The Architectural & Engineering Partnering (AEP) program is designed to bring together architectural and engineering firms that are women-owned (WBEs), minority-owned (MBEs) and small busineess enterprises (SBEs) with larger established engineering and architectural firms. 

Introduced by the Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) Department Director, Luz Maria Frias, the AEP program is designed to connect architectural and engineering firms that are women-owned (WBEs), minority-owned (MBEs) and small business enterprises (SBEs) with larger established engineering and architectural firms. This new partnership initiative will be beneficial to all participants. Smaller engineering and architectural firms will have the opportunity to work with more established firms to build their capacity. Larger firms will have the opportunity to make connections and identify qualified subcontracting firms. Moreover, both small and large firms alike will have extensive networking opportunities available.

The City of Saint Paul has partnered with economic development agencies, chambers of commerce and other government agencies to create a capacity building tool through the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program led by the Joint Council of Minnesota Multi-Ethnic Chambers of Commerce in partnership with the University of Minnesota. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota is the current fiscal agent for the Joint Council of Minnesota Multi-Ethnic Chambers of Commerce.

For more information about this program, contact Val Vargas, BR&E Program Coordinator, at (612) 312-1698 or .

The goal of the Construction Partnering Program (CPP) is to create increased opportunities for minority firms in the construction industry. The CPP originated in the City of Saint Paul.

The CPP has grown and is composed of established and developing firms in the Twin Cities area, including representatives of the government and nonprofit sector. The goal of the CPP is to partner developing minority - owned and women - owned businesses and firms with larger, established corporations that can provide guidance, expertise and industry connections. The Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) manages and facilitates the program along with the Association of Women Contractors (AWC) and the newest member of the program the National Association of Minority Contractors - Upper Midwest Chapter (NAMC).

The City of Saint Saint Paul, the City of Minneapolis, Saint Paul Public Schools, Minneapolis Public Schools and Saint Paul Public Schools, the Minnesota Business Partnership and philanthropic partners teamed up to create the Power of YOU program.

The Power of YOU program covers the cost of tuition and fees for two years at Saint Paul College or Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) through state and federal grants and private scholarships. 

Find more information on the Power of YOU program.

The City of Saint Paul is responsible for the community impact of the $10 million Socially Responsible Investment Fund (SRIF), which is designed to promote and reward local banks that demonstrate exemplary investment in targeted neighborhoods and the promotion of the Small Developer Ownership Construction Program, a financial tool for small developers.

The City of Saint Paul places a total of $10 million in certificates of deposits in qualifying community banks that have a successful track record of investing loan dollars to support Saint Paul's commercial corridors, minority-, female-, and small-owned businesses, housing initiatives, community development corporations (CDC's), and low-income communities.

• List of Participating Financial Institutions 
  • To inquire about a loan through one of these participating financial institutions, contact the financial institution directly. The City of Saint Paul does not originate these loans.
  • If your financial institution is interested in participating in SRIF, visit the SRIF website.
• SRIF Investment Report - Year 2009