Ramsey County Eyes Green Thumb from "Economic Gardening" Initiative

An informational meeting for Roseville businesses about Ramsey County's "Economic Gardening" initiative is scheduled next Wednesday (June 26) from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Affinity Plus Credit Union, 2750  Snelling Ave. N.  

Ramsey County Commissioner Blake Huffman will talk about the program that is  aimed at providing financial and technical help to locally-based businesses in the county that want to grow their operations. The Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce and the Roseville Business Council of the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce are hosting the meeting. 

According to Ramsey County Community and Economic Development, the "Economic Gardening" program is looking to help businesses of $1 million to $50 million in annual sales, employ from 10 to 99 workers and have posted increasing revenue in two of the last five years. 

"The County is investing in this program to help accelerate the growth of “Stage Two” businesses," said Jonathan Weinhagen, regional director for the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.  "This is especially exciting because we know that Minnesota is an incredible incubator for Fortune 500 companies." 

"We’re looking for businesses in Roseville to apply," Weinhagen said, noting that local companies have until July 15 to apply for possible scholarship assistance. Ramsey County has committed  $75,000 in scholarship funds that will sponsor seven companies to participate in the program, Weinhagen told Patch.