Neighborhood STAR grant application opens on Friday, April 5
Does your Saint Paul business need some TLC? Looking for funds to help fix a leaky roof, add a new sign, or improve accessibility in your building? If so, consider applying for a 2024 Neighborhood STAR grant!
The program offers grants for:
- Businesses located in or doing business in Saint Paul
- Capital improvements with an expected life of 7+ years
- Projects that contribute to the prosperity, cultural diversity, and vitality of Saint Paul neighborhoods
The 2024 application will be available at stpaul.gov/nstar on Friday, April 5. Interested business owners should plan to join the virtual Neighborhood STAR Workshop on Wednesday, April 10 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. All applications must be submitted online through ZoomGrants by Wednesday, May 15 at 4 p.m.
Since 1995, the Neighborhood STAR program has assisted over 1,150 projects and programs with more than $132 million in funding. In 2021, Monique Linder, the founder and CEO of OMG Media Solutions, received a Neighborhood STAR award to help her business relocate to Saint Paul and build out a new space at Vandalia Tower. Last month, Mayor Carter, Council President Jalali, and members of the Neighborhood STAR Board were able to join Monique to celebrate the grand opening of her business' new home.
"I would say go for it [apply for the Neighborhood STAR program]. I think it’s worth it," Monique encourages her fellow small business owners. "Shoot for your dreams and just go for it. There’s a lot of planning and a lot of hard work in it, so understand that up front."
"We have so many great people, great organizations, great businesses across our city who are doing really good things and oftentimes feel like they're doing those things by themselves," said Mayor Carter. "Through the STAR program, we get an opportunity to support construction projects and to support local businesses in a way that we just wouldn't have a vehicle for otherwise."
To learn more about the program, including program guidelines, FAQ’s, and application questions, visit stpaul.gov/nstar.