|
 City Invests $5 Million in Downtown Vitality Fund
The Downtown Vitality Fund is a new $5 million investment designed to support small businesses, developers, and organizations in activating and strengthening downtown. The fund provides assistance for projects that expand housing—particularly office-to-residential conversions—and enhance street and skyway-level commercial spaces through capital improvements, equipment purchases, and public realm upgrades like lighting, outdoor seating, and public art.
Open to applicants within the Downtown Improvement District, the fund aims to increase foot traffic, support business growth, and create a more vibrant, welcoming downtown for residents, workers, and visitors.
|
|
City News and Updates
PAULIE Transforms How Saint Paul Does Business
Our new online system, PAULIE (Permitting and Utilities Licensing Inspection Engine), continues to modernize how small businesses access City services, with a major milestone reached through the conversion of more than 20 years of legacy data in early April. While the system was temporarily offline April 1–6 for this transition, PAULIE is now back online with improved, more transparent tools for applying for permits and licenses, scheduling inspections, making payments, and tracking projects in real time.
Note that creating a PAULIE account is required to access services, and some older applications or permits may reappear as records are updated following last year’s cyber incident. We encourage businesses to bookmark the PAULIE webpage for ongoing updates, resources, and guidance as enhancements continue.
|
Severe Weather Awareness Week
Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 13–17, 2026, with daily topics covering storms, flooding, tornadoes, and extreme heat. Take a few minutes to review your business emergency plans, learn more by visiting our Emergency Management’s Severe Weather Awareness page, and follow Saint Paul Emergency Management on Facebook and X (@ReadyStPaul) for updates and safety tips throughout the week.
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!
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.
|
|
PROMISE Act Funding Update
 The Minnesota PROMISE Act is a state‑funded small business revitalization program that offers grants to eligible businesses in Minneapolis and Saint Paul to support long‑term stability and growth.
To date, the MN PROMISE Act has awarded grants to 901 businesses, totaling $14.2 million. Of those, 300 Saint Paul businesses received $5.14 million in funding.
To help business owners learn about the opportunity and apply with confidence, the PROMISE Act hosts free, virtual Prepare for the PROMISE information sessions, as well as weekly Application Labs that provide hands‑on support. Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as they are ready.
👉 Apply Now
👉 View Info Sessions
👉 Schedule an In‑Person Application Lab
👉 Schedule 1:1 Virtual Support on Zoom
If you prefer to speak with a team member, you can reach the PROMISE Act team directly at 651‑379‑8102.
Applications are Being Accepted for the 2026 Inclusive Workplaces Cohort!
 The Inclusive Workplaces Cohort is an executive leadership learning program designed to help organizations take meaningful steps toward creating inclusive, welcoming workplaces.
Why participate?
- Connect with other business leaders committed to building positive work environments.
- Position your organization as a leader in fostering an inclusive culture.
- Gain practical strategies to strengthen inclusion in your workplace.
Applications for the upcoming cohort are being accepted through April 13.
As always, 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!
Free Minnesota Paid Leave Business Legal Assistance
Minnesota’s Paid Leave program brings new requirements for employers across the state. LegalCORPS is offers no-cost legal advice, funded by the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Meet with an attorney for no charge to receive practical guidance on compliance and how to prepare your workplace. Email Mamoun at malassouli@legalcorps.org to set up an appointment!
Get Free Compliance and Financial Support for Your Small Business
Neighborhood Development Center’s Small Business Labor Law Pilot Program partners with community bookkeepers to help small businesses, especially those owned by underserved entrepreneurs, to strengthen labor law and compliance practices. Through our trained bookkeepers, businesses can access up to 14 free hours of support and guidance.
What can they help with?
- Setting up your business for Paid Family and Medical Leave
- Quickbooks guidance
- Labor law walkthroughs and explanations
- Payroll enrollment set-up
- Financial education support for you and your teams
- Audit support
- And much more!
Questions? Contact Andy Vue at avue@ndc-mn.org
|
Entrepreneur on the Rise (EOTR): Real Estate Development
This concentrated certification of completion program introduces participants to the core principles of real estate development. Through interactive modules, case studies, and expert-led workshops, learners explore site selection, feasibility analysis, financing, design, construction, and asset management. The program emphasizes ethical development, community impact, and practical tools for launching real estate projects. This 3-session virtual course begins on June 6.
Free Refrigeration Assessments and Rebates for Your Business
Improve the efficiency of your refrigeration systems and reduce operating costs with help from CEE's One-Stop Efficiency Shop, sponsored by Xcel Energy.
We can help:
- Restaurants
- Liquor stores
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
Our team of efficiency experts can help you find cost-effective upgrades for your refrigeration equipment. With free consulting and rebates to help cover project costs, we work with you to build solutions tailored to your building and budget.
|
Small Business Environmental Improvement Loans
 The MPCA provides loans at zero-percent interest to small businesses for capital equipment purchases that help the company meet or exceed environmental regulations, and covering costs associated with the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites. The Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan program accepts applications on a continuous basis. Learn more and access program application here. E-mail completed applications to smallbizfunding.pca@state.mn.us.
Organics Management and Composting Infrastructure Grant
The MPCA is now accepting applications for grants that will help expand composting infrastructure in Minnesota. This $10 million grant program aims to reduce the amount of food waste and other organic material being landfilled or incinerated by funding new or expanded composting infrastructure. Organic materials make up about 25% of the municipal waste stream in Minnesota; of this, wasted food makes up 18% and compostable paper and packaging is 6%. Diverting organic material from landfilling or incineration represents a significant opportunity to reduce waste and cut greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. CT on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
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.
|
|
Upcoming events
Monday, April 13
12pm – 8pm
Hubbard Training Center
Small businesses across the Twin Cities are navigating critical operational and financial challenges in this moment. There is urgency now for business leaders to help other business leaders. Join the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota for Navigating Now: Ask-the-Expert Business Assistance Sessions, a FREE, confidential event offering one-on-one sessions with experts who can help with critical business issues, including law, finance, accounting and human resources. Register here.
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. On April 14, Chris Henjum from the Minnesota Department of Revenue will share resources from the Taxpayer Rights Advocate Office (TRA). The Advocate Office is an independent office within the Department of Revenue and may be able to help those who have exhausted all other administrative remedies. ~Upcoming offerings from TRA - Tax Pro Education. Program is dedicated to empowering tax professionals with knowledge and tools to excel and enhance skills as a tax preparer. The aim to help deliver accurate and dependable service to tax professional clients with expert insight and engaging educational resources. Sign up for reminders and access the call.
Tuesday, April 14
11:30am – 12:30pm
Virtual
If you’re a Somali-speaking business owner, join Neighborhood Development Center and Metro State for a workshop on cybersecurity and best practices for protecting your business data. Our experts will guide you through essential learnings to help you defend against cyber threats. Sign up here!
Wednesday, April 15
9am – 11am
Virtual
Are you interested in learning how to evaluate the acquisition of a business? Join SCORE for an upcoming workshop where they will discuss everything you need to know to make informed decisions when acquiring a business. Register here!
Thursday, April 16
11am – 12:30pm
Virtual
When sales depend on you remembering to follow up, perfectly explaining your value in the moment, or having the energy to “circle back,” growth will always feel fragile. Most inconsistency doesn’t come from a lack of leads. It comes from a lack of leverage. This workshop, hosted by SCORE, matters because at some point you have to decide whether you want revenue to rely on your willpower or on a system designed to move people forward. Register here!
Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) is hosting two workshops with the City of Minneapolis and the Small Business Equitable Energy Decarbonization Initiative (SBEEDi) to promote our new Clean Energy Loans and discuss ways to save your business money on energy costs. Participants can join us to learn how this loan program works, and how their business can receive technical assistance related to energy-efficient projects. Sign up here!
Gathering change-makers to form fresh relationships and foster a stronger, more prosperous community in the Twin Cities! These luncheons are all about leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders coming together to connect, share, and grow. Each gathering is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and be part of a supportive and driven community. Everyone is welcome to join for an afternoon of meaningful conversation and connection. Come share ideas, meet peers, and grow alongside the Strengthen the Strong community. Reserve your seat here.
Wednesday, April 22
2pm – 3pm
Virtual
Hosted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) - discover how the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more accessible workplace. Small to mid-sized businesses in Minnesota can receive reimbursements of up to $30,000 for providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. Register today!
A one-day summit for smarter operations, better margins, and sustainable growth. This dynamic, expert-led event designed to help you harness the power of artificial intelligence (A.I.) to grow and scale your small business or nonprofit—and even strengthen your capital readiness. Discover practical, real-world strategies to save you hours each week, get you capital-ready, and elevate your marketing efforts using today’s most effective AI tools. Whether you're an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or investor, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can implement immediately. Register here!
Join the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance for their first-ever Annual Meeting, where they’ll unveil the bold ideas and shared vision shaping the future of downtown. Be among the first to see what the community created together through the Reimagine Downtown process and hear how the momentum building today will define tomorrow’s downtown experience. This free, high energy gathering will bring together the people who care most about the future of our city, over great conversation and inspiring updates in one of downtown’s most rockin' venues. Reserve a spot!
Register to attend the 3rd Annual Small Business Summit and Expo, presented by Wells Fargo. This event, brought to you by the St. Paul Area Chamber, the Minnesota Black Chamber and several other partner chambers, falls during National Small Business Week. It offers a day to learn, connect and build relationships that will help grow your business! Learn more and register here!
Thursday, April 16
2pm–3pm
Virtual
While Facebook and Google dominate the paid ad landscape, a variety of other platforms offer cost-effective ways to reach new customers. This session will introduce you to alternative paid advertising channels and help you decide which ones are right for your business. This session will explore the unique benefits of platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube and discuss how to target niche audiences, test new ad formats, and diversify your ad spend to maximize your ROI. Discover how to get ahead of the curve and find new, less-crowded spaces to promote your business. Register here.
|
|
|
|
|
