About the Business Awards Program
The City Council first launched the Saint Paul Business Awards in 2017. The program recognizes businesses that invest in their companies and the Saint Paul community. Each year, the public is invited to nominate a business for this recognition, and businesses are also encouraged to apply.
Award recipients will be featured on digital billboards through our partner, Clear Channel, which has supported the program since 2024. They have expressed interest in continuing to support the Business Awards Program by highlighting winners for approximately four weeks at various St. Paul locations.
Nominations and applications for the 2026 Business Awards Program restarted on September 14, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an award, a business must:
- Be located in Saint Paul.
- Be committed to equity, diversity, and empowerment, and provide outstanding customer service.
- Be involved in the community or make attempts to better the community as a whole.
- NOT have been selected by the committee for an award within the last five years.
- NOT be a non‐profit organization.
- Demonstrate commitment to the community through volunteer work and contributions.
- Be in good standing with the City of Saint Paul (i.e., no outstanding fees, abatement issues, etc.).
- Have the application form filled out.
Nominations & Applications Open September 14!
Nominate a small business by November 6
Apply for an award by November 9
Awards Category
This is a table of the different types of awards, their descriptions, and criteria.
| Alice O'Brien Award - Honoring a woman-owned business committed to equity and empowerment. |
| Good Neighbor Award - Honoring a business that has demonstrated dedication to improving the community. |
| New Kid on the Block Award - Honoring a business that has opened in Saint Paul within the last five years. |
| People’s Choice Award - Recognizing a business celebrated by Saint Paul residents for its excellence. |
| Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least twenty years. |
| Small but Mighty Award - Honoring a single owner-operated business with fewer than 5 employees. Small in size but mighty in impact on the community. |
Nomination Process
The nomination process is the first step to start recognizing local businesses that provide critical services, contribute to the City's community, invest in their employees and are committed to Saint Paul's values of equity and diversity. You may select up to three categories for consideration for a business, but they will only win the award in one category. If you have questions about the nomination or application forms, please email us at BusinessAwards@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Fill out the Nomination Form
Filling out the form to nominate a business takes only a few minutes of your time. This nomination form encourages the nominated business to apply and be considered for one of six award categories: Alice O’Brien Award, Good Neighbor Award, New Kid on the Block Award, People’s Choice Award, Small but Mighty Award, or Traditions Award.
Here's a sample of the form:
City Verification
City will confirm that the nominated business was not previously selected by the committee for an award within the last five years and is not a non‐profit organization.
Public Notification
After all the applications have been received, the Selection Committee made up of past business winners will meet to deliberate on the businesses who have been awarded. A press release will announce the winners with an invitation to the general public to participate in the awards presentation ceremony.
Application Process
The application process can be (a) the first step to self-recognize and apply, or (b) be recognized by a fan and apply to be one of several local businesses that provide critical services, contribute to the City's community, invest in your employees and are committed to Saint Paul's values of equity and diversity. You may select up to three categories for consideration, but the business can only win in one category. If you have questions about the nomination or application forms, please email us at BusinessAwards@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Fill out the Application Form
This application form will help inform the Selection Committee when deciding which award to be assigned. There are six award categories: Alice O’Brien Award, Good Neighbor Award, New Kid on the Block Award, People’s Choice Award, Small but Mighty Award, or Traditions Award, that a business can be considered for.
Here's a sample of the form:
City Verification
City will confirm that your business was not previously selected by the committee for an award within the last five years and is not a non‐profit organization. You may also be asked to email your business logo for publication purposes.
Selection Committee Deliberation
The Selection Committee is made up of past business winners who will meet after all the applications have been received to decide on the businesses who should be awarded in one of the categories. Businesses will be vetted for good business standing before a final announcement is made.
Notification and Public Notification
After the Selection Committee finish deliberating and deciding on the winners, you will be notified whether you have been selected for an award. You will be notified of the date and time to receive your award in an upcoming awards presentation ceremony. A press release will also be sent to news media and members of the public of this event.
Awards Presentation Ceremony
You will be asked to attend the presentation ceremony. The City Council will convene a special meeting for this recognition with a small reception to follow. Family and friends are welcome.
Videos
Thinking about applying or struggling to find a business to nominate? We encourage you to watch a couple of promotional videos of past winners to inspire you. If you are already giving back to the community or know of a neighborhood business that shares similar characteristics as our past winners, please consider applying or nominating for one of the award categories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This is a link to download the PDF of the frequently asked questions:
