcel Energy’s Minnesota service territory. CEE is an Xcel Energy-authorized installer of smart thermostats
Learn about accessing flexible capital through the New Impact Fund
The New Impact Fund is offering patient, flexible capital to dynamic, Black-owned businesses based in undercapitalized communities. Selected businesses will receive long-term, low-cost investment along with access to a supportive network of investors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs
This is an invitation-only application process. To be considered, business owners must first complete a short screening call with the NIF team to explore alignment and readiness. This opportunity is open to U.S.-born, 51% Black-owned businesses with a clear business model, growth potential, and a commitment to job creation and community impact.
Key Dates:
- Screening Calls: Now through July 12
- Application Deadline: August 1
- Pitch to Investors: September 17
- Final Selection: September 18
To learn more or express interest, please contact Lily Yu, Program Manager (lily@newimpactfund.org).
Guide To Starting a Business in Minnesota
DEED’s Small Business Assistance Office has published the 43rd edition of its comprehensive Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota. The Guide is available in a digital format on the DEED website and has the same content and format as the hard copy. The Guide contains a concise summary discussion of major issues, questions and concerns that are most commonly raised by those starting a business. Explore the digital guide.
Minnesota Business Snapshot
Minnesotans now have easier access to valuable insights about the state’s business community thanks to two new interactive reports released by the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. Data from the Minnesota Business Snapshot (a voluntary survey completed by over 775,000 business owners since 2016) is now available. Learn more.
Minneapolis Fed’s Business Pulse Survey
How is the economy affecting YOUR business? The Minneapolis Fed's Business Pulse Survey amplifies the experiences of business owners in the Midwest and Montana and brings them to the attention of economists and policymakers. Owners or key financial decision makers of businesses are encouraged to participate in this short, multiple-choice survey.
Access financial and technical support from the City of Saint Paul
The City of Saint Paul partners with business support organizations and groups throughout the Twin Cities. If you would like direct business support from our team, the first step is to submit an intake form. Get connected today to learn more about what programs and resources can help you reach your business goals!
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Upcoming events
Ramsey County’s Community Economic Development Department is offering two in-person information sessions for individuals from diverse backgrounds who are interested in housing and community development projects of less than 25 units or 15,000 square feet of commercial space. The sessions will provide details about the 2025 Emerging Diverse Developers Program (EDD) and how to apply to the upcoming cohort.
Tuesday, June 17
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Virtual event
Are you running online campaigns based on assumptions or facts? In this (free) session we’ll uncover valuable data sources hiding in plain view and walk through how to use it to enhance your future digital marketing campaigns. With tips for every level of expertise, from beginners to advanced data nerds, you will leave this session with a deeper understanding of the potential of running super smart campaigns that could grow your bottom line. Don't miss this valuable education opportunity brought to you by Visit Saint Paul.
Tuesday, June 17
12 - 1 p.m.
Hybrid: Virtual event or MCCD Office - 3137 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
This lending session will provide information on MCCD’s loan products, including microloans, stage 2 business loans, shared ownership loans, and more. A clear breakdown of how to apply, Q&A, and networking. This session is geared toward new and existing MCCD clients interested in applying for a loan, emerging entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those interested in shared ownership seeking funding or support to grow their businesses. Learn more and sign up here!
Wednesday, June 18
2 - 3 p.m.
Virtual Event
Join DEED for an Employer Webinar - Unlocking Inclusivity: How ERAF Can Transform Your Business
Discover how the 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. It’s straightforward, it’s impactful, and it’s your gateway to connecting with outstanding talent. Join us for an informative and engaging session that will cover: the benefits of workplace inclusivity for your business, how ERAF simplifies providing accommodations and supports your bottom line, and real-world examples of accommodations that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Learn how this innovative program can position your business as a leader in inclusivity while meeting your workforce needs. Don’t miss this chance to gain actionable insights and make your workplace more accessible. Take the first step toward unlocking your business’s potential through inclusivity—register today! Note, pre-registration required. Once registered, you’ll receive webinar log-in details via email.
Wednesday, June 25
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Osborn370 - 370 Wabasha St N, St Paul, MN 55102
Wednesday, June 25
6 – 8 p.m.
Virtual Event – ($50.00)
Presented by WomenVenture, this course is designed for pre-launch entrepreneurs who want to start smart and stay compliant. Starting a business can be overwhelming! Let us help you break down the essentials before launching. This two-hour session is your roadmap through the complex world of startup logistics and business banking. In this class, you’ll gain critical knowledge needed to register your business, navigate permits and licenses, and set your business finances up for success. Check out and register here!
Tuesday, July 8
12 – 1:30 p.m.
Virtual Event
Presented by SCORE Twin Cities, Marketing in a Digital World will help you get noticed and build a community online. The session will cover the following: your unique business; where your customers are; maximizing your online spaces; analyzing and adjusting; owning your digital space. Register here!
Saturday, August 16, 2025
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wilder Center - 451 Lexington Pkwy N., St. Paul, MN 55109
Hosted by the Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA), and centered around the theme of “Wealth Building for Asian Minnesotans,” this conference brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members committed to financial empowerment and economic opportunity. YOBIZMO is a powerful initiative dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurs, cultural heritage, and economic opportunity for Asian Minnesotan communities. Workshop topics may include small business development, wealth & asset building, cultural arts & economic development, cooperative & shared ownership models.
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