The Saint Paul City Council will celebrate winners and recognize all businesses nominated during the City Council Meeting on March 22 and at a reception at City Hall following the meeting. The public is invited to attend the meeting and reception. Launched by the City Council in January, the Saint Paul Business Awards will honor businesses in several categories based on nominations from the community.   

“These awards give us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the variety of unique and special businesses that make Saint Paul distinctive,” said Ward 7 Councilmember Jane Prince. “These businesses make Saint Paul more vibrant – they’re the reason Saint Paul is a place where people want to live, work and play.”

As part of the Open for Business initiative that began in 2016, this is another step in making Saint Paul an even better place to do business. “Part of building the strongest possible business climate in Saint Paul is taking a moment to recognize all the amazing work already being done by the business owners in our community,” said Ward 2 Councilmember Rebecca Noecker.

“The number of nominations and applications we received exceeded all of our expectations,” said Ward 1 Councilmember Dai Thao. “I am so proud that our business community is determined, engaged, and invested in co-creating a thriving business ecosystem in St. Paul.”

Most winners were selected by a committee of fellow business owners and advisors from across the city. One award, the People’s Choice Award, was selected based on the number of nominations from the community.

Award Categories

  • Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least twenty years. 
  • New Kid on the Block Award - Honoring a business that has opened in Saint Paul within the last five years.
  • Large Business Excellence Award - Honoring a business with at least 50 employees in Saint Paul that cares for its employees and the community.
  • Small Business Excellence Award - Honoring a business with fewer than 50 employees in Saint Paul that cares for its employees and the community.
  • Alice O’Brien Award – Honoring a woman-owned business that is committed to equity and empowerment.
  • Reflecting St. Paul Award – Honoring a business owned by a person of color that is committed to equity and empowerment.
  • People’s Choice Award - Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by St. Paul residents.

The awards ceremony and reception following is free and open to the public. Please RSVP here.

Find more information at www.stpaul.gov/bizawards

Last Edited: March 16, 2017