The Saint Paul business community gears up for a significant influx of hockey enthusiasts as the city preps to host the IIHF World Juniors Hockey Championships from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026. Local enterprises have the opportunity to join the World Juniors Puck Partners program, a booming platform for businesses to flaunt Minnesota’s hospitality by offering special deals and extended hours to welcome international visitors, according to the Small Business Newsletter. Businesses need to act quickly; however, the deadline to sign up for the program is November 15.
Amid the buzz of the upcoming tournament, the Saint Paul City Council is considering a proposal that could see a temporary lift on certain permits to galvanize downtown businesses during the series of hockey games, the same source adds, this permit holiday pending approval on November 19 could simplify hosting events or promotions in alignment with the event, possibly starting as early as December 19. Moreover, Dan Niziolek from the City is available for inquiries regarding the initiative. Another update from Saint Paul flags the introduction of a streamlined digital tool dubbed PAULIE – Permitting and Utilities, Licensing, Inspections Engine – which streamlines various city services into a single cloud-based system for businesses to easily navigate permits and licensing needs following a July security incident, per City of St. Paul press release.
As winter casts its colder days on Saint Paul, businesses are reminded to stay informed of Snow Emergencies and adhere to parking and shoveling rules to keep operations running smoothly during spells of severe weather. The information is provided in the Small Business Newsletter. Free parking is offered in certain ramps during emergencies, and property managers must ensure sidewalks are cleared within 24 hours as per city ordinance, with smart salting tips made available to reduce environmental impact.
Important infrastructure projects like the Robert Street, Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge, and Capital City Bikeway are set for completion by early December, readying the city for both residents and the international crowd arriving for the World Juniors. Meanwhile, the Small Business Newsletter shares that the Public Works Department, along with various county and utility companies, is hustling to wrap up this year’s construction season with some major developments in downtown areas essential for festive and sports tourism.
For the small business owners gearing towards future growth, the city shines a spotlight on the MN PROMISE Act, now in its second round, which continues to accept applications until December 14, meant to aid entrepreneurs in stepping up their ventures, offering online info sessions and hands-on support at the Neighborhood Development Center. There’s also a nod to the imminent Minnesota Paid Leave program, due to start on January 1, demanding that employers prepare in advance with necessary accounts and inform staff of the new policy. In tandem, Ramsey County rolls out its Means Business initiative, promising a treasure trove of resources for new and existing businesses
Amongst these updates, a flurry of community events stand poised to engage and connect business owners from networking hours, knowledge sessions on lending and AI, to culturally tailoring workshops, and pitch comps, all aiming to cement a stronger local business ecosystem into the new year.
