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 Ramsey County Means Business
Ramsey County’s CEO Next Business Institute is accepting applicants through August 30, for its upcoming cohort. The no-cost program serves CEOs of for-profit and privately held second stage businesses looking to continue growing their businesses. CEO Next defines second stage businesses as organizations with 10–99 employees, over $1 million in annual revenue and a readiness to transition from small to large scale.
Participants in CEO Next gain access to expert guidance, confidential peer roundtables and up to 30 hours of advanced technical research. The program is a partnership between Ramsey, Hennepin, Dakota and Scott counties, designed to help businesses scale regionally and nationally. Find additional information and apply at ramseycounty.us/ceonext.
Not ready for CEO Next? New entrepreneurs and existing small businesses can utilize Ramsey County’s Open to Business program operated in partnership with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD). The program provides direct technical assistance with developing a business plan, a business feasibility analysis, cash flow and financial projections, and other technical assistance resources. Open to Business is available to you and your business! See here for free and confidential office hours dates and times in August.
Stay up to date on the latest business resources and offerings through Ramsey County Means business website. Ramsey County remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs looking to do business locally by offering accessible information and virtual tools. In addition to Ramsey County Means business, Ramsey County offers a Site Selector Tool to help find new locations to start and expand your business.
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For technical assistance and small business resource providers, Ramsey County is now accepting applications for the Re-Imagination Resource Center Grant, a new initiative aimed at strengthening business community organizations that support small businesses and entrepreneurs. Nonprofit organizations may be awarded up to $150,000 per year for two years, with up to $2 million in total funding available. Funding will help organizations expand their capacity in building technical capabilities, expanding training and mentorship and offering financial assistance. Learn more about the grant, the application process and how to apply here. Applications close August 26.
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Kirtland Electric was founded by husband-and-wife team Dick and Patty Kirtland. After years of experience in the Electrical Union, Mr. Kirtland was inspired to start his own business, laying the foundation for what has become a trusted electrical contractor serving clients across Minnesota.
Participation in the CERT program has played a significant role in the company’s growth, helping Kirtland Electric secure contracts with a diverse range of clients. Their work has included projects for city, county, and state government buildings, low-income housing agencies, and educational institutions such as the University of Minnesota.
According to the Kirtland’s, “Just having the certification alone makes people want to work with you more. It has been a great experience for our company and our team.”
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 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 increased 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).
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).
Visit Saint Paul has also put together a dedicated page of related construction projects, with information on navigating roadwork and supporting our local businesses – check it out here!
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.
LEDC Launches Main Street Economic Revitalization Program
Latino Economic Development Center’s (LEDC) East Side Community Main Street Economic Revitalization Program will fund construction-ready projects led by businesses and nonprofit organizations that are rebuilding the community’s critical corridors along Payne Avenue, Arcade Street, and East Seventh Street.
With total program funding received from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) totaling $1.249, the maximum grant amount per project is $750,00, which can cover up to 30% of the total project cost. Applications close on August 29 and projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. You can find more information here and get started on a project proposal intake form here.
LEDC is also offering low interest loans to small businesses in need of working capital. While funds last, LEDC is offering loans of up to $25,000 to new client businesses at a low interest rate of 3.5%. Please see their website for information on eligibility, guidelines and terms. You can apply directly here.
$33 Million for New and Developing Small Businesses
The funding is part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which will fund six existing programs through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
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Automation Loan Participation Program. Low-interest loans of up to $500,000 available to manufacturing, distribution, technology, and warehousing businesses.
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Growth Loan Fund. Low-interest loans of up to $400,000 available to early-stage businesses that are engaged in technological innovation in Minnesota that seek to raise equity investments.
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Minnesota Loan Guarantee Program. Guarantees up to $800,000 on loans enrolled by approved lenders.
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Small Business Loan Participation Program. DEED purchases $10,000 to $250,000 participations in loans made by approved non-depository Community Development Financial Institutions and nonprofit lenders.
DEED is partnering with the University of Minnesota on two venture capital funds:
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Direct Investment Venture Capital. Venture capital investments for seed-stage and early-stage startups.
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Multi-Fund Venture Capital. Fund-level venture capital investments targeting advanced manufacturing, agtech/foodtech, climate tech, life sciences, software, and technology startups.
For more information, such as available funding, eligibility, and how to apply, check out their website or email questions to SSBCI.DEED@state.mn.us.
MN PROMISE Act: Round 2 Update
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Round 2 of the MN PROMISE Act is tentatively scheduled to open in September. While there is no confirmed launch date yet, updates will be shared as soon as they become available.
In the meantime, you can:
Twin Cities Marathon Weekend Business Promotional Opportunity
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Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend brings 30,000 participants and 300,000 spectators to the streets of Minneapolis and Saint Paul the first weekend in October. Twin Cities In Motion and Visit Saint Paul would like to ensure Marathon Weekend participants and spectators are able to enjoy a full weekend of fun and specials as they prepare to run their race, cheer for their loved ones and celebrate their accomplishment post-race.
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Businesses that are interested in offering specials for Marathon Weekend participants can offer specials starting on Thursday, September 25th through Sunday, October 5th (please note businesses do not need to offer specials for the entire 11 days).
This form is for businesses to highlight their Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon specials for race participants during Marathon Week.
Is your business ready for the Minnesota fluorescent ban?
Minnesota is taking steps to reduce hazardous waste, mercury pollution, and carbon emissions by phasing out fluorescent lighting in favor of newer, cleaner lighting technologies like LEDs. Through the Clean Lighting bill passed in 2024, commercial building operators can keep and use their existing inventory of fluorescent screw-in bulbs and tubes, but they will not be allowed to purchase new mercury-containing lamps after these dates:
- January 1, 2025: Screw-in or bayonet-based compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
- January 1, 2026: Pin-based linear or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
CEE's One-Stop Efficiency Shop, sponsored by Xcel Energy, can help your business make the switch to LEDs and save you money on lighting upgrades with limited-time bonus rebates covering up to 75% of project costs. Starting with a free, onsite consultation, our lighting experts can help you plan lighting retrofit projects, review bids, and navigate the rebate process.
LEDs have numerous advantages over fluorescents in commercial settings:
- Longer lasting (2–3x)
- Up to 50% less energy use
- Lower maintenance costs
- Improved lighting quality and aesthetics
- Mercury-free
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Rebates and incentives available to help cover upfront costs
Get started with a free lighting assessment and make a plan to replace your fluorescents at mncee.org/commercial.
Join the Family Business Center this Year!
The Family Business Center is excited to open registration for the 2025-26 season! Last year was another record-breaker for the center, surpassing 100 member families.
Membership is highlighted by the Family Business Breakfast Series, featuring seven in-person events, held on Thursday mornings from 7:30-9:30 a.m. on the St. Paul campus. In addition, they’re pleased to bring back the successful Women's Leadership and NextGen Gathering events. Members also receive a $300 discount to participate in peer groups, $5,000 scholarships for the Executive MBA and a 15% discount for all family and employees in Executive Education open enrollment programs. Cost remains $1,750 per family and thanks to the generosity of a donor, they can provide financial assistance to smaller family businesses who may not be able to afford the full cost of a membership. If this is you, please fill out this scholarship application.
Prepare Your Business for Launch with Small Business Essentials
WomenVenture’s five-session Small Business Essentials course prepares aspiring entrepreneurs for a successful launch. You’ll explore marketing, finance, operations, and legal considerations in a supportive, cohort-based environment. The class will meet online via Zoom from 1-3pm on Thursdays, starting on August 21st and ends on September 18th. Visit the WomenVenture website for course objectives and details. Scholarships available. Register Now!
Apply to North Star Cohort 9 by August 25th!
Are you passionate about Black economic justice? Are you involved in a Black-led collective, cooperative, or land trust? Apply to their Fellowship! Together, you will learn and reclaim the history of Black cooperative economics over seven months of co-learning, storytelling, and skill-building. Cohort 9 applications are open through Monday, Aug. 25, 11:59 pm CT.
Resource Opportunities along Saint Paul Commercial Corridors
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West 7th VIBE program will offer subgrants for public art installations, creative business collaborations, and free, hyper-local events. The VIBE program offers grants to artists and businesses who want to bring vibrancy and visibility to the W 7th corridor from Kellog to Homer. Applications are open and will close 5:00pm August 31. Learn more and apply here!
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West 7th/Fort Road Federation is offering a new Sustainable Business Enhancements Grant. Funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the grant offers up to $10,000 per business to support energy-efficient upgrades, green infrastructure installations and sustainable façade improvements. Businesses must be located within St. Paul’s West 7th neighborhood (District 9) and can access application materials and program guidelines here. Applications close at 5:00pm on August 31.
- The Highland District Council is seeking proposals from businesses to lead Saint Paul’s Commercial Corridor Organization Assistance Program eligible activities along the Snelling-Ford Parkway-Cleveland corridor and the W 7th St corridor, from Homer to Wheeler. Eligible activities consist of corridor-wide beautification efforts, such as signage, flower baskets, planters, and public art installations. Applications will close September 30, 2025. Learn more and apply here!
Get FREE Expert Business Advice!
Whether you are just developing your business idea, or have been in business for years, SCORE mentors are there 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!
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Upcoming events
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.
Tuesday, August 19
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Hybrid: Virtual event or 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!
Wednesday, August 20
4:00 - 6:00pm
Virtual
Are you an entrepreneur looking to set out big goals for your business? Join Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) for Achieve It!. This workshop is designed to help entrepreneurs set clear goals, build actionable strategies, and move forward with confidence. This session provides helpful tools to grow, all in a supportive environment. Whether you're just getting started, scaling up, or shifting directions, Achieve It! can help you accomplish your next goal. Register here!
Thursday, August 28
11am – 12pm
Virtual
Hiring can be one of the most expensive mistakes for a business.
In this workshop, you'll learn some best practices and marketing tips to hire better, faster in this competitive market. This workshop is presented by Coimatan, the think tank for local retail based in the Twin Cities. Register here!
Thursday, August 28
1 – 2:30pm
Virtual
Getting great reviews shouldn’t be left to chance—and managing your reputation doesn’t have to take up all your time. For small business owners, consistently asking for feedback and growing online trust often falls through the cracks. In this practical workshop, Alex Storey, founder of Skill Mammoth Digital, will show you how to automate your review and reputation process from start to finish. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few systems in place, you’ll learn how to collect more reviews, respond faster, and build trust at scale—all without extra effort.
This session is beginner-friendly but packed with value for intermediate business owners, too.
You’ll walk away with a simple, repeatable system to:
- Ask for reviews at the right time
- Route happy customers to public platforms
- Handle negative feedback gracefully
- Keep your reputation growing on autopilot
If you want to build trust, boost visibility, and turn satisfied clients into raving fans, this is the session for you. Register here!
Tuesday, September 9
12 – 1:30pm
Virtual
This is for business owners who are looking to get organized and gain insights into how prospects and customers are engaging with your marketing, sales, and service efforts.
We will dig into what a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool is and the habits and processes that complement the technology. We will look at what structures are needed in order to attract more prospects, engage and convert more leads, and delight your customers. Register here!
Thursday, September 11
10 – 11:30am
Virtual
Do you approach bookkeeping like going to the Dentist, such as . . . it's not your favorite task, it’s easy to put off, and it's less painful when done on a regular basis? Lisa Peterson will take a practical tour of what is most important for small business owners when it comes to their finances, and she will describe the help that QuickBooks can provide.
Topics include: What is a Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss? What is cash basis accounting vs. accrual accounting? Lisa will also answer the question of why you should care about understanding your finances and who else cares about your books - it is not just about you!
This is a basic but engaging discussion about: chart of accounts, how to account for products and services, understanding the sales cycle, and how to account for expenses, including payroll.
Most importantly, you will learn when you should look for accounting advice vs doing your books yourself. Register here!
Monday, October 13 & Tuesday, October 14
Machine Shop
Now in its eighth year, Food. Ag. Ideas, led by Naturally MN has become a must-attend gathering for individuals, entrepreneurs, and companies alike, drawing attendees from Minnesota and beyond. This year, they're focusing on the intersection of food and health; exploring how innovation in food technology, functional foods, and understanding of ultra-processed foods is shaping the future of nutrition and wellness. From cutting-edge protein innovations to consumer health trends, we'll explore how the food industry is evolving to meet the growing demand for healthier, more functional food options. They’re tossing out the small talk and serving up big ideas. Hungry for knowledge? Registration is OPEN!
Tuesday, October 14
9am – 12pm
Saint Paul RiverCentre
Join the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce for their fourth annual Career Connect Day on October 14, 2025, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre as they welcome more than 2,000 students and more than 100 businesses! They’re currently seeking sponsors and exhibitors - learn more about the opportunities.
Thursday, November 13
8:30am – 5pm
CHS Field
Hill Capital is grateful and excited to host the Hill Capital Summit (formerly Empire Builders). This exclusive event will include our shareholders, portfolio companies, Ambassadors and entrepreneurs of all types. See what it looks like in action from past events.
Please note that many of the event sponsors are offering their constituents discount codes for tickets. There is a promo code field at the top of the registration page. If you are interested in being a partner on this event, please reach out to Patrick Donohue, at Patrick (at) HillCapitalCorp.com
If cost is an issue, we want to hear from you, as there are some tickets being purchased and donated.
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