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 Available for Businesses Impacted by Recent ICE Activity
Photo courtesy of LEDC
The city has developed a survey to better understand the economic impacts of recent federal immigration enforcement to our business community in Saint Paul. All businesses in Saint Paul are encouraged to participate in this anonymous survey.
The survey is available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Karen.
Federal immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities has had a severe impact on many Latino and immigrant‑owned businesses, leading to increased fear, declining foot traffic, and sudden revenue losses—especially on Saint Paul’s East Side, a longtime hub of Latino‑owned small businesses.
To help businesses stabilize and stay open, the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) has launched the Latino & Immigrant Business Emergency Relief Fund, offering streamlined emergency grants to provide fast financial support. Eligible uses include payroll and employee retention, rent and occupancy costs, loan payments and debt relief, and other urgent operating expenses tied to this crisis. While the initial focus is on East Side businesses, owners throughout Saint Paul and across Minnesota are encouraged to apply, as LEDC continues to develop additional grant opportunities. For questions or assistance, contact LEDC at info@ledcmn.org or call (612) 724‑5332.
The Minneapolis Foundation has launched a new responsive small business fund to address urgent needs across Minnesota, including Saint Paul. The fund is deploying an initial $4 million in grants to help businesses cover payroll, retain staff and operating hours, pay rent, and maintain inventory.
The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund is offering emergency grants to help keep independent restaurants open and thriving.
Applications are open now through February 23 for the first grant round. For the initial round, small, independently owned restaurants in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area will be prioritized. The grants will help cover hardships for ongoing restaurant operations and range from $2,500 to $10,000 in the first round.
Xcel Energy has temporarily suspended disconnections for residential and commercial customers in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and all seven Metro counties through the end of February. This applies to customers affected by recent events, including loss of income or safety concerns. Bills will continue to accrue, but flexible payment arrangements, late payment charge forgiveness, and program protections are available. Customers can contact Xcel Energy at (800) 895-4999 or visit Manage Your Bill. Bilingual support and interpreter services are available, and personal information is protected under Minnesota law.
Governor Walz has proclaimed February as Shop Local Month in Minnesota, with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) partnering with local governments and business organizations to promote community support for small businesses and connect owners to resources. This initiative comes at a critical time, as businesses face a challenging winter season compounded by broader economic pressures and recent federal immigration enforcement activity, all contributing to reduced foot traffic during an already difficult time of year.
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City News and Updates
2026 STAR Grant Applications Open Through March 13
2026 Grant Applications for the City of Saint Paul’s Neighborhood STAR and Cultural STAR programs opened February 2 and close Friday, March 13, at 4 p.m.
These programs support projects that help beautify and promote arts and culture in our city. Specifically, the Neighborhood STAR grants fund capital projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods. The Cultural STAR grants support arts and cultural organizations and events in Saint Paul.
Visit the Neighborhood STAR and Cultural STAR webpages for more information on the programs, including this year’s guidelines and information on applicant workshops.
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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 DSI at 651-266-8989
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Map of the Capitol Area in Saint Paul
CORE Grants Available for Businesses in the Capitol Area
The Saint Paul Port Authority is partnering with the State of Minnesota to administer the Capitol Outreach for Revitalization & Expansion (CORE) Grant Program.
In the 2025 legislative session, $870,000 was awarded to launch this program focused on revitalizing the Capitol Area by providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 to local businesses for capital improvement projects such as:
- Façade improvements
- Energy upgrades
- New equipment
- Accessibility improvements
- Safety upgrades to the building
Round 1 applications are due March 31, 2026.
MN PROMISE Act Round 2 Grant Updates
 The PROMISE Act has awarded grants to 834 businesses, totaling $13.04 million. Of these, 260 Saint Paul businesses received $4.54 million in funding. There is still $46.5 million available in Round 2 for eligible businesses.
👉 Apply Now
👉 View Info Sessions
👉 Schedule an In‑Person Application Lab
👉 Schedule a Virtual Application Lab
If you prefer to speak with a team member, you can reach the PROMISE Act team directly at (651) 379-8102.
SBA 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program
 MARC loans deliver maximum flexibility for small and mid-sized manufacturers and give lenders the ability to create simplified working capital solutions that scale as you grow. With MARC you can:
- Structure loans as a revolving line of credit or term loan
- Fund short-term working capital from inventory to new contracts
- Unlock equity in existing facilities or equipment
- Combine with other SBA or conventional loans for an even greater impact.
ConnectUP! Accelerator Applications Open Until February 23!
Ready to take your business to the next level? ConnectUP! accelerator programs are designed to help entrepreneurs sharpen their strategy, understand their numbers, and scale with confidence.
✨ Lunar Startups Accelerator is a 12-week program for founders with traction who are thinking big about growth, innovation, and scale—created for Black, Indigenous, entrepreneurs of color, LGBTQ+, women, and non-binary founders.
💰 Capital Readiness Accelerator helps you get financially prepared and investor-ready by building confidence, clarity, and the tools funders expect.
If you have a product in-market and a vision for what’s next, this is your moment. Take your business to the next level.
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Elevate & Accelerate Your Success Through the Learn and Earn Small Business Cohort!
Registration for the 2026 Learn and Earn Cohort is open through March 6. Join the Yobizmo Learn and Earn Fellowship by applying now. In this virtual fellowship, participants will receive expert, guided instruction on how to become a successful business owner by building your skillset and expanding your network with a caring mentor. At the end of the 12 weeks, you’ll be ready with a business plan, business pitch, and an extra $1,000 for learning!
The cohort is open to all, Yobizmo is seeking 15 individuals who live in Ramsey County between the ages of 18–30 and has space for 7 additional participants outside of these criteria.
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Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund Extended for 2026
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. To apply directly, click here.
Build Community Wealth Through the LOCAL Fund
Whether you are considering retirement, enhancing workplace culture, or investing in your community, now is a great time to explore the possibility of converting to a worker cooperative.
Worker cooperative ownership models provide a compelling opportunity to engage employees as co-owners, promoting shared responsibility, equitable decision-making, and long-term stability for your business.
For business owners, transitioning to a worker cooperative can offer a succession solution, increase employee retention, and build a dedicated workforce.
To help support you in your planning, the City of Saint Paul is proud to partner with Nexus Community Partners as the administrator of the LOCAL Fund for Worker Ownership.
The LOCAL fund is accepting applications on a rolling basis until September 2026. To start your application, please fill out the Shared Ownership Center’s inquiry form below or contact the Shared Ownership Center at Nexus by emailing soc@nexuscp.org or connect with the Office of Financial Empowerment at mai.c.yang@stpaul.gov.
Host a Right Track intern in 2026
Looking for fresh ideas and energy to move your business forward? Consider hosting an intern through the Right Track program and help cultivate the workforce of tomorrow. Since 2014, Right Track has connected talented, diverse youth with hundreds of local businesses through paid internships and professional development opportunities. Participating provides direct access to motivated young talent with unique perspectives, helps build your future workforce while making a positive impact in the community, and Right Track covers wages and provides training support.
Internships typically run 10 weeks, 32 hours/week, through Youth Jobs Two (YJ2): Career-focused internships for ages 16–21. The deadline is February 28. Be part of this transformative program and help shape the next generation of leaders.
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Learn & Earn Green Construction Career Training at Saint Paul College
Learn the basics of construction, building science, heating, ventilation, and mechanical systems through 45 hours of paid, hands-on learning.
Participants will earn $1,800 for completing the 45-hour training over 3 weeks, have the opportunity to earn the Building Science Principles (BSP) credential in addition to NREL Installer (insulation) badges and have the opportunity to move on to a more intensive, paid hands-on training and internship following the training in residential insulation or HVAC.
Classes begin March 2 and will meet Monday - Friday from 3-6pm. Register by February 20 to secure your spot!
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Save on Lighting Upgrades at Your Business
Facing high utility costs? CEE's One-Stop Efficiency Shop, sponsored by Xcel Energy, is offering bonus rebates covering up to 75% of project costs when you upgrade your business to more efficient lighting. Here's how it works:
- Receive a free, no-obligation lighting assessment.
- Review your options for making cost-effective lighting upgrades.
- Make energy efficient upgrades tailored to your needs, guided by your CEE lighting consultant.
- Relax and enjoy your new lights. CEE takes care of the rebate paperwork.
With limited-time bonus rebates, lighting upgrades could pay for themselves even sooner. Sign up for a free lighting assessment and see how much you could save.
Innovative Grant Programs Help Businesses and Communities Go Green
♻️ BizRecycling is providing grants to businesses, apartment buildings, schools, colleges, food shelves, and farmers markets to reduce waste and improve recycling.
♻️ Waste Reduction & Innovation Grants: Up to $50,000 to reduce waste through reuse, technology enhancements, or production redesign.
♻️ Pollution Prevention Grants: Up to $50,000 or 75% of project costs for businesses to reduce the use of harmful chemicals or switch to high-efficiency equipment.
♻️ Food Recovery Grants: Up to $20,000 to recover surplus edible food to distribute to people in need.
♻️ Recycling Grants: Up to $10,000 for eligible businesses, and up to $20,000 for eligible apartment buildings to improve recycling and food waste collection.
♻️ Bin-Only Grants: Up to $2,500 in trash, recycling, and organics bins and equipment to help small businesses kickstart or improve waste collection.
Ramsey County Means Business
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.
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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 a mentor via email, video, or phone. SCORE mentoring is free and confidential. Find your mentor today.
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 programs and resources that can help you reach your business goals!
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Upcoming events
Tuesday, February 24
11:30am – 1pm
Virtual
Small business owners are increasingly targeted by cyber attacks that exploit human behaviors. This interactive workshop with Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) and Metro State equips entrepreneurs with practical tools to recognize phishing, impersonation, and other tactics.
Thursday, February 26
11am – 12:30pm
Virtual
Marketing is a heavy investment. With all its complexities, it's tempting to "throw stuff at the wall" to see what sticks. But when you have limited resources, this approach can be costly and detrimental. In this webinar, go beyond listing features and benefits by crafting messages that resonate emotionally, reflect your values, and build deeper, more memorable connections with your audience.
Thursday, February 26
5 – 8pm
Saint Paul River Centre
Join the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) as they bring together more than 700 members, guests, public officials, and community leaders to celebrate the successes shaping our region and the Chamber initiatives driving the St. Paul area forward. This year, our program will center on Unshakable Leadership. The meeting will kick off with a networking reception, followed by dinner and program - including a powerful panel of leaders - and will end with the Foundation's annual raffle and an after-party.
Wednesday, March 4
11am – 12:30pm
Virtual
The last in a series of workshops is designed to help you avoid costly mistakes, streamline your startup journey, and build a strong foundation for long-term success. Whether you're in the idea stage or ready to take action, you'll gain essential knowledge on business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and operational best practices.
Tuesday, March 10
2 – 3pm
Virtual
The Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED), Office of Small Business & Innovation, hosts a monthly meeting for small business owners. The meeting, which is the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., is an opportunity for small business owners to have a conversation with business experts and their peers. Sign up for reminders and access the call.
Thursday, March 19
2 – 3pm
Virtual
LinkedIn is more than just a resume site; it's a powerful engine for professional networking and business growth. This webinar will guide you through creating a compelling profile and company page that attracts the right connections and opportunities. This small business webinar marketing series is hosted by Destination Uplift and brought to you at no cost by Visit Saint Paul.
Tuesday, March 24
11:30am – 1pm
Virtual
Handling sensitive information securely is critical for every small business. In this workshop with Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) and Metro State, participants will learn best practices for storing, sharing, and disposing of data, as well as how to avoid common causes of unintentional data exposure.
Thursday, April 9
8am – 5pm
Saint Paul RiverCentre
MnTech Connect is the Minnesota Technology Association’s annual educational conference, where Minnesota’s technology leaders gather to learn and connect. This year they will welcome over 500 dynamic leaders, influencers, and strategists for a day packed with inspiration, collaboration, and discovery. Expect to mingle with esteemed executive leaders, senior managers, and tech practitioners, all looking to connect, share, and elevate their visions. This is a golden opportunity to gain visibility and forge invaluable connections with decision-makers who are eager to explore partnerships that could propel your ideas to new heights. Early bird tickets go on sale February 23.
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