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 Class N Businesses Have More Time to Pay License Renewal Fees
There will be no late fees on Class N license renewals paid by the end of 2026. This is part of the City’s response to feedback from local business owners about the impact of Operation Metro Surge and the July 2025 cyber incident.
During Operation Metro Surge, public-facing businesses closed, cut hours, or lost customers as a result. A cyber incident that disrupted City systems last summer also delayed renewal notices to some license holders. In response, the City Council voted unanimously to give Class N license holders more time to pay their annual renewal fees.
A Class N license is a Saint Paul business license for activities that can affect a neighborhood, including restaurants and bars, breweries, event venues, auto shops, and similar businesses. Many Class N holders are in the hospitality and nightlife sectors that felt the recent impacts most directly.
Under the change, which takes effect June 26, Class N license holders can pay their renewal fee up to six months after their normal due date. As long as payment is made by December 31, 2026, no late fees will apply. The full renewal fee is still owed. This action extends the timeline and removes late penalties.
Questions about your Class N license renewal? Contact the Department of Safety and Inspections at dsi-licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Renewal payments continue to be processed through the PAULIE online licensing system at stpaul.gov/paulie.
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City News and Updates
City of Saint Paul Minimum Wage Increase for Small and Micro Businesses
 Under the City Minimum Wage Ordinance, starting July 1, 2026, minimum wage rate 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.
- Youth workers (14-17 years old) must be paid at least $13.95 for 90 consecutive days following their hiring date. After the 90 days, these employees shall be paid the applicable City Minimum Wage based on the appropriate business size.
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.
Downtown Saint Paul Sees $1.29 Billion in Transformational Investment
Downtown Saint Paul is receiving more than $1.29 billion in public and private investment since the Downtown Investment Strategy was launched just two years ago. Recent investments by the City of Saint Paul, Ramsey County, the Saint Paul Port Authority, Metro Transit, major employers, private developers, and community partners are transforming downtown through infrastructure improvements, housing, commercial redevelopment, public spaces, and business-supporting amenities.
This historic level of investment reflects growing confidence in downtown as a place to live, work, visit, and do business. It also builds on the dedication of the small business owners, residents, nonprofits, and community organizations that continued to invest in downtown long before this wave of capital arrived. Together, these efforts are creating new opportunities for local businesses while strengthening downtown's long-term economic vitality.
Subscribe to the Full Stack Newsletter!
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Tech innovators, entrepreneurs, students, and more, find resources and news on tech innovation in Saint Paul through the monthly Full Stack Newsletter!
Full Stack is a public-private collaboration leveraging the power of tech and innovation to drive equitable, resilient economic development in Saint Paul. Full Stack connects business leaders to a growing network of resources, helps launch the next generation of tech talent, supports the places and events where innovators connect, and provides talent pathways to careers and access to ensure long-term success.
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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
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 on 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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Apply Now: Minnesota PROMISE Act Round 2 Is Open
 Running a small business already takes a lot. Between serving customers, managing costs, paying bills, and keeping things moving, applying for support can feel overwhelming.
The Minnesota PROMISE Act Round 2 applications are open for eligible small businesses in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, with over $43 million in funding available.
Business owners don’t have to figure it out alone. 1:1 application support is available to help answer questions, understand the process, and ensure you have the most accurate information before applying.
👉 Apply Now
👉 View Info Sessions
👉 Schedule 1:1 Virtual Support
👉 Schedule 1:1 In-Person Support
📞 Call: 651-379-8102
Critical Corridors Program Opens July 27
Ramsey County will open solicitations for two Critical Corridors Programs (Planning and Commercial Corridor Initiative) on Monday, July 27. The county is seeking proposals from cities, associated development authorities, business coalitions, chambers of commerce and nonprofits that support redevelopment, connectivity, and economic prosperity along transit, economic and cultural corridors. These programs specifically support planning and small business district support activities. Applications are due on Monday, August 24 by 4:30pm.
New in 2026: Downtown St. Paul projects are now eligible for funding for both programs.
To learn more:
- Visit the Critical Corridors webpage for details on eligibility requirements and evaluation priorities.
- Attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, July 22 at 2 p.m. Meeting link will be posted on program webpage, no pre-registration required.
- Schedule a pre-application meeting by emailing carmel.sanjuan@ramseycountymn.gov (not required but highly encouraged).
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NDC’s Clean Energy Loan Program
The Clean Energy Loan Program, designed to help small businesses become more energy efficient and reduce operating costs. Through this program, small businesses can access:
- Affordable loans for energy efficiency upgrades (LED lighting, HVAC, solar, ENERGY STAR equipment, electric vehicles, and more)
- FREE energy assessments to identify the biggest savings opportunities
- 1-on-1 technical assistance to build a custom efficiency plan
- Help identifying rebates and incentives to stack with their loan
- Educational info sessions on clean energy opportunities
This program is also supported by the Small Business Equitable Energy Decarbonization Initiative (SBEEDi), Energy Smart, MNCIFA, and the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, all with a shared goal of helping small businesses lead the way in clean energy.
Interested in learning more? Please email lendingintake@ndc-mn.org to get started.
Business Opportunity at Plaza Del Sol
After years of vision and hard work, Plaza del Sol will begin welcoming the community with a soft opening in July. Located at 990 Payne Ave on St. Paul’s East Side, Plaza del Sol is a long-term investment in entrepreneurs, culture and community. The opening will mark an exciting milestone as the Food Hall, Commissary Kitchen and Event Center begin serving as a destination where small businesses can grow, cultures can be celebrated, and community can come together. Plaza del Sol offers business owners:
- Food Hall tenant spaces – only TWO spots remain!
- A fully equipped Commissary Kitchen with commercial equipment
- A vibrant Event Center that will bring new customers through meetings, celebrations, and community events
- Business coaching and financing through LEDC
- A diverse community of entrepreneurs growing together
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Project WISE – Women’s Financial Foundations Technical Assistance Fund
Project WISE, a collaboration between Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) and the Women’s Foundation, supports entrepreneurs who are stabilizing their operations and seeking guidance across key areas of their business. The project provides targeted financial support to women entrepreneurs—especially those who are bilingual, immigrant, and culturally diverse—who are looking to strengthen their business financial systems. Through this program, participants will receive access to selected support services based on their individual needs, which may include:
- One-on-one financial and bookkeeping support
- Access to tax preparation and budgeting guidance
- Credit building or repair support
- Pricing and revenue modeling for their business
- Limited access to CPA or financial advisor hours
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.
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.
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.
Pipeline Dual Training Grants
Dual-training programs provide structured on-the-job training and related instruction so employees can develop the necessary occupational competencies to succeed in their chosen career. Employers can use Dual Training Grants to train employees in an occupation for which a competency standard has been identified in one of the seven Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline industries.
Employers must have an agreement with a training provider to offer the competency training that results in the employee receiving an industry-recognized degree, certificate or credential. Grant funds can be used to cover student/employees’ tuition, fees and materials for the related instruction training. In addition, employers can access funds to help with dual trainee supports. For questions, please contact PIPELINE.Program@state.mn.us.
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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.
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Upcoming events
Free Accounting Services
Monday, July 13 + Tuesday, July 14 + Thursday, July 16
Appointments available from:
9am – 12pm + 4 – 7pm
Virtual
Running a business means making financial decisions every day. Join Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) and MNCPA for a free 40-minute virtual session with a professional accountant. Get answers to questions about bookkeeping, taxes, financial statements, QuickBooks and more.
Space is limited, so schedule your appointment today by contacting Danny Jacobo at danny@ledcmn.org or 612-230-7918.
AI to Start or Grow Your Business
Wednesday, July 15
3 – 5pm
Virtual
Presented by Andres Muyon, this workshop aims to inform and educate Spanish-speaking business owners and entrepreneurs about using artificial intelligence (AI). This event will highlight how to use AI effectively and safely as a tool during the start-up phase of a business.
Call the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) office at 612-724-5332 to register.
Thursday, July 16
12 – 1pm
Virtual
Join members of WomenVenture’s lending team to gain a clear understanding of how our lending program works. This session will guide you through the steps of our lending process, help you determine when you’re ready to apply, and provide tips on deciding the right loan amount for your needs. You’ll also learn about the services we offer to help you prepare for a loan. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to ask your questions directly to our loan officers. Learn more and register here!
Wednesday, July 22
11:30am – 1pm
370 Wabasha St N, Floor 4, St Paul, MN 55102
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. Reserve your seat here.
Wednesday, July 22
1 – 2:30pm
Virtual
Build a standout brand with clear messaging, defined audiences, and consistent content that boosts trust and sets you apart in this workshop by SCORE. Learn more and register here!
New Entrepreneurs Workshop
Thursday, July 23
4 – 6:30pm
Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) Offices
Participants will learn how to start a business here in Minnesota. Topics covered are business planning, project budgets, registration and licenses, etc.
Register by calling the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) office at 612-724-5332.
How to Grow Your Business with Facebook
Thursday, July 30
6 – 8pm
Virtual
Presented by Dr. Joshua Castillo, from Premier Health Chiropractors of West Saint Paul, this workshop will cover step-by-step Facebook strategies for social media customer engagement and marketing.
Call the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) office at 612-724-5332 to register.
Tuesday, August 4 & Tuesday, August 11
6 – 7:30pm
Virtual
This program by WomenVenture is designed to empower small business owners with the key fundamental skills to getting set-up in QuickBooks online. Through each of the two sessions, attendees will learn how to create a QuickBooks Online account, navigate the platform, learn the basics of expense categorization, reconciliation and gain confidence to manage their finances. Learn more and register here!
Wednesday, August 5
8 – 10am
University of Minnesota – McNamara Alumni Center
Minnesota's economy is at a pivotal moment, with new industries emerging, major investments being made, and organizations across sectors working together to drive long-term economic growth. Join business and community leaders at COMPETE26 to explore the projects, partnerships, and strategies shaping the state's future economy while addressing the need to grow faster and at greater scale. The event will provide valuable insights into the opportunities that could define Minnesota's economic success for decades to come. Learn more and register!
Tuesday, August 18
12 – 2pm
Virtual
Starting a business can be overwhelming! WomenVenture can help break down the essentials before launching. This two-hour session is your roadmap through the complex world of startup logistics and business banking. In this class, you’ll gain critical knowledge needed to register your business, navigate permits and licenses, and set your business finances up for success. Learn more and register here!
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