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 The Whole Ecosystem, All at Once
Twin Cities Startup Week is a great opportunity for small business owners to gain practical tools, fresh ideas, and connections to help strengthen and grow their businesses. Sessions and events cover topics relevant to established businesses, including marketing, financing, technology, leadership, and business growth. Whether you’re looking to improve operations, reach new customers, access capital, or connect with other entrepreneurs, Startup Week offers valuable resources and opportunities to help take your business to the next level.
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City News and Updates
Unsheltered Response — Update from Mayor Kaohly Her
Dear Small Business Community,
Small businesses are the heart of Saint Paul’s vibrant neighborhoods. The City is committed to making sure our commercial districts are safe, welcoming places to work and do business.
As you are aware, my administration is thoughtfully and sustainably closing large-scale encampments citywide, beginning with Pig’s Eye Park on August 5. This decision was made due to untenable public health and safety conditions evident at each encampment.
Multiple City departments identified fires, medical emergencies, sexual assault, environmental hazards, deaths, and other risks that affect individuals at the encampments, their surrounding communities, and the environment. Last week, a multidisciplinary team worked diligently to transition individuals out of Pig’s Eye Park. This has been a complex transition for our community and one that we carried with care. I am proud to say that there were no arrests and no major medical emergencies. Our commitment to our unsheltered neighbors continues well beyond today through productive engagement with our unsheltered neighbors and community advocates.
Added shelter capacity, unsheltered outreach
We have a responsibility to keep public spaces safe and accessible while helping those experiencing homelessness connect to shelter and supportive services. We cannot choose one or the other. Since this announcement was made, we have seen hopeful signs of progress:
- Over $1 million was proposed by my administration and approved by the City Council for an immediate activation of 49 shelter beds at Catholic Charities and a solicitation for shelter beds across the system by Ramsey County;
- Ramsey County outreach workers visited the encampment each weekday in the weeks leading up to closure to connect encampment residents to housing, legal, financial, social, and health services; and
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The City identified additional temporary storage space for personal belongings to help individuals transition into shelter and treatment.
Ongoing unsheltered support and response
Many individuals have connected with shelter, housing, treatment, or other supportive services, while others continue to live outside. Outreach teams will continue to maintain their long-standing relationships with individuals that have yet to connect to services and resources. These talented groups include:
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The Homeless Assistance Response Team (HART) within the Department of Safety and Inspections
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The Fire Department’s Community Alternative Response Emergency Services (CARES) program
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The Familiar Faces team from the Office of Neighborhood Safety
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An enhanced Right of Way detail from the Saint Paul Police Department, Department of Safety and Inspections, and Saint Paul Public Works that seeks to clear refuse and illegally dumped materials from Downtown parks and hot spots three times a week. Locations will be monitored and reviewed continuously
You may notice a greater presence of outreach workers, public safety personnel, and service providers in public spaces. Our coordinated approach helps remain responsive while supporting both vulnerable individuals and safe, welcoming business districts.
If you experience safety concerns or individuals in need of assistance, please use the City's established reporting channels so the appropriate team can respond.
If you’re interested in learning more about the City’s encampment response, I’d encourage you to visit our website detailing the work we are doing and see our one pager you can distribute to folks who are interested in learning more.
Saint Paul's small businesses are essential to our neighborhoods, and I appreciate your partnership as we work through these challenges. My office is always available to hear your concerns and connect you with the right resources.
Spotlight on the West Side Commercial Corridor
The City’s Commercial Corridor Program is investing in 17 commercial corridors across Saint Paul to help strengthen local businesses, attract customers, and create vibrant neighborhood destinations. This month, we’re spotlighting the West Side Commercial Corridor, where the West Side Community Organization (WSCO) is using program funds for marketing and branding, corridor signage, community events, and public art—all aimed at increasing visibility and bringing more people to the area. WSCO is also engaging the community this month in the renaming of Cesar Chavez Street, creating another opportunity to connect residents, businesses, and community partners.
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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PROMISE Act Funding Still Available for Small Businesses
 The Minnesota PROMISE Act is a state-funded initiative that helps small businesses in eligible areas of Minneapolis and Saint Paul grow, recover, and build long-term stability through grant funding. To date, more than 1,000 businesses have received support, with approximately $16 million distributed. Round 2 funding remains available, with $60 million in grant funding still open for eligible applicants. Free support is available to help business owners navigate the application process. Whether you're just getting started or ready to submit your application, the PROMISE Act Grant team is here to help through virtual assistance, information sessions, and one-on-one support. We encourage business owners to apply and take advantage of the resources available throughout the process.
👉 Apply Now
👉 View Info Sessions
👉 Schedule 1:1 Virtual Support
👉 Schedule 1:1 In-Person Support
📞 Call: 651-379-8102
Saint Paul Branding Community Survey
It's an exciting time for our city. Visit Saint Paul, in collaboration with the City of Saint Paul, is embarking on a civic identity project to help speak about, market, and communicate our city in a unified voice — supporting economic growth, attracting new businesses, visitors, and talent, and deepening community pride. This initiative is about defining and sharing that story: what makes Saint Paul a great place to live, work, and visit. But we can't do it without you. As a valued member of our community, your insights will help shape how we present Saint Paul to the world — and ensure it reflects the spirit of the people who call it home. Thank you for taking 5 minutes to complete this survey. |
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Ramsey County Critical Corridors Program Open
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Ramsey 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 for it’s Critical Corridors Programs. These programs specifically support planning and small business district support activities. Applications are due on Monday, August 24 at 4:30pm. To learn visit the program website and schedule a pre-application meeting by emailing carmel.sanjuan@ramseycountymn.gov (not required but highly encouraged). |
Expanded SBA Capital Availability
SBA borrowers can now combine 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing, making it easier for small businesses to manage and expand their financing. By decoupling 7(a) loan balances from the 504 program, the SBA is giving capital-intensive small businesses greater flexibility to pair long-term financing for real estate and equipment with working capital to support operations and expansion. Check with your lender for eligibility or contact the Minnesota District Office at minnesota@sba.gov. |
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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.
Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) has an array of flexible lending options for small businesses and entrepreneurs across the Twin Cities. Come to our Loan Information Sessions and learn more about the offerings! All loan sessions are held from 1:00 – 2:00pm on the date you register for.
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
Small Business Essentials Course at WomenVenture
WomenVenture’s Small Business Essentials Course starts Thursday, September 24 and runs through Thursday, October 22; classes are Thursdays from 6 – 8pm at the WomenVenture Office at 165 Western Avenue North, Suite 8, Office #100, St. Paul, MN 55102. This 5-session course will help prepare your business for launch by exploring marketing, finance, operations, and legal considerations. 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.
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.
Join the University of St. Thomas Family Business Center
Registration is now open for the 2026-27 Family Business Center season!
Whether you're preparing the next generation, navigating growth or looking to learn from other family businesses, the Family Business Center is designed for families like yours. Today, 124 families from across the Upper Midwest are members.
Membership is $1,750 per family and includes our flagship Family Business Breakfast Series, featuring seven in-person events held throughout the school year on Thursday mornings from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on the St. Paul campus. Members also receive recordings of each Breakfast event.
Members can use their 15% discount toward tuition for the Family Business Mini MBA, saving $1,125 while investing in the next generation of leaders or the continued development of key family and nonfamily employees.
If the cost of membership is a barrier, financial assistance is available thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. We encourage any family business that could benefit from assistance to complete our scholarship application.
Register for Food Ag. Ideas 2026
Registration for Food. Ag. Ideas 2026 is officially OPEN. You're invited to join farmers, founders, brands, researchers, investors, and industry leaders on October 27 for a full day of thought-provoking conversations, inspiring speakers, and meaningful connections at FAI 2026.
This year's theme, The Minnesota Model, explores how Minnesota's unique food and agriculture ecosystem—built on cooperative economics, land stewardship, and interconnected food system infrastructure—is creating a more resilient future, and what the rest of the country can learn from it.
Minnesota Skills-Based Accelerator Program Expanded
 MN Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator half-day workshops will help your company build a plan that will attract, hire and retain the best talent. These sessions now support career counselors, employers, industry partners and other workforce stakeholders in preparing job seekers, improving hiring practices and aligning talent strategies statewide. A skills‑based ecosystem connects counselors, employers, and industries around shared competencies, creating clearer pathways, stronger pipelines and more resilient communities.
Stay Cool with Free Smart Thermostats
Xcel Energy commercial customers in Saint Paul may be eligible for free smart thermostats and free installation from Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). Smart thermostats allow you to monitor your business’s AC remotely and adjust multiple thermostats from your smartphone. Plus, you’ll earn annual bill credits for each thermostat installed through the Xcel Energy AC Rewards program. Request your free installation at mncee.org/thermostats.
In addition to replacing all manual and programmable thermostats at your business, CEE’s HVAC team can help you reduce cooling costs by programming optimal temperature setbacks for unoccupied times. Free commercial HVAC assessments, consulting, and rebates are also available from CEE. Visit mncee.org/thermostats to get started.
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
Tuesday, August 18
12 – 2pm
Virtual
Starting a business can be overwhelming! Let WomvenVenture help you 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!
Wednesday, August 19
8 – 11:30am
Northeast Bank, Minneapolis
Learn how to assess readiness, increase value, explore transition options, and protect your legacy in this in-person business succession workshop presented by SCORE. Learn more and register here!
Thursday, August 20
11:30am – 1pm
Virtual
Learn to stand out with authority marketing, build trust fast, and position your small business as the clear choice. Big budget not required. Learn more and register here!
Monday, August 24
4 – 6pm
Virtual
Learn how artificial intelligence (AI) can help solve common business challenges, improve productivity, streamline operations and support marketing and business decision-making through practical examples and live demonstrations. Facilitator: Andres Muyon, Technology Entrepreneur & AI Expert. Learn more and register on LEDC’s website!
Thursday, August 27
4 – 6pm
LEDC Office – St. Paul
Designed for individuals interested in starting a business, this workshop covers the essential steps to launch a business, evaluate business readiness, and connect participants with the resources available through LEDC to support their entrepreneurial journey. Learn more and register on LEDC’s website!
Thursday, August 27
6 – 9pm
Register to see exact Minneapolis address
The Twin Cities ecommerce community is gathering for a relaxed night of connecting, sharing wins, and trading what's actually working right now. Local founders, operators, and freelancers all welcome. Learn more and register here!
Wednesday, August 26
2 – 3pm
Virtual
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. Learn more and register!
Tuesday, September 8
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.
Tuesday, September 8
4 – 6pm
Plaza del Sol
Join LEDC, the Energy Smart Team, and our SBEEDi partners to learn how energy-efficiency improvements can reduce operating costs and enhance your business's sustainability. Participants will learn about available rebates, incentives, and technical assistance programs, identify eligible energy-saving projects, and participate in an interactive demonstration on energy efficiency. Attendees can enter a raffle to win Xcel Energy gift cards. Learn more and register on LEDC’s website!
Wednesday, September 9
11:30am – 1pm or 1 – 3:30pm
Virtual
Running a business shouldn't mean running yourself into the ground. Learn practical strategies to manage your time and energy, prevent burnout, and build a more sustainable approach to entrepreneurship. Learn more and register here!
Friday, September 11
12 – 1:30pm or 1:30 – 3pm
Virtual
Learn how to clearly and confidently communicate what your business does with messaging that feels authentic and connects with customers. You'll leave with practical tools you can use right away across social media, networking, your website, and more. Learn more and register here!
Friday, September 25
12 – 1:30pm or 1:30 – 3pm
Virtual
Strengthen the way you talk about your business with clear, authentic messaging that builds trust and connects with customers. Walk away with practical strategies you can apply to networking, marketing, and everyday conversations. Learn more and register here!
Wednesday, September 30
11:30am – 1:30pm
370 Osborne
Gathering change-makers to form fresh relationships & foster a stronger and more prosperous community in the Twin Cities! Celebrate five years of building relationships, strengthening businesses, and creating a stronger Twin Cities community. The Strengthen the Strong 5 Year Anniversary Luncheon returns this September, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders from across the Twin Cities for an afternoon of networking, collaboration, and celebration. Learn more and register here!
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