Entrepreneurs in Saint Paul have until September 15 to apply for the CEO Next Business Institute's 2024/2025 cohort, a program designed to propel local businesses past the small-scale phase into wider market growth, with a focus on companies with 10 to 99 employees and revenues from $1M to $50M, as per the Small Business Newsletter released in August; the initiative is backed by Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, offering services like system for integrated growth, CEO roundtable sessions, and forum events at no cost to provide business leaders with the chance of scaling up their operations.

Moreover, Saint Paul's small business landscape is nurtured through a variety of programs including the free basic business counseling courtesy of Open to Business and accessible legal aid for marginalized entrepreneurs from LegalCORPS's Entrepreneurs of Color program, initiatives that recognize the financial, social, and educational resources at the disposal of these business owners, as KC Kye, the founder of K-Mama Sauce and a former participant of CEO Next passionately advised his peers, noting the strength drawn from fellow business owners which led to his products hitting the shelves of major retailers like Target and Walmart in statements obtained by Small Business Newsletter.

Upcoming events such as 'Marketing in a Digital World', 'DEED Small Business Call', and 'Achieve It! Business Workshop underscores the breadth of resources tailored for entrepreneurial success; additionally, local small businesses can tap into specialized support like free recycling and organics bins from BizRecycling's Bin-Only Grant, free energy consultations, and rebates for refrigeration efficiency from the Center for Energy and Environment to not only manage operational costs but also to embrace sustainable practices, a step that aligns with Minnesota’s broader environmental goals as evident with the recent legislation phasing out fluorescent light sales starting in 2025.

The comprehensive aid extended to Saint Paul businesses also includes financial guidance from the City of Saint Paul and informational sessions such as the Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline 101 Webinar, which emphasizes earn-and-learn strategies in target industries, while the Latino Chamber of Commerce gears up for its Summer Networking Mixer to cultivate connections among business owners these events not only offer strategic insights but also foster community engagement and networking opportunities vital for grassroots business growth, according to a detailed event schedule and program descriptions from the Small Business Newsletter.