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Historic Start to the Year
Big news for Saint Paul! We kicked off 2026 by swearing in Mayor Kaohly Her—a truly historic moment. Speaking at St. Kate’s The O’Shaughnessy, Mayor Her shared her vision for getting the basics right at City Hall and reminded us that Saint Paul is open for business.
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Wednesday, January 21 | 4 - 6 PM
Join local business leaders and elected officials for the St. Paul Area Chamber Political Action Committee's Annual Fundraiser. We'll gather at Summit Brewing Company’s Training Room for light appetizers, drinks and time to connect - and fundraise - to make the voice of business heard by our local and regional government officials.
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Wednesday, January 21 | 7:15 - 9:00 AM
Join us for a moderated discussion with St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as they address their 2026 priorities, what challenges lie ahead for our cities, and how businesses can support and promote the Twin Cities region.
This event currently has a wait list. If you would like to be added to the list, please email events@stpaulchamber.com.
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Thursday, January 22 | 4 - 6 PM
Join us for our Chamber Connect networking series! These events are low-key networking events aimed at building and strengthening connections, and supporting our member organizations, businesses and venues.
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Wednesday, January 28 | 8 - 9 AM
Attend the Roseville Business Connect and meet with other Roseville business owners, employees, and residents to hear important information about our community.
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Thursday, February 26 | 5 - 8 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we bring together more than 700 members, guests, public officials, and community leaders to celebrate the successes shaping our region and the Chamber initiatives driving the St. Paul area forward.
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Applications are now open for Neighborhood Development Center’s (NDC) Plan It! and ¡Planéalo! (Spanish Language Version) Spring Entrepreneur Training Cohorts.
This comprehensive four-month program equips entrepreneurs with the essential skills, strategies, and expert guidance needed to turn ideas into an actionable, solid business plan that sets their ventures up for long-term success.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Applications close February 9th. Learn more and apply today at:
https://www.ndc-mn.org/entrepreneur-training/
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YMCA of the North, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to present 2026 National Civics Bee® for Minnesota middle school students
Minnesota middle school students will compete in the National Civics Bee for the first time this year, as the YMCA Center for Youth Voice has been named state lead by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation as part of their effort to bring the nationwide competition to all 50 states. All Minnesota students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to apply. The essay application closes on Feb. 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
For more information about entering the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org. For additional information on the National Civics Bee in Minnesota, please contact amy.anderson@ymcamn.org.
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Minnesota businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the Skyline Tower apartment complex fire and severe water damage occurring Oct. 26. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Tim Walz on Dec. 19.
The declaration covers the primary county of Ramsey and the adjacent counties of Anoka, Dakota,
Hennepin, and Washington in Minnesota, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA.
| | Are you looking to upgrade your delivery fleet with sustainable vehicles next year? The MPCA's E-bikes for Business Grant offers up to $24,000 to help businesses purchase ebikes for delivery and commercial services! Applications are due by January 15, 2026. If you have questions about making the switch to ebike deliveries, Move Minnesota is here to help! Reach out to Gaby at gabyg@movemn.org. | | Saint Paul's Department of Planning and Economic Development launched a newly revamped Business Resource webpage. The new page is meant to be a "one stop" site to learn about resources across City departments and partners. | | First Resource Bank (FRB) is proud to announce a major milestone in its long-term succession plan. Effective January 1, 2026, Aaron Siegle has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Anderson has stepped into the position of President and Chief Operating Officer. Tim Siegle, the bank's outgoing CEO, will transition to Chairman of the bank's holding company, Ameri Financial Group, Inc., and will serve as Vice Chair of the FRB Board of Directors. | Minnesota United and Major League Soccer announced that MNUFC Chief Executive Officer Shari Ballard was named the 2025 Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year. Ballard’s recognition was included within the list of MLS’ annual Mark Abbott MLS Club and Executive Awards winners that were revealed today. | | Discover how the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more inclusive workplace. Small to mid-sized businesses in Minnesota can receive reimbursements of up to $30,000 for providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. | | |
The Women’s Professional Committee is taking time to reimagine how we support and uplift women in our business community. Your voice and experiences matter, and we want to ensure our work truly reflects what you need and value. By responding to this short survey, you’ll help shape our 2026 programs, events, and connection opportunities—so they feel meaningful, relevant, and supportive to women at every stage of their career.
Thank you for taking a moment to share your perspective. It genuinely makes a difference.
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The Minneapolis Fed conducts a Business Pulse Survey each month to get a ground-level view of economic conditions from business leaders like you across the Ninth District, a region that includes Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, northwestern Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Please sign up to give us your insights. If you become a participant, you can expect to receive the survey at the start of each month. The survey only takes 2–3 minutes to complete. That’s it. And your insights will give us critical intelligence on current business conditions.
You’ll also benefit by participating. We send survey highlights to our respondent pool and links to full results online within two weeks of the survey’s close.
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DEED’s business financing programs help companies and communities retain existing jobs and create new high-quality jobs. Not all businesses are eligible. Qualifying companies must meet specific job creation and wage goals.
Trying to grow your business? Minnesota’s tax credits programs can help. Businesses must meet certain criteria to be eligible for tax credits. Requirements are set by each program.
| The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 and includes $10 billion for state, territory and tribal business finance programs. Minnesota has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for up to $97 million for small business financing support. This is the second SSBCI initiative – Minnesota received $15 million through the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Minnesota will receive funds in three disbursements over several years. DEED has received the initial disbursement of approximately $29.5 million. Watch the webinar recording providing information on the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 Program Overview. | | |
Is your small business a certified Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) being impacted by the US DOT Interim Final Rule (IFR)?
If so, please share your story so we can prepare resources to address your concerns.
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