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Connect with the Business Resources Team

Not sure where to start? Fill out our Business Assistance Intake Form. Whether you are looking for financial support or other resources, the intake form will help our team match you with the right programs.

Our Business Resources team will review the form and follow up with you directly. You can also email us at businessresources@city.stpaul.mn.us. 

Submit a Business Assistance Intake Form

Our Business Resources and Support

Saint Paul is a vibrant city and a fantastic place to do business. The Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED) provides a variety of financial and technical support. We help businesses of any size start, grow, and thrive across all neighborhoods of Saint Paul.

Our Business Resources Team can work with you to find resources that meet your needs and set your business up for success. We offer:

  • Connection with City departments and other agencies
  • Funding application assistance
  • General consultation
  • Permitting and licensing support
  • Site and building plan review
  • Site selection support

Submit a Business Assistance Intake Form

Sign Up for the Small Business Newsletter

The City of Saint Paul Small Business Newsletter is your go-to source for the latest news, events, and resources. Get monthly updates to your email when you subscribe.

Sign Up for the Small Business Newsletter 

Financial Assistance

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STAR Program Funding

The City's Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) program provides two separate funding opportunities:

  • Neighborhood STAR: Awards grants and loans for capital improvement projects. Businesses and nonprofits can apply for funding through the annual competitive application process. Awards range from $5,000 to $200,000 though typically awards are $50,000 or less.
  • Cultural STAR: Promotes economic growth by supporting arts and culture. Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, along with businesses located within the City’s cultural district, can apply for grants during the annual competitive application process. Awards typically range from $5,000 to $50,000.
Discover the STAR Program
Minnesota State Capitol

Sponsorship for Regional and State Grants

The City of Saint Paul sponsors applications for grants from the Metropolitan Council and the State of Minnesota. We strongly support efforts to reinvest and strengthen neighborhoods and commercial areas, bringing needed regional and state funding to local development projects.

These grants can fund brownfields investigation and cleanup, transit-oriented development, design and development, and nonprofit and housing projects. 

Explore Regional and State Grants
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BizRecycling Grants

BizRecycling, a public program of Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy, provides grants for businesses to reduce waste and improve recycling. Five different grants are available to help you improve efficiency and make a difference by reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Visit BizRecycling for Grant Information

Marketing, Promotion, and Events

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Connect with Visit Saint Paul

Visit Saint Paul is the City's official convention and visitors bureau. They can help you network, showcase your business to visitors, and connect with event coordinators and attendees. Reach out to Visit Saint Paul to learn how to promote your business, and be a part of events happening in Saint Paul. Photo credit: Sheldon Powell.
 

Mayor Her laughs with a community member in front of a mural. They're in a large indoor room with others sitting down to a round table.

Invite the Mayor to an Event

You can invite the Mayor to anevent for your business, including a ribbon cutting or anniversary celebration. Complete the online form below to submit a request to the Mayor's Office. Please send all invites at least three weeks in advance. 

Grow Your Business with Local, County, and State Resources

Saint Paul businesses can take advantage of local, county, and state-led programs designed to support, connect, and grow businesses.

Government Contracts and Procurement

Every day, the City of Saint Paul buys goods and services from businesses large and small. Register your business as a Saint Paul supplier, find opportunities to do business with the City, and submit bids or proposals.

Local and Neighborhood Support

The City of Saint Paul supports local organizations with business and community engagement. Our Commercial Corridor Organization Assistance Program (C-COAP) provides funding for business assistance along specific corridors.

Saint Paul is also home to a network of district councils. These independent neighborhood organizations represent the City's 17 planning districts. District councils provide local opportunities to network and find support resources.

Statewide Networking and Assistance

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development offers assistance and networking opportunities for business owners statewide. To get engaged and learn more from DEED’s Small Business Assistance Office:

Learn About Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Regulations

Each City department plays a role in supporting local business. From street maintenance to licensing to labor standards, learn how our teams partner with businesses and workers in Saint Paul.

Public Safety

Do you have a public safety or security concern? There are several ways to contact the Saint Paul Police Department, including a dedicated form to report properties near you that have ongoing issues.  

  • If there's an emergency, call 911.
  • If there is a non-emergency, call the Saint Paul Police non-emergency line at 651-291-1111.

Street Maintenance and Construction

Saint Paul Public Works is responsible for constructing and maintaining Saint Paul's public infrastructure. Stay up to date on upcoming construction projects, report a street maintenance concern, or get information on snow removal and more. 

Safety and Inspections

The Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) supports local businesses in building and maintaining a safe, healthy, and thriving local community. They oversee most permitting, licensing, and inspections. The department can also assist business owners with some safety concerns, including unshoveled sidewalks or overgrown lawns on nearby properties. 

Labor Standards

The Department of Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) works to make the City of Saint Paul fair and equitable. HREEO investigates discrimination, supports accommodations, enforces labor standards laws, and manages contracts and purchases.