Small Business & Nonprofit Information

City of Saint Paul staff can direct business owners to appropriate resources and help navigate City processes and procedures.

Get in touch with a project facilitator or project manager by calling (651) 266-6600.

For information on how small businesses can protect themselves during civil unrest, visit the Chauvin Trial Information page.

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For all businesses (including nonprofits)

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The US Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program is offering loans for payroll costs (including benefits), mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020 and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations. Applications are open until May 31, 2021. Learn more and apply by visiting the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program page.
SBA’s COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans can be used for capital needs and normal operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments. Applications are open until December 31, 2021. Learn more and apply by visiting the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan page.

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For restaurants

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The US Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19. The SBA is prioritizing processing and funding applications from women, veterans, or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals until May 24, but all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply by visiting the SBA’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund page.

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Restaurants wishing to create outdoor seating in the public right of way must obtain a 2021 Temporary C-19 Right of Way Obstruction Permit. To learn more about license requirements, contact Public Works at 651-266-6151 or email PW-ROWpermits@ci.stpaul.m. Additional information is also available on the City’s Restaurants and Bars Reopening Information page.
Restaurants are able to use established parking lanes as temporary curbside pick-up zones. Restaurants can post a temporary sign for curbside park pick-up areas without applying for and paying the usual permit fees. To learn more and download the sign visit the City’s Right of Way page.
As of January 7, 2021, fees from third-party food delivery vendors are capped at 15 percent of the purchase price per online or telephone order. Additionally, vendors may not charge food establishments any additional fees or commissions it has not agreed to pay, reduce the wages paid or garnish tips to delivery service drivers to comply with the capped fee rate and must inform customers of any delivery fees or commissions before the transaction is completed. To learn more or file a complaint, contact the Department of Safety and Inspections call 651-266-8989 or email dsicomplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Design assistance is available for minor building alterations to better serve walk-up or take-out customers. Building review will be accelerated for these requests. To learn more, contact the Department of Safety and Inspections at (651) 266-8989.

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The City of Saint Paul, Visit Saint Paul, and NCXT have partnered on the Restaurant Resiliency Program, which connects restaurants to digital marketing experts for co-learning and personalized needs assessments. New cohorts begin weekly and are free to join. Learn more about the program, get connected to digital best practices and join a cohort by visiting NXCT’s Restaurant Resiliency Program page.
The City of Saint Paul and the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority partnered with Visit Saint Paul to launch Dine Saint Paul, a marketing campaign to support restaurants during the pandemic. Restaurants can participate by using hashtag #DineSaintPaul on their social media channels, and get listed on the Dine Saint Paul Restaurant Guide by contacting Chelsea Fey at cfey@visitsaintpaul.com. Learn more by visiting Visit Saint Paul’s Dine Saint Paul page.

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For live venues, museums and movie theaters

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In This Section

For all businesses (including nonprofits)

Financial assistance

Marketing and promotions

Technical assistance

For restaurants

Financial assistance

Licensing and regulations

Marketing and promotions

For live venues, museums and movie theaters

Financial assistance