Welcome
This hub brings together educational, financial, and compliance resources for small businesses in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Use the form below if you’d like personalized help navigating these resources.
Saint Paul Small Business Resource Hub
Need help? Fill out the form below:
CITY of Saint Paul
Business Resources (PED)
Financial & technical assistance, staff contacts, and current programs.
PAULIE: Permits & Licensing
Mobile-friendly portal to apply, pay, and track permits, licenses, and inspections.
Neighborhood STAR (Capital Grants)
Capital improvement grants that strengthen Saint Paul neighborhoods.
Cultural STAR (Arts & Cultural)
Grants/loans that grow the arts sector and support downtown vitality.
CERT (Central Certification)
Small, minority-, and women-owned certification used by Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Ramsey & Hennepin.
Saint Paul Port Authority (Energy & PACE)
Financing tools like Trillion BTU and MinnPACE for energy upgrades & real estate.
COUNTY (Ramsey)
Open to Business (MCCD)
Free technical assistance + lending connections for startups and existing businesses.
Ramsey County Procurement
How to register, find bids (DemandStar), and become a county vendor.
STATE of Minnesota
DEED – Startup & Small Business
State portal for loans, grants, training, SBDC, and Small Business Assistance Office.
Financing & Innovation
State Contracting (SWIFT)
Register in the Supplier Portal to bid on state contracts.
Transportation & DBE
FEDERAL / National
SBA – Minnesota District
Loans (7a, 504, micro), counseling, certifications, disaster assistance.
Federal Contracting
Education, Training & Advising
University of St. Thomas SBDC
Neighborhood Development Center
WomenVenture
SCORE Twin Cities (Mentoring)
Permits & Licenses – Quick Start
1) Confirm Zoning & Use
Check if your location allows your business type and signage; verify any change-of-use needs.
2) Apply for Licenses/Inspections
Food, liquor, auto, body art, lodging, construction, etc. Track applications online.
3) Building/Sign Permits
Submit plans for buildout or signage and schedule inspections as required.
4) Environmental/Health
If applicable: MPCA guidance, waste, stormwater, air emissions, commercial kitchen requirements.
Public Contracting – Starter Guide
Get Certified (If Eligible)
Register as a Vendor
Find & Bid on Opportunities
Proposal Checklist
- UEI (SAM.gov), NAICS, size standards confirmed
- Required certifications (CERT/DBE/WOSB/VOSB) attached
- Insurance, bonding (if required), past performance
- Scope, schedule, deliverables, pricing fully addressed
- Subcontracting plan & compliance reporting (if applicable)