Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Summer in the Capital City

Summer is shaping up to be a busy season in Saint Paul, creating plenty of opportunities for local businesses to connect with new customers. Visit Saint Paul’s free Patio Passport program encourages residents and visitors to explore participating patios across the city, earning points and prizes while discovering new restaurants, breweries, and neighborhood destinations.

The Minnesota Yacht Club Festival (July 17 – 19) has quickly become one of the biggest summer events in the City, drawing tens of thousands of attendees over multiple days. Combined with the Twin Cities Irish Festival (August 7 – 9), these major events help showcase Saint Paul while bringing visitors to West Side and downtown restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

Downtown Saint Paul is packed with events that draw thousands of visitors each week, including Lowertown Sounds, Twin Cities Jazz Fest, Food Truck Wednesdays, Summer Nights in Rice Park, Roller Disco, the Saint Paul Farmers’ Market, Lunch on the Lawn, and a variety of festivals, performances, and sporting events (including St. Paul Saints home games)! Together, they're helping showcase the city’s vibrant dining, entertainment, and cultural offerings while encouraging residents and tourists alike to explore local businesses.

On the East Side, the newly opened Summer Plaza on Payne is creating another exciting destination for residents and visitors. Open Wednesday through Sunday through August, the plaza offers outdoor seating, lawn and board games, family-friendly activities, and World Cup watch parties on a large outdoor screen.

Whether through special promotions, outdoor activations, or simply welcoming the increased summer foot traffic, Saint Paul businesses have more opportunities than ever to engage customers this summer!

City News and Updates

City of Saint Paul Economic Development Strategic Plan Business Survey

The City of Saint Paul invites Saint Paul businesses to participate in a brief survey. The information you provide will help inform the strategies intended to guide the City's economic growth and resilience in the coming years.

This survey is being conducted on the behalf of the City of Saint Paul by TIP Strategies, an Austin-based economic strategy firm. The survey is completely confidential. No identifying information is collected, and results of the survey will be provided in aggregate only.

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this important effort. All survey responses must be completed by Saturday, June 20, at 5:00pm CT.

Downtown Vitality Fund

The City of Saint Paul is investing in the future of downtown through its new Downtown Vitality Fund, a $5 million program designed to support projects that bring more residents, customers, and activity to the urban core. The fund provides financial assistance for a range of eligible projects, including commercial space improvements, equipment purchases, public-facing enhancements, housing development, and office-to-housing conversions within the Downtown Improvement District. For small businesses, funding may be available for capital improvements that enhance operations, improve customer experience, or activate vacant and underutilized spaces.

City of Saint Paul Minimum Wage Increase for Small and Micro Businesses

Business size matters! Starting July 1, 2026, minimum wage rates increase for Small and Micro Businesses. Under the City’s Minimum Wage Ordinance, business size matters. As of July 1, 2026, the City Minimum Wage increases for specific business sizes.   

• Minimum wage for Micro businesses (5 or fewer employees) will increase to $14.25.   
• Minimum wage for Small businesses (6 - 100 employees) will increase to $16.37.  
• Minimum wage will remain at $16.37 for Large & Macro businesses (101+ employees).  

Please note that beginning July 1, 2026, minimum wage rate for all Saint Paul businesses with 6 or more employees will be increased to $16.37/hour, the City Rate. The minimum wage rates for micro businesses will stay the same until July 1, 2027. We ask that you please take a moment and convey this information to your stakeholders. Please see the chart above for updated rates in 2026. Employers in Saint Paul must count all employees, whether full-time or part-time, hired jointly with another employer, or temporary, including employees working remotely. 

For more information or to file a complaint about Minimum Wage, Earned Sick and Safe Time, and/or Wage Theft, please visit stpaul.gov/laborstandards  call 651-266-8966, or email LaborStandards@ci.stpaul.mn.us. 

CERT Program Updates ESBE Size Standards

The CERT Collaborative, a partnership of Ramsey and Hennepin counties and the cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, has updated the revenue thresholds used to determine eligibility for its Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE) sub-certification. The new standards are designed to better distinguish the smallest businesses within the broader Small Business Enterprise (SBE) category and help ensure that public contracting opportunities and support programs reach businesses that may face the greatest barriers to growth. New applicants who qualify will automatically receive ESBE status with their SBE certification, and many currently certified businesses may be eligible for automatic retroactive designation. Business owners are encouraged to contact the CERT Program if they believe they qualify under the updated standards. For more information, contact Strong & Starlike at CERT@strongandstarlike.com or (651) 288-4040.

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.

Angelea's Sould Food Kitchen expands to St. Paul (Star Tribune | June) 

Tea production and maker space moves into Selby Ave. building (MyVillager | June) 

DEED "Choose Minnesota" campaign to boost small businesses  (Star Tribune | May)  

Resources for Businesses

PROMISE Act Funding Update

The Minnesota PROMISE Act is a state-funded initiative designed to support small businesses in eligible areas of Minneapolis and Saint Paul through grants that promote long-term stability, recovery, and growth.

To date, the program has supported over 1,000 businesses, distributing approximately $16 million in funding. Within Saint Paul specifically, more than 350 businesses have received close to $6 million in grants.

Round 2 funding remains open, with $43.7 million still available for eligible businesses.

To help applicants navigate the process, the PROMISE Act continues to offer free support opportunities. The team is also in the process of launching 1:1 in-person support sessions, with more details to be shared soon on the PROMISE Act website.

Business owners are encouraged to apply when they feel ready and take advantage of available support resources.

👉 Apply Now
👉 View Info Sessions
👉 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.

Business Assistance Fund for North End Neighborhood Small Businesses

The North End Neighborhood Organization has launched a new Business Assistance Fund which provides financial assistance up to $3,500.00 for small businesses along Rice Street from Maryland Avenue to Sycamore Street that are directly impacted by road construction.

Businesses will be able to apply for support to help cover eligible needs such as operating expenses, payroll, utilities, rent, insurance, and facility expenses related to the construction disruption. Qualified businesses will go into a random pick lottery to ensure fairness. No applications will be accepted after 1:00 PM June 15, 2025.

This fund is made possible through the Saint Paul Commercial Corridor Program.

Applications open for CORE Grant Funding to Support Your Capitol Area Business

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, and safety upgrades to the building. Round 1 applications are due August 31, 2026.

Funding Available Through BizRecycling Grants

Businesses in Ramsey County may be eligible for grant funding and free technical assistance through BizRecycling, a program of Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy. Grants can help cover the cost of recycling and organics collection equipment, waste reduction initiatives, reusable service ware, facility improvements, employee education, and other sustainability projects that reduce waste and improve operations. Funding opportunities range from Bin-Only Grants of up to $2,500 for small businesses to Recycling Grants of up to $10,000 and Waste Reduction & Innovation or Pollution Prevention Grants of up to $50,000 for larger projects. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and businesses receive personalized guidance from a BizRecycling expert throughout the application process.

Funding for Food Businesses

The Market Entry Fund – Micro Grants Program, administered by Renewing the Countryside in association with The Market Entry Fund (TMEF), supports food/beverage/agriculture businesses in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry. The objective of the TMEF Micro-Grants Program is to bolster the financial capability of emerging businesses that are owned by underrepresented entrepreneurs in Minnesota who demonstrate systemic barriers to equitable participation in this sector. Use the funds to untangle your business from a specific challenge or systemic barrier and propel the business forward to the next level of development!

Application deadline is Wednesday, July 1.

Neighborhood Development Center’s Plan It! Fall Cohort

Are you ready to launch or grow your business? Begin with Plan It!—Neighborhood Development Center’s (NDC) comprehensive Entrepreneur Training Program. Designed for both aspiring and current entrepreneurs, Plan It! equips participants with the tools to build a strong business foundation. 

Topics include accounting, financing, credit, operations, and management. Graduates may also gain access to NDC’s full range of ongoing support services, including technical assistance, lending, and real estate resources.

Apply now as spots fill up! Applications close July 10th.

WomenVenture’s Small Business Essentials

This small business essentials online course runs from June 15 – July 13 and 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.

Family Business Mini MBA Returns This Fall

The Family Business Center, in partnership with St. Thomas Executive Education, announced the second cohort of the Family Business Mini-MBA.

Designed specifically for members of family businesses, this program combines core business education with the realities of family ownership, leadership and succession. Whether you're preparing for a future leadership role, currently leading your business, or seeking a broader understanding of how all the pieces fit together, the Family Business Mini MBA provides practical knowledge you can apply immediately.

Their first cohort included participants without a college degree, participants with degrees in a variety of disciplines, and even MBA graduates. The program is designed to meet participants where they are and help them become more effective owners, leaders and contributors to their family business.

WomenVenture’s Getting Ready

This 3-part online series will run from July 23 – August 6 and help you determine if small business ownership is right for you. Getting Ready is designed to walk participants through the basics of entrepreneurship and how your skills, personality traits, and financial habits align with your business goals. This course is recommended to pre-launch entrepreneurs who are still developing their business concept and/or who want to figure out whether they would like to pursue launching a business.

Automation Loan Participation Program Funding Still Available

Looking to invest in equipment to improve your company's efficiency and capacity? Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development continues to accept applications for the Automation Loan Participation Program. Many manufacturers across the state have benefited and program funding remains healthy. If you have interest in learning more, please reach out to Tiffany Fettig, Program Administrator at 651-259-7446 or AutomationLoan.DEED@state.mn.us.

Ramsey County's Inclusive Employer Toolkit

Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County continue to support employers in creating welcoming, inclusive workplaces where all employees feel valued. One key resource in this effort is the Inclusive Employer Toolkit, designed to help organizations strengthen inclusion across recruitment, hiring, onboarding and retention. The toolkit offers practical strategies and guidance to help employers build environments where every worker can succeed. Newly added updates expand the toolkit’s reach even further. Employers can now find information on Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave law, as well as fresh resources on supporting justice impacted workers and promoting mental health in the workplace. These additions provide timely, relevant tools that help employers adapt to changing workforce needs and ensure that all employees, regardless of ability, caregiving responsibilities or mental health needs, have the support necessary to contribute and thrive.

Preparing Your Commercial HVAC System for Summer

Summer weather is here, and heat waves are on the way. If you have an aging rooftop unit (RTU), your HVAC system might already be struggling to keep up with your facility's cooling needs. System faults can lead to disruption and discomfort for employees and customers and carry costly energy bills and repairs. CEE's HVAC team has a few tips for what business owners can do now to avoid repairs later and keep systems running smoothly all summer long: Read more on CEE's blog.

Small Business Support Network

The State of Minnesota has launched a new resource designed to strengthen and streamline support for small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state. The Small Business Support Network (SBSN) includes business support organizations that provide high-quality, no cost business development support, education, subject matter expertise and technical assistance.

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

stpaul.gov/ped
stpaul.gov/business-resources
@SaintPaulPED on Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
View this email through Google Translate: Español | Hmoob | Soomaali