Economic Development

Open To Business provides assistance in such areas as start-up and expansion financing, business plan development, licensing, zoning and regulatory issues, and financial management. Open To Business can respond to requests for business assistance when those requests are beyond the range of the services normally provided by your municipal agencies.

For more information, please email Luis Mendoza or call 651-216-6252. View office hours.

Open To Business website

DEED supports business creation, expansion, relocation, and retention in Minnesota. It stabilizes and stimulates the economy in times of downturn through benefit payments and also supports the workforce needs of Minnesota's businesses, workers, and communities.

DEED website

MN Cup has become a great first step for launching a new business, offering free education, mentorship, promotional opportunities and seed funding for those that advance. The competition is free to enter.   Learn more about MN Cup

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) creates a central fund where small to mid-sized Minnesota employers can request reimbursement for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities.  Learn more about ERAF

• Future Finder (PDF) - An initiative intended to highlight and showcase hotel, restaurant and retail jobs in our communities.
• Business Loan Program - Ramsey County receives funding from federal sources and repayments of current loans to capitalize its loan pool. Business Loan staff provides technical assistance in meeting program requirements and will work with applicants to determine the most appropriate source for financing.
• Economic Gardening Program - The Economic Gardening program is about cultivating home-grown businesses in Ramsey County, and it may present an opportunity for you!
• Ramsey County Job Board - For job seekers and employers.
• Small Business Environmental Improvement Loans - zero-percent interest to small businesses for capital equipment purchases

With its economic development partners throughout the region, Greater MSP is advancing a coordinated regional economic development strategy, a coordinated regional brand to promote the region's assets and a coordinated regional business retention, expansion, and recruitment program to stimulate capital investment and job creation in the region. The organization is also promoting a regional talent strategy to attract and retain talented workers.

Greater MSP website

The Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce provides value to stakeholders by advocating for business interests, providing targeted networking opportunities, encouraging economic development and building strong community partnerships.

Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce website

The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic network of businesses and individuals organized to deliver economic opportunity for its members. More than 1,200 Twin Cities companies of all sizes and industries, as well as not-for-profit and government organizations, belong to the Chamber.

St. Paul Chamber of Commerce website