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 Celebrate 9th Annual Business Awards Winners
The 2025 Business Awards Program Winners Have Been Announced! The awards acknowledge and celebrate local businesses that offer community engagement, essential services, investments in their employees, and a commitment to Saint Paul’s values of equity and diversity. Businesses are selected for an award in several categories based on nominations from the community.
Italian Pie Shoppe, 1670 Grand Avenue (Ward 3) - Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least twenty years. (Runner-up: 620 Club)
 Life Juices, 450 Lexington Parkway N (Ward 1) - People’s Choice Award - Recognizing a business celebrated by Saint Paul residents for its excellence. (Runner-up: Tease Salon)
 Lost Fox, 213 E 4th Street, Suite 100 (Ward 2) - New Kid on the Block Award - Honoring a business that has opened in Saint Paul within the last five years. (Runner-up: Cancun Mexican Grill & Cantina)
 Minnesota CarePartner, d/b/a Roots Wellness Center, 1916 University Avenue W (Ward 4) - Good Neighbor Award - Honoring a business that has demonstrated dedication to improving the community. (Runner-up: 106 Group)
 Vikings and Goddess Pie, 2036 Marshall Avenue (Ward 4) - Alice O'Brien Award – Honoring a woman-owned business committed to equity and empowerment. (Runner-up: Phe Coffee)
 The City of Saint Paul is honored to recognize these Saint Paul staples, and we encourage you to show them some love!
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City News and Updates
 Wintery streets and holiday lights will welcome thousands of visitors for the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, December 26, 2025 through January 7, 2026! The City of Saint Paul wants to support your business as we showcase our city to the world! Starting December 19, take advantage of a permit holiday on select permits through January 7, 2026!
Downtown Amplified Sound No permit, variance, or application needed downtown for amplified sounds less than 90 dBA at 50 ft between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Park Hours Closing hours downtown extended as posted on site.
Tents
No fee for tent permits under 1,500 square feet
- Temporary propane still requires permit and inspection
- DSI reserves the right to inspect tents after high wind or snow events
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Scan here to apply for a tent permit in PAULIE
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Downtown Sidewalk Use
Businesses may use the sidewalk in front of their business while keeping at least 48” of pedestrian space
- Plan for snow removal and never push snow into the street!
- Use salt sparingly. One 12oz coffee mug of salt is enough for a 20 ft. driveway
- Keep parking and signs clear! Do not block parking spots, traffic signals, or other signage
Liquor Service
Businesses with an on-sale liquor license may choose (provided they meet MN statute requirements) to do one or all the following:
- Serve liquor until 2 a.m.
- Extend to areas adjacent to current service area
- Sell alcohol on Sundays
MN Statutes to keep in mind:
- Serving until 2 a.m. requires a State 2 a.m. license
- Sunday sales require statute-defined food service
- Extension requires the original space is compact and contiguous
Before adopting these changes, licensees must:
- Ensure they comply with applicable state statutes
- Notify DSI two days before (via free simple form) of what changes they will make
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Plan ahead: State compliance may take several days or longer
Questions? Call us at 651-266-8989 or email: dsi-informationandcomplaints@stpaul.gov
Saint Paulidays
It’s the most wonderful time of year, as Saint Paul transforms into a vibrant winter destination this holiday season. Local small businesses have a special opportunity to engage residents and visitors alike as the city comes alive with sparkling lights, festive events, and bustling shopping districts. From GLOW Holiday Festival and the European Christmas Market to the magic of Rice Park and performances at the Ordway, the season draws families and patrons seeking memorable experiences. Across the city — from Grand Avenue’s independent shops and galleries to locally owned boutiques in every neighborhood — shoppers explore unique, handcrafted gifts and enjoy warm holiday treats at cafés, restaurants, and festive pop-ups.
With seasonal sips, decorated dining spaces, and a strong spirit of celebration, Saint Paul provides the perfect backdrop for businesses to showcase their offerings and help customers fully immerse themselves in the Saint Paulidays.
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Stay Informed of Snow Emergencies
Sign up for the City of Saint Paul's Snow Emergency text and email alerts at stpaul.gov/snow. (Available languages include English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Oromo.). Follow updates on social media or call 651-266-PLOW (651-266-7569) for recorded status messages.
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The 2026 STAR Grant Rounds Will Open in February!
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 Applications Deadline is December 14!
Great News!
Thirty businesses have been awarded grants in Round 2, totaling $622,700. Among these, five Saint Paul businesses received grants amounting to $104,500.
In Round 1, more than 650 businesses were awarded grants totaling $9.58 million, including 198 Saint Paul businesses that received $3.34 million.
There is still $49.3 million in funding available for eligible businesses—don’t miss this opportunity!
👉 Apply Now
👉 View Info Sessions
👉 View Support Sessions
Paid Leave Applications Open Soon!
Minnesota Paid Leave is a new state government program starting January 1, 2026, that will offer payments and job protections so people can take time off work to care for themselves or their loved ones during some of life’s most important moments.
This month, we tested the Paid Leave application with employees at select partner organizations. After this successful test, we anticipate opening Bonding Leave applications in early December. This will give workers and employees time to plan and prepare for the start of Paid Leave.
Get ready: Be prepared when your employees apply for leave
Your employees will be able to apply in December if they welcomed a child in 2025 and want to take Bonding Leave in a single block of time, starting in January. They must inform you before they apply with the state. Before Paid Leave begins, there are steps you can take to get ready. Prepare for Paid Leave by clicking here.
You must notify your employees about Paid Leave by December 1, 2025. You must both:
✅ Hang the Paid Leave workplace poster (PDF).
✅ Provide individual notices (Word Doc) to your employees.
Learn more about notification requirements and download the posters and sample notices in multiple languages on their employer webpage.
Visit their website and sign up for their newsletter to get the latest news and make sure you are ready for January 1!
Have questions or need help? Their contact center is ready to assist. Call 651-556-7777 or send an email.
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Ramsey County Means Business
Ramsey County Means Business is a comprehensive hub for entrepreneurs and small business owners planning to expand or relocate to the county. Visitors can find information on available funding programs, redevelopment opportunities, market data, and workforce resources, as well as tools to help identify potential sites and connect with local partners.
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.
Workforce Solutions and the WIB are leading efforts to support employers to create a sense of welcoming for all employees within their organizations. One of these efforts is to provide an Inclusive Employer Toolkit. The toolkit aims 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.
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Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund Supports Minnesota Businesses
 The Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF), administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), will continue supporting Minnesota employers in 2026. ERAF provides small and mid-sized businesses with up to $30,000 per year to reimburse the cost of reasonable accommodations that help job seekers and employees with disabilities succeed at work.
ERAF remains an important resource in promoting accessible, inclusive employment across Minnesota. Learn more about ERAF.
Launching Family Business Mini MBA Program & Peer Groups
 The Family Business Center is excited to announce: the Family Business Mini-MBA. Created exclusively for members of family-owned businesses, the program covers essential topics like finance, marketing, human resources, business law, strategy, ownership, family dynamics, and leadership. Click here for more information.
The Center is wrapping up registrations for the 2026 peer groups and is looking for a few new participants to create a new Next Gen group and add to its Nonfamily Executive one.
Family Business Center peer groups connect members who share similar roles and responsibilities in their family businesses. Each group provides a confidential, trusted space to discuss family and business issues, share experiences, and serve as sounding boards for one another.
Each group includes 8–10 members, meets eight times per year for up to three hours per session, and is guided by an experienced family business advisor.
Groups set their own meeting times, locations, and discussion topics. To ensure openness and trust, competitors are not placed in the same group, and only one member per family participates in each group. The cost is $1,250 per year for nonmembers. Complete this brief application to be contact about joining.
For more information on University of St. Thomas Family Business Center programs, reach out to Center Director Jon Keimig at jon.keimig@stthomas.edu or 651-962-4560.
Support for East Side Businesses Through Disruption
To help East Side Saint Paul businesses weathering road construction and shifts in governmental supports, community based organizations and Rooted Philanthropic have partnered to launch an effort supporting small businesses in the East Side of Saint Paul through Business Technical Assistance and Lending. Together they’re investing $810,000 in a mix of business loans and technical support over the next 12-18 months. Learn more about the initiatives Rooted Philanthropic as funded to support this effort - Resiliency Fund.
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Prepare Your Business with WomenVenture’s Small Business Essentials
This course is designed for budding entrepreneurs with no formal business education who are seeking to develop a business plan with the goal of launching a small business. By the end of this course, participants will have a foundational understanding of business concepts, market analysis, financial management, legal considerations, and strategies to build networks. The course takes place Saturdays from January 10th to February 7th - 10 a.m.-12 p.m., (online). For more information and to register click here.
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Collective Salon Studios at Dale
Plan It! 2026 Spring Cohort Applications Are Now Open!
Applications for NDC’s Plan It! Spring Cohort are now open. This program empowers entrepreneurs to map out their next steps, strengthen business skills, and learn from experts to build a solid business plan. Participants will leave this four-month journey with the business acumen to reach their goals. Applications close January 19th! Click here to apply now, attend an Informational Session or for more information.
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Grant Funding to Purchase Bicycles for Delivery and Commercial Services
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is currently offering funding to help Minnesota businesses and organizations purchase bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) for commercial use.
The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gases in Minnesota – accounting for about a quarter of our state’s emissions. Most cars and transportation vehicles are powered by fossil fuels, resulting in air pollution that has an unequal negative impact on communities close to traffic corridors. Encouraging the use of bicycles for delivery and commercial services will contribute to improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, and healthier communities.
Information to help applicants submit proposals and access the online application portal can be found on the e-bikes for business grant webpage. Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, through the SWIFT Supplier Portal.
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Is Your Business Ready for Minnesota's 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:
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January 1, 2025: Screw-in or bayonet-based compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
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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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Rebatesand 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.
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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
Friday, December 12
12-1 p.m.
Virtual
Monday, January 5
3-4 p.m.
Virtual
CanRenew community restoration grants support eligible organizations that make investments in communities disproportionately affected by the enforcement of cannabis laws, identified as communities where residents are eligible to be social equity applicants. Learn more about social equity qualifications and the opportunity to apply for the CanRenew Community Restoration grant via the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. Applications are due January 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. For more information about the program and eligible activities please visit the CanRenew Community Restoration grant webpage.
Tuesday, December 16
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Minnesota Humanities Center
Through the East Side Neighborhood Development Company’s (ESNDC) East Side Technical Assistance Program (ETAP), which is dedicated to supporting small businesses, in collaboration with the East Side Area Business Association (ESABA), and the University of St. Thomas Family Business Center, you are cordially invited to Entrepreneurial Impact: Hands-On Technical Assistance for Business Owners. The presentation, workshops/ breakout sessions, and resource tables will provide you with essential tools and expert insights, offering targeted business support to advance your growth objectives for 2026. The cost is $20, but don’t let that stop you from attending. Use the code ESNDC to enter for free, as ESNDC is offering complimentary registration. Click here for more information and to register.
Tuesday, December 16 & Tuesday, January 6
12-1 p.m.
MCCD Office or Virtual
This lending session will provide information on MCCD’s loan products, including microloans, stage two 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.
Tuesday, December 16
6:30-8 p.m.
Virtual
This webinar breaks down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s (OBBBA) major tax changes and updates. Learn who is affected by the changes and what the law means for your business, employees, and investors. Register here.
Wednesday, December 17
10-11:30 a.m.
Virtual
This webinar explains how to boost your business’s online visibility using essential SEO strategies and a free Google My Business listing. Learn to optimize keywords, understand search results, target your geography, and attract ideal customers actively searching for your products and services. Register here.
Thursday, December 18
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Virtual
This hands-on session is your backstage pass to building a sharper, more focused business for 2026. Using AI, you’ll review 2025 wins and misses, uncover hidden obstacles, and create a targeted roadmap with practical tools, audits, and frameworks designed to accelerate clarity, momentum, and powerful, sustainable business growth. Register here.
Wednesday, January 21
7:15-9 a.m.
University of St. Thomas Anderson Student Center (James B. Woulfe Hall)
Please save the date for Breakfast with the Mayors! More details to come in mid-December.
Monday, January 26
6-8 p.m.
Virtual
Discover how to build your dream team of professionals who can take your business to the next level. Hear from experts in marketing, branding, design, HR, accounting, and more as they share insider tips on their expertise and offer guidance on finding the right partners for your unique business needs. Don’t miss this chance to network, learn, and gain valuable tools to drive your business growth. Learn more and register here.
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