Business Resources
The Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce partners with the City of Oakdale and a variety of organizations that provide resources and funding opportunities for businesses to grow and develop. We highly encourages Oakdale businesses to take advantage of local, state and federal resources and programs to help businesses reach their goals.
Download the Business Resource Guide from the City of Oakdale HERE.
BUSINESS RESOURCES
OPEN TO BUSINESS PROGRAM
Oakdale has partnered with Washington County to offer the Open to Business Program through the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) which provides free assistance from MCCD staff, customized to meet the specific needs of each entrepreneur or business. Advisers can also identify borrowing needs and access financing options. Visit the Open to Business website at: www.mccdmn.org/open-to-business
MN DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DEED)
MN DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development. Tools for starting and growing a business are available at: www.mn.gov/deed/business
US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)
The SBA was created as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect interests of small business concerns, preserve free competitive enterprise and maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Resources for business planning, management, growth and financing tools can be found at: www.sba.gov
MSP STARTUP GUIDE
This guide is built and curated by members of the Forge North coalition, which includes leading startups, investment firms, corporations, accelerators, and other organizations across the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region that work together to make this a better place to start and scale ventures. This curated, fact-checked guide is updated regularly. Check the resource guide here: https://mspstartupguide.com/
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
The City of Oakdale encourages sustainable business practices that help conserve energy and natural resources in the community. There are a variety of programs available to Oakdale businesses to assist with sustainable improvements and solutions.
BIZRECYCLING
BizRecycling is a public program of Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy that helps businesses and multi-family properties start or improve recycling services through free on-site consultations and grant funding for recycling infrastructure. For more information, visit: www.bizrecycling.com/Oakdale
ENERGY SMART
Energy Smart is a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce program with energy consulting to help businesses and organizations find energy and cost-saving opportunities. Find more information at: www.mnchamber.com/your-opportunity/energy-smart
WASTE WISE
Waste Wise is a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce program with environmental consulting to help businesses and organizations find ways to control waste costs and connect with grants to fund recycling program improvements. For more information or to schedule a visit, go to: www.mnchamber.com/your-opportunity/waste-wise
TRILLION BTU PROGRAM
In partnership with the Saint Paul Port Authority, businesses can access Trillion BTU loans for qualifying energy improvements. Loans are structured to be cash flow positive with up to 100-percent financing available. To learn more or apply for a loan, visit: www.sppa.com/portfinancing/trillion-btu