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 Saint Paul Business Awards Nominations
It’s that time of year! The Saint Paul Business Awards are back! This program serves to uplift Saint Paul businesses that provide rich, diverse, and inclusive experiences to the community. With five different categories, there are many chances to get your business recognized!
Categories include:
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Alice O’Brien Award - Honoring a woman-owned business that is committed to equity and empowerment.
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Good Neighbor Award - Honoring a business that shows dedication to improving the community.
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Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least 20 years.
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People’s Choice Award - Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents.
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New Kid on the Block Award - Honoring a business that has opened in Saint Paul within the last five years.
Last year’s winners include: Flava Café (Alice O’Brien Award), The Curl District (New Kid on the Block Award), Tiffany’s Sports Lounge (Traditions Award), Willie’s American Guitars (People’s Choice Award), Storehouse Grocers (Good Neighbor Award).
Nominations must be submitted no later than noon on October 17th, 2025. Visit www.stpaul.gov/bizawards to learn more about award categories, previous winners, and how you can nominate your favorite spot!
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Outreach for Round 2 of the MN PROMISE Act is now underway!
A series of Info Sessions are being hosted and will talk about: ✔️ Who’s eligible in Round 2 ✔️ What to expect during the application process ✔️ How to apply for the grant
📍You can view all upcoming events here: 🔗 https://www.mnpromiseact.org/events
The MN PROMISE Act website is also updated with the latest information: 🔗 https://www.mnpromiseact.org/
Under the Program dropdown, visitors can find details about the Round 2 Grant Process and access the Applicant Help Center, where they can browse through the most commonly asked program questions.
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 Introducing PAULIE!
We’re excited to introduce our new Permits and Utility Licensing Inspection Engine, or “PAULIE” for short.
For the first time in Saint Paul’s 170-year history, you’ll be able to apply for permits, licenses, variances, and more from anywhere at any time! PAULIE streamlines the process for issuing construction permits, business licenses, and various other City enterprise approvals and complaint investigations.
If “in-person” is your preferred networking system, no worries. We’re still available to process your paperwork and answer questions during normal business hours. Visit www.stpaul.gov/PAULIE for updates as we bring the system online!
IMPORTANT NOTE! To facilitate the launch of PAULIE, DSI will close on September 15th and 16th. We will only conduct previously scheduled inspections and appointments during this time, but our priority is to restore core operations in PAULIE. We will re-open for normal operations on September 17th.
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: 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)
Preparedness at Work: Business-Focused Spotlight for National Preparedness Month
September marks National Preparedness Month, an annual initiative by FEMA’s Ready Campaign that encourages proactive planning across communities—and businesses are no exception. Businesses play a vital and often untapped role in community readiness. Business leaders and employees encounter a wide range of threats. Businesses can strengthen resilience by taking a few simple steps:
- Know Your Risks: Identify hazards that could disrupt your operations.
- Make a Plan: Develop or update your business continuity and communication plans.
- Have What You Need: Stock workplace emergency kits with essentials like water, flashlights, first aid, and key documents.
- Train Your Team: Practice evacuations, first aid, and response drills.
Prepared employees are safer, businesses recover faster, and communities stay stronger.
👉 Follow Saint Paul Emergency Management on X/Twitter and Facebook, @ReadyStPaul, for updates all month.
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.
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Twin Cities Startup Week, October 6 – 10
Twin Cities Startup Week (TCSW) is the region’s premier celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, bringing together thousands of founders, small business owners, investors, and community leaders. Held each fall, the week features a packed lineup of panels, workshops, pitch events, networking opportunities, and social gatherings—all designed to showcase the Twin Cities’ vibrant startup ecosystem. From tech innovators to local makers, TCSW highlights the diverse talent driving business growth in Minnesota.
TCSW offers a chance to connect with potential partners, learn from industry experts, and explore resources that can help scale and strengthen operations. Whether you’re looking for practical tips on marketing, insight into funding opportunities, or simply a chance to share your story, the weeklong series provides an accessible entry point into the broader entrepreneurial community. Expand your network and tap into the energy and momentum fueling growth across the Twin CitiesClick to edit this placeholder text.
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Neighborhood Development Center’s Mindset Reset
Struggling with self-care while running a business? Sign up for Mindset Reset! The entrepreneurial journey comes with both opportunities and challenges. Mindset Reset is a space for business owners to pause, recharge, and reconnect with their goals.
Through workshops and conversations focused on growth, resilience, and self-care, entrepreneurs gain tools to navigate challenges with confidence and clarity. Apply for this six-week course here!
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2025 Small Business Cohort
In collaboration with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation – Twin Cities, Rooted Philanthropic announced the application portal for the 2025 Small Business Cohort is open through September 18!
This two-year program is designed to equip small business owners located in East Side Saint Paul with the tools and support needed to strengthen and grow their operations for long-term success.
Benefits for selected participants include:
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Up to $800 stipend for workshop attendance
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$20,000 grant to support your business
- Access to legal, accounting, and marketing services valued at $30,000
- A dedicated business mentor for one year
That's a total investment of over $50,000 per business in the 2025 cohort! Due to the highly competitive process only 5 businesses will be selected in 2025. If your business is located on the East Side and you’re ready to take it to the next level, we encourage you to learn more here and apply directly here.
September is Workforce Development Month
Attention Saint Paul employers! The Minnesota Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator half day workshops can help your company build a plan that will attract, hire and retain the best talent. Sessions are held monthly. The next session is Tuesday, September 23, 9am-1pm, at CareerForce in Chaska.
Employers can participate in a half-day in-person workshop to receive in-depth learning on:
- Rebuilding an employer's hiring process with a skills and competency-based approach by focusing on candidates’ capabilities rather than credentials.
- Improving retention by rebuilding job descriptions, interview processes, onboarding and more.
- Increasing diversity among your workforce using data-driven tools that lead to more equitable hiring processes.
- Providing networking with talent-sourcing organizations.
In addition, 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.
Lastly, don’t forget Ramsey County Means Business and has a free job board - Job Connect, a listing of workforce training programs, and a directory of local community organizations offering workforce services that drive inclusive economic growth. Visit Ramsey County Means Business today to discover how it can help you achieve your workforce goals.
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.
Funding Opportunities for Ramsey County Development Projects
Three Ramsey County Community & Economic Development programs will open their application periods in September. These programs support redevelopment, preservation and new development projects across the county.
Together, these three programs provide opportunities to advance projects that strengthen neighborhoods, expand economic opportunity and support a more resilient, inclusive and equitable Ramsey County. Find details about each of the funding opportunities at ramseycounty.us/CED.
Cannabis Update
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced the recipients of $3.6 million in cannabis business development loans and grants from the three programs overseen by the agency that were created when Minnesota legalized adult-use marijuana in 2023.
- The CanNavigate program awarded more than $940,000 in grants to “community-based entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) and organizations with cannabis regulatory experts” to help others navigate the legal cannabis industry’s regulatory landscape. For questions or a referral to an appropriate partner in Saint Paul, email cannavigate.DEED@state.mn.us.
- CanStartup distributed $1.1 million in grants to nonprofit lenders to fund loans to cannabis microbusinesses and support jobs in communities where long-term residents qualify as social equity applicants. Click the ‘Lender Directory’ tab to see a list of approved lenders, including Saint Paul based, WomenVenture!
- CanTrain awarded nearly $1.6 million in grants to organizations that will help individuals who want to enter the cannabis industry cover the cost of training.
Beginning October 1 and continuing through October 31, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)will accept business license applications for three license types: lower-potency hemp edible retailers, lower-potency hemp edible manufacturers, and lower-potency hemp edible wholesalers.
During this October window, businesses which were registered prior to April 14, 2025, will be able to convert to these license types by submitting a complete application for their intended license type(s). New businesses and businesses registered after June 1, 2025, will also be able to apply for these licenses during the October license application window.
Applicants must be in good standing with OCM (meaning they do not have any outstanding fines or open correction orders against them) to apply and convert their registration to a license.
All registrants who do not apply for a license must immediately end all sales of (Hemp Derived Cannabinoid Products (HDCPs) on October 31, 2025.
Get FREE Expert Business Advice!
Whether you are just developing your business idea, or have been in business for years, our mentors are here to help you. No question is too big or too small. Meet with one of our 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
MCCD Lending Information Session
Tuesday, September 16
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!
Building an Engaging Social Media Strategy in 2025
Wednesday, September 17
1pm – 2pm
Virtual Event
Discover the secrets to creating a compelling and impactful social media strategy. Learn how to captivate your audience, boost engagement, and turn followers into loyal advocates with actionable tips and proven techniques. Whether you're a beginner or looking to elevate your current approach, this session will empower you to achieve measurable results on every platform. Learn more and register here.
Chamber Connect: MN United FC
Thursday, September 18
4pm - 6pm
Allianz Field
Join the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce at Allianz Field on September 18 for an inside look at Minnesota United FC! Hear from Justin Ferguson, MNUFC’s Head of Methodology, as he describes The Player Pathway—a behind-the-scenes look at the club’s Talent Development System and how it connects with our community at each step. Then, hear from Sophia Landry, Director of Events, as she shares how you can bring your next unforgettable event to life at Allianz Field. Behind the scenes tours will also be available. We'll have light appetizers and drinks available. Learn more and register here!
Navigating the Changing World of Immigration Enforcement with NDC & Lathrop GPM
Thursday, September 18
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Midtown Global Market
Join Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) and Lathrop GPM on September 18th at 5:30PM for a timely workshop on immigration compliance and employee rights. Whether you're a business owner or employee, this session will help you understand legal responsibilities and best practices in a shifting enforcement landscape. Food will be available! Register: https://bit.ly/3HK8quc
Defend Against Cyber Threats With NDC and Metro State
Wednesday, September 24
11:30am – 1pm
Virtual Event
Join Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) and Metro State University on September 24, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM for a hands-on workshop designed to help small business owners spot, block, and defend against cyber threats. Learn how to recognize cyber-attacks, strengthen your password practices, and protect sensitive data on public networks. Sign up: https://bit.ly/3UQvJFO
Strengthen the Strong / Chamber Connect
Wednesday, September 24
11:30am – 1pm
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. Join them as they mark a special milestone—4-Year Anniversary Luncheon! This gathering is all about celebrating the incredible community we’ve built together and looking ahead to even greater impact. Come ready to connect, share stories, and enjoy a memorable afternoon with fellow STS leaders. Get your free ticket here!
Sparking Success with Cannabis Summit
Thursday, September 25
9:00am – 6:00pm
PAIKKA
Get ready to reach new heights with your small cannabis business! Hosted by ConnectUP! Institute, this Summit is not just any event - it's a game-changer for entrepreneurs ready to take their operations to the next level. Rub elbows with industry experts, brainstorm with fellow professionals, and uncover new growth opportunities. Whether you're aiming to expand, stay on the right side of the law, or make lucrative connections, this event is your ticket to success. Don't miss out on this high-octane opportunity to spark major growth in your cannabis business! Get tickets here!
Lunch with Leaders
Thursday, September 25
11:30am – 1:00pm
DoubleTree St. Paul East
One of the most important questions we hear from small business owners is, ‘What resources are out there to help me start, grow, or sustain my business?’ Today, we’re fortunate to bring together a distinguished panel of leaders who represent the state, county, and city levels of government. Each of them plays a key role in shaping programs, policies, and resources that directly affect entrepreneurs and small business owners in our community. This conversation is about connecting the dots—between your needs as business leaders and the resources that exist to support you. Our panelists will share what’s available, how to access it, and how they’re working across government to make sure small businesses like yours continue to thrive. Learn more and register here.
Cooperative 101
Wednesday, October 1
2:30 – 5pm
McKnight Foundation
How can people start a business together, buy their housing building together, be co-owners, share profits fairly, and live the food life in cooperative communities? Join the Cooperative Professionals Guild to learn about creating jobs, owning property, and building wealth together as cooperative enterprises.
Hill Capital Summit
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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