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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2025
Contact:
Vyan Abdullah, Phone: 651-373-5779 | Email: Vyan.Abdullah@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Nhia Vang, Phone: 651-266-8566 | Email: Nhia.Vang@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Honor an exceptional Saint Paul business with a nomination for the City Council’s 9th Annual Business Awards
Saint Paul will be accepting Business Awards nominations starting September 1, 2025
SAINT PAUL – Starting September 1st, 2025, the Saint Paul City Council will begin accepting nominations for the Business Awards Program. Founded in 2015 in partnership with the Open for Business initiative, the Business Awards Program aims to uplift the Saint Paul community in their efforts to create a welcoming environment for residents to grow and thrive. City Council President and Ward 2 Councilmember Rebbeca Noecker stated, “Saint Paul’s small businesses are the foundation of our neighborhoods. They not only provide goods and services, but also create spaces where people can connect, build relationships, and strengthen community ties. The Business Awards are an important way to recognize and celebrate the creativity, resilience, and dedication of the entrepreneurs who make it all possible.”
Vice President and Ward 5 Councilmember HwaJeong Kim shared that, “Our city has an incredible entrepreneurial spirit that breathes life into our neighborhoods through local new shops and classic Saint Paul destinations. St. Paul businesses drive our local economy and develop a world-class workforce of young leaders.”
Each year, the Saint Paul City Council recognizes businesses in five award categories. Community members, residents, employees, and business owners are invited to submit nominations at www.stpaul.gov/bizawards or encourage a deserving business to apply for these awards. Visit the business awards page to learn about past winners, the award categories, and criteria for submitting nominations and applications.
Blake Montpetit, owner of Tiffany Sports Lounge and recipient of the 2024 Traditions Award said, “Receiving the Legacy Award from the City of Saint Paul is an incredible honor that celebrates Tiffany Sports Lounge’s 55-year history and pays tribute to my late father, Danny Montpetit, whose guidance and values shaped the legacy of Tiffany’s. Awards like this truly matter, especially when they come from the city and the neighbors who have supported us for so many years. With their continued support, I’m proud and honored to carry that legacy forward every day.”
LaShante Grigsby, owner of Flava Cafe and recipient of the 2024 New Kid on the Block Award shared that, “It was an absolute honor to be recognized by my community with the Saint Paul Business Award. As small business owners, we often work diligently and quietly, forgetting that people are watching, admiring, celebrating, and advocating for us—even when we have no idea. Receiving this award is a reminder that there are mutual value and appreciation in the work I do.”
The 2025 Business Awards nomination period begins on September 1st, 2025, and concludes on October 17th, 2025. Applications and nominations are open to any business type in Saint Paul. A selection committee made up of past award recipients will decide the winners. Recipients of the business Awards will be recognized at a Saint Paul City Council meeting in October 2025. The Saint Paul City Council eagerly awaits the community’s nominations and extends its best wishes to the businesses.
Award Categories:
- Alice O'Brien Award - Honoring a woman-owned business that is committed to equity and empowerment.
- Good Neighbor Award - Honoring a business that shows a dedication to improving the community.
- Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least 20 years.
- People’s Choice Award - Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents.
- New Kid on the Block Award - Honoring a business that has opened in Saint Paul within the last five years.
Nominations must be submitted no later than October 17th, 2025, by 12:00 PM CST. All applications for consideration must be submitted no later than October 24th, 2025, by 12:00 PM CST. Find more information and nominate a business at www.stpaul.gov/bizawards.
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