St. Paul’s small businesses are getting a boost with the City’s CERT Program, which aims to even the playing field for local enterprises, especially those owned by women and people of color. As reported by the Small Business Newsletter, the program connects these businesses with public contracts through a streamlined certification process. By becoming CERT certified, small businesses can more readily compete for city contracts as city staff can easily access their information in the CERT vendor database.
In the realm of newer ventures, cannabis entrepreneurs in St. Paul should pay attention to the specific approval process detailed in the Office of Cannabis Management’s recent worksheet. This checklist is necessary for those looking to obtain a license for cannabis or hemp edible sales. To assist potential titan business owners, St. Paul has kept the registration window for cannabis products open until August 31. As a sign to proactively prepare, the city encourages businesses not yet registered or those registering additional locations to complete the necessary paperwork by the deadline.
A significant update for local businesses, large and small, comes with the minimum wage increase effective July 1, 2025, as stated in the Small Business Newsletter. Micro businesses should prepare to pay workers at least $13.25, while small businesses are set to raise their minimum wage to $15.00. Meeting these standards is crucial for compliance and maintaining employee wellbeing in the different business size spectrums operating within the city.
For those navigating through the bustle of St. Paul, it’s important to note the extensive public works projects affecting daily commutes. Key areas under construction include downtown streets and the Capital City Bikeway. The city advises utilizing the online Road Closure Map early and often to plot routes around the disruptions. In the business sector, commerce doesn’t have to grind to a halt due to disasters, as the Ready Business initiative by the city offers guidance on creating contingency plans tailored to various threats. Proactivity can safeguard operations, curb downtime, and cement a company’s resilience.
Lastly, St. Paul’s July business calendar is chock-full of events and resources aimed at bolstering local enterprises. Workshops on marketing, social media strategies assisted by AI, and lender readiness beckon business owners to enhance their competencies. Events such as the COMPETE | 25 breakfast will delve into Minnesota’s economic status, while the YOBIZMO 2025 Wealth Building Conference caters to Asian Minnesotans with workshops across various related topics. Upcoming construction along Arcade Street and its impact on businesses there should not go unnoticed, with a mitigation fund established to help affected enterprises ride out the storm until 2026.
For St. Paul’s entrepreneurs, staying informed and seeking support when necessary can lead to longevity and growth, even amidst changing landscapes. More details on each of these topics, including cannabis business registration, construction updates, and resourceful events, can be found on the City of Saint Paul’s website.
