Small Business Newsletter - July 2025

City of St. Paul sent this bulletin at 07/10/2025 04:21 PM CDT

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Header image of Nina's Coffee Cafe sourced from Visit Saint Paul

image of Nina's Coffee Cafe on 165 Western Avenue; sourced from Visit Saint Paul

CERT: Connecting Small Businesses with Big Opportunities

The CERT Program is a certification program for small, local businesses — including those owned by women and people of color — to work with local governments. It helps these businesses get certified so they can compete for public contracts more easily. The goal is to promote fairness, grow the local economy, and support job creation.

We suggest getting CERT certified. The City’s Vendor Outreach Program sets goals for working with CERT-certified businesses. The city is also required to get quotes from certified vendors for certain purchases. If your business is CERT certified, City staff can quickly find information about your business in the CERT vendor database.

City News and Updates

Business Update for Cannabis Entrepreneurs

Whether you are just starting out or have already received Preliminary Approval for a cannabis or lower-potency hemp edible license from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), this worksheet will help you obtain required City approvals. Before OCM can issue a license, applicants must obtain Zoning, Building Code, and Fire Code approval from the City of Saint Paul. The following provides you guidance on the information you will need and the process for achieving these approvals. Please see our website for additional information on Cannabis and Cannabinoid Retail.

For more information on where cannabis based businesses can locate in Saint Paul visit the City of Saint Paul’s cannabis webpage or contact cannabis@stpaul.gov

On June 2, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) continued accepting registrations for businesses that would like a license to sell hemp derived and cannabis products. The window to register will remain open until August 31.

Not registered yet or need to register an additional location? Register your HDCP business by completing the HDCP Business Registration Form by August 31, 2025. If you have more than one location, please register each one separately.

What to do if your registration information has changed? If you have previously registered and a portion of your registration information has changed, please complete the Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products Business Registration Change Form.

City of Saint Paul Minimum Wage Increased on July 1, 2025

Under the City’s Minimum Wage Ordinance, business size matters. As of July 1, 2025, the City Minimum Wage will increase for specific business sizes.

Minimum wage for Micro businesses (5 or fewer employees) will increase to $13.25.
Minimum wage for Small businesses (6 - 100 employees) will increase to $15.00.
Minimum wage will remain at $15.97 for Large & Macro businesses (101+ employees).

Minimum wage increase chart for July, 2025

Please visit stpaul.gov/minimumwage for additional information or contact the Labor Standards Division at 651-266-8966 or by email at laborstandards@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

Construction Reminder

City of Saint Paul Public Works, MnDOT, Ramsey County, Metro Transit, Saint Paul Regional Water Services, and utility companies are all working in various areas throughout Saint Paul this construction season. Some of the larger Saint Paul Public Works projects in the downtown include: Minnesota Street, Robert Street, Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge, and the Capital City Bikeway on Kellogg Boulevard.

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.

To get in, out, and around Saint Paul this construction season, plan ahead, and use the city’s Road Closure Map (and list) at www.stpaul.gov/roadclosures.

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).

Ready Business – Disaster Preparedness

Disasters come in many forms, and the financial burden of recovery can be devastating for businesses. Every organization has its own vulnerabilities and priorities. Understanding which hazards are most likely to impact your operations—and identifying what assets or functions need protection—is key to building resilience. By taking proactive steps to prepare for the most probable threats, business leaders and employees can significantly improve their ability to resume operations quickly and reduce downtime after a disaster.

For more information, check out these two resources:

DSI Call Center

From garbage to graffiti, The City of Saint Paul call center is here to help get code violations taken care of. Real, knowledgeable people are available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to answer questions, log complaints, and get your problem one step closer to being solved. Give us a call at 651-266-8989.

Bûcheron, Myriel’s Karyn Tomlinson are 2025 James Beard Award winners
(Bring Me The News | June 17, 2025)

Former Coffee Cup space reopens as The Perfect Coffee, serving diner staples and more
(Pioneer Press via Yahoo News | June 19, 2025)

Big Island Poké Brings Authentic Hawaiian to St. Paul
(Community Reporter | June 26, 2025)

Building community through boxing: Inside Element Gym with Dalton Outlaw
(MPR News | July 1, 2025)

Resources for Businesses

MN PROMISE Act: Round 2 Update

Round 2 of the MN PROMISE Act is coming soon! While there is no confirmed launch date yet, the team is committed to keeping the public informed. The release of final program guidelines has been delayed due to a special legislative session following the regular session’s end on May 19th. Updates will be shared as soon as they become available.

In the meantime, you can:

Business Support Grants for Arcade Street / East 7^th

The Legislature approved $250,000 to support 50 businesses on Arcade Street during the MNDOT construction which is set to last until 2026. The funds are to help business owners offset lost revenue, decreased foot traffic and overall operational disruptions during this project. Eligibility criteria:

Business has no more than 25 full time equivalent employees.
Be located within 300 feet of the construction project.
Experience impairment of road access, parking, or visibility as a result of the construction project.

Are You A Community Bookkeeper?

The Small Business Labor Law Pilot Program is in search of Community Bookkeepers interested in helping their small business clients strengthen their back-office operations and understanding of labor law. They foster a collaborative relationship with bookkeepers, allowing them to design the project using bookkeepers' expertise while providing networking opportunities and training. They partner with some community bookkeepers to deliver subsidized support for financial literacy and labor law compliance to their clients.

Their pilot started last year in Minneapolis and with its successes they are expanding to work with bookkeepers and small businesses in throughout the metro area. They have a day-long labor law training coming up in August.

Contact Andy Vue, the Pilot's Bookkeeper Coordinator to learn more about the network and training at avue@ndc-mn.org or 651.379.8109

Looking to Operate Your Own Salon Space?

Neighborhood Development Center’s (NDC) Collective Salon Studios at Dale is now leasing beautifully designed and affordable micro studios for beauty service professionals looking to operate their own salon space. Conveniently located on University Avenue, this is your chance to join a community of entrepreneurs and grow on your own terms.

Curious about a lease? Email Brittany Tyus at btyus@ndc-mn.org today!

Resources to Help Train or Upskill Your Workforce

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) workforce training grants can help eligible businesses pay for workforce training. DEED provides training grant funding through the State of Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) program, which has helped Minnesota businesses train thousands of workers in communities across the state.

Your business may qualify for one of our training grant programs that help offset training-related expenses. Grant programs DEED is highlighting right now include MJSP Partnership Grant, Automation Training Incentive Program (ATIP) Grant, and Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) Grant. Find out more and apply for funding here.

Build A Hiring Process That Welcomes All

Attention Saint Paul employers! Ramsey County's Inclusive Employer Toolkit is available to help employers provide a more welcoming environment for all by offering practices to build inclusion in the areas of employee recruitment, hiring, onboarding and retention. The Hiring section of the toolkit provides strategies on crafting inclusive job descriptions, expanding recruitment efforts to reach underrepresented communities, and implementing fair screening and interviewing practices. View the toolkit.

Tips to Prepare Your Commercial HVAC System for Summer

Summer weather is here, and heat waves are on the way. If you have an aging rooftop unit (RTU), your HVAC system might already be struggling to keep up with your building's cooling needs. CEE's One-Stop Efficiency Shop, sponsored by Xcel Energy, is here to help with tips and best practices you can follow to ensure your building stays cool all summer long.

Read more about CEE's HVAC tips here. If you’re Interested in a free HVAC assessment for your building – sign up today.

Get FREE Expert Business Advice!

Whether you are just developing your business idea, or have been in business for years, SCORE mentors are here to help you. No question is too big or too small. Meet with one of their mentors via email, video, or phone. Find Your Mentor.

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!

Upcoming Events

Build a Marketing Framework: Clarify Your Brand, Audience Insights & Messaging

Tuesday, July 15
1pm - 2:30pm
Virtual Event

Struggling to create a consistent visual identity? This workshop will help you build a cohesive brand across digital, print, word of mouth, and customer experience. You'll walk away with tools to define your visual language and develop a marketing framework that truly reflects your brand.

NDC Loan Information Session

Wednesday, July 16
1 pm - 2pm
Neighborhood Development Center

Join Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) for a Loan Information Session—held on the first Thursday and third Wednesday of every month at 1:00 PM! Their dedicated team of loan officers will walk you through the loan process, answer any questions, and help you explore loan options that best fit your needs. Sessions are offered both virtually or in-person at NDC offices, offering flexibility to all who attend. Register here.

Strengthen the Strong / Chamber Connect

Wednesday, July 16
4 - 6 pm
Location TBD

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. Join them for an unforgettable happy hour in partnership with the 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.

Social Media Shake-Up - Strategy That Sticks with AI

Thursday, July 17
11:00am – 12:30pm
Virtual Event

Stop the scroll-stress and start posting with purpose. This workshop shows you how to build a results-driven social media strategy using AI for content creation, scheduling, and analytics, so you can stay consistent without burning out.

Elevate Your Influencer Marketing

Thursday, July 17
11:00am – 12:00pm
Maccabee Public Relations

Naturally Minnesota’s July Founders Forum. Level Up Your Company's Influencer Marketing Game - Over Lunch! Join Maccabee PR for a complimentary Lunch and Learn workshop designed to take your B2B or B2C influencer strategy to the next level.

Minnesota Yacht Club Music Festival

Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20
Harriet Island Regional Park

This three-day outdoor festival in the heart of Saint Paul will bring fans together to enjoy performances across two stages with no overlapping sets between the 20 top-notch artists. The Minnesota Yacht Club Festival returns this year, and this time with three whole days of performances across two stages. Jam out to big-name artists like Hozier, Train, Fall Out Boy, Weezer and Green Day at Harriet Island along the Mississippi River.

Are You Lender Ready?

Wednesday, July 23
9:00am – 4:30pm
Downtown Minneapolis

This event will bring together some of the top SBA local lenders (US Bank, Platinum Bank, BankVista, MBFC, WomenVenture, NDC, CFR USA, MEDA) and business advisors (SBDC, SCORE) under one roof for a full day of workshops, lender panel, expert insights, and invaluable networking opportunities. Don't miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and connections to secure the funding your business needs! Register here.

MCCD Lending Information Session

Tuesday, August 5
12:00pm – 1:00pm
MCCD Office

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!

Open to Business Office Hours

Thursday, August 7
1pm - 3pm
Rondo Community Library (Meeting Room B)

The Open to Business program provides direct technical assistance and other forms of support to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Current business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs intending to establish, purchase or improve a business within Ramsey County are eligible and encouraged to participate.

COMPETE | 25

Wednesday, August 13
8:30am – 10:00am
University of St. Thomas Anderson Student Center

Join us for breakfast as we look at the current state of the economy in Minnesota and the MSP region. We will unveil the 2025 Regional Indicators Dashboard. We’ll investigate the metrics that tell the story of our region’s competitiveness in the global race for investment and talent. Most importantly, we’ll walk you through our region’s strategy for winning. Expect to be informed, challenged, and inspired! This event is co-hosted by the St. Paul Area Chamber, Minneapolis Regional Chamber and GREATER MSP. Register here.

YOBIZMO 2025 Wealth Building Conference for Asian Minnesotans

Saturday, August 16
10am – 4pm
Wilder Center

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.