Starting a business in St. Paul, MN
LLC, corporation, or nonprofit, filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Your EIN, Minnesota Business Tax ID, D-U-N-S Number, and operating agreement or bylaws are all included. One flat fee, no subscription, no upsells.
What St. Paul requires, and what it doesn't
No general city business license.
St. Paul licenses certain business types, such as liquor, auto repair garages, pet shops and grooming, contractors, and cannabis businesses, through the Department of Safety and Inspections, 651-266-8989.
Running it from home.
A home business needs a signed Home Occupation Affidavit. In homes under 4,000 square feet, up to two people can work there, and one must live there. Retail is by appointment only, the work stays inside the house (not the garage), and signs are limited to 2 square feet.
Local support.
The city's Planning & Economic Development Business Resource Center, 651-266-6565, offers technical help and the Business Assistance Fund. The St. Paul Area Chamber also supports local businesses.
Same flat price as anywhere in Minnesota
$155 state filing fee plus a $245 service fee, $400 total. The fee covers the entity filing, EIN, Minnesota Business Tax ID, and D-U-N-S setup.
Who this is for
Contractors, restaurants and food trucks, salons, consultants, and family businesses, whether you're opening a storefront or running things from your home in St. Paul.
City rules change. Check with the City of St. Paul before opening.