Ramsey County is steadily cultivating an environment where small businesses and entrepreneurs can thrive, now accepting applications for various support programs until late August 2025. The CEO Next Business Institute, targeting CEOs of second-stage businesses looking to scale, offers expert guidance and advanced technical research at zero cost. Firms with a workforce between 10 to 99 and generating over $1 million in annual revenue are encouraged to apply for the program by August 30. The Institute is a joint initiative backed by Ramsey alongside Hennepin, Dakota, and Scott counties, focused on advancing regional and national business expansion.
Also available is the Open to Business program, operated in conjunction with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD). It provides key technical assistance, such as business plan development and financial projections, to entrepreneurs and existing small ventures for free. Appointments and additional information for August can be found on the Ramsey County website. Alongside these offerings, Ramsey County is delivering up to $150,000 per year for two years to nonprofit organizations that support the small business ecosystem through the Re-Imagination Resource Center Grant. Described by officials, applications for these grants will close on August 26, with a maximum of $2 million collectively allocated.
Addressing the small business spotlight, Kirtland Electric, a family-owned electrical contractor, has flourished owing to its participation in the CERT program, which has considerably magnified their clientele, according to a statement obtained by the Small Business Newsletter. CERT certification has notably enabled their business to secure multiple government-related contracts. The city’s Vendor Outreach Program encourages businesses to get CERT certified to qualify for public tenders, and certified vendors have their details logged in the CERT database, enhancing visibility and accessibility.
Businesses in Saint Paul are also reminded of the recently increased city minimum wage, effective from July 1, 2025, which now stands at $13.25 for micro businesses and $15 for small businesses up to 100 employees. The minimum wage remains at $15.97 for larger ventures, as reported by the City of Saint Paul. Furthermore, the city’s construction projects may impact local businesses, with ongoing Public Works activities such as the Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge build. Business owners are urged to utilize the city’s Road Closure Map to navigate the impact on operations and patron access.
In terms of financial backing, the Latino Economic Development Center’s (LEDC) Main Street Economic Revitalization Program is set to infuse construction-ready projects with necessary funds, capping at $750,000 per initiative. With an arm of DEED, businesses can tap into programs like the Automation Loan Participation Program, offering loans up to $500,000, and the Growth Loan Fund, catering to early-stage tech innovators. Prospective applicants can seek further information on the $33 million pool via DEED’s website or email them directly at [email protected].
On the horizon for aspiring entrepreneurs is WomenVenture’s Small Business Essentials course, kicking off on August 21st, a five-session program conducted online. It’s aimed at preparing participants for successful business launches, emphasizing marketing, finance, operations, and legalities. And, finally, business promotions are afoot for the Twin Cities Marathon Weekend, inviting establishments to offer specials from September 25th to October 5th for race participants, enhancing the local economic milieu during this high-profile event.
