Business News & Updates

Join CAIR Minnesota and elected officials for a timely forum on Friday, January 16 6:00 pm at the American Swedish Institute.

If your business needs to replace aging or inefficient equipment, the MN Promise Act is still available to help offset project costs. Eligible upgrades may include HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, and other energy-using systems.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has $5 million in funding available to help owners of fossil fuel vehicles and equipment switch to new, cleaner equipment and vehicles.

The Food Safety Assessment Pilot Program provides a free, one-day food safety assessment for businesses that manufacture and produce food products at a commercial scale.

The 2026 Midtown Farmers Market Vendor Application is now open for submissions until February 13th.

The Lake Street Council office is closed from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026. We will reopen and resume normal operations on Monday, January 5, 2026.

On Saturday, December 20, thousands are expected to rally at 11:30 am and march from Lake & Bloomington to Lake & Pillsbury.

The original deadline to start your Round 2 MN PROMISE Act Twin Cities application was December 14, but because funding is still available, they are now accepting applications on a rolling basis until the funds run out.

The Metropolitan Council is studying where public electric vehicle chargers are most needed in the Twin Cities region and how partners can help fill those gaps.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has a funding opportunity available for the purchase of e-bikes for commercial use. Eligible uses include local delivery of goods and services to customers or other businesses.

Resources for Federal Immigration Presence on Lake Street

Attend the Know Your Rights Town Hall presented by the Somali American Bar Association

Lake Street Council encourages businesses and property owners to clear snow from the sidewalks around their property as quickly as possible to maintain good access. Minnesota snows are unpredictable and can dramatically change customer traffic flow, but maintaining clear sidewalks is one key element to reducing barriers for our customers and nearby residents.

A statement from the Lake Street Council.

Did you install new energy-efficient natural gas equipment in 2025? Your furnace, boiler, water heater, thermostat, foodservice equipment, and more may qualify for a rebate from CenterPoint Energy!

Join LegalCORPS for a free virtual Minnesota Paid Leave Workshop.

Showcase your business at the S.H.A.K.E. Holiday Festival inside the Historic Coliseum Building on Saturday, December 6, 2025 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Submit any final questions about the RFP before the Q&A deadline! All questions and their answers will be posted on the City’s website by Dec. 2, 2025. Check out the current set of questions and answers available on the RFP webpage.