The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in Minnesota is setting the stage for small businesses and entrepreneurs to access essential resources through the Office of Small Business and Innovation. An open house event at University Enterprise Laboratories in Saint Paul has been announced for Tuesday, September 17 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. during Twin Cities Startup Week. The gathering aims to introduce DEED's resources related to financial assistance and small business development. There is no cost for attendance, and complimentary parking is offered on-site.
To be inclusive, DEED has provided alternative methods for entrepreneurs who are unable to make it to the open house. Interested individuals can reach out to the Office of Small Business and Innovation by phone, with two numbers available: 651-556-8425 or the toll-free 800-310-8323, via email at [email protected], or by completing an online intake form. Moreover, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) offers financial support through six programs, aimed at bridging gaps alongside lenders.
Additional initiatives include diverse resources like the CEO Next program, which provides advanced business and market research, and the Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant from BizRecycling, offering funding of up to $50,000 for initiatives aimed at significant solid waste reduction. Also mentioned is the MN PROMISE Act loan, supporting disadvantaged businesses in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Technical and financial support is extended through the City of Saint Paul with an outline of resources and a straightforward intake process. Safety concerns are also addressed with a free premise survey offer from the Saint Paul Police Department's Crime Prevention team. Additionally, a non-emergency call center (651-266-8989) operated by the city is poised to field complaints and facilitate incident reports.
To strengthen legal understanding, the African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) provides 30-minute free legal consultation sessions every Friday. Likewise, the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) has unveiled its Mindset Reset Program to aid business owners in striking a balance between the pressures of business and personal wellness. From the Ramsey County Inclusive Employer Toolkit to the ConnectUP! Institute's Mini Summit on AI, there is an abundance of tools and information available for small business success. Recognition and opportunities come via the National Small Business Week Awards, for which nominations for 2025 are due by December 5.
Amid these resources, upcoming events offer a spectrum of opportunities, including technical workshops focused on website design hosted by Ramsey County Library, and resource fairs such as the Small Business Resource Fair for Immigrants. The City of Saint Paul also has declared September as National Preparedness Month, encouraging businesses to get plans into place for emergencies, while preparing for the minimum wage increase in 2025 set forth by the Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO).
For small businesses in Minnesota, DEED's approach is a multifaceted strategy, with numerous points of support, workshops, and funding options tailored for diverse needs. The upcoming open house serves as a gateway, providing personal access to the various programs and resources aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in the small business sector.
