Business Innovation in Washington County

Washington County has plenty to celebrate this year, including its thriving entrepreneurial spirit! According to the Entrepreneurship Index Dashboard from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Washington County ranks in the top ten for overall entrepreneurship among Minnesota’s 87 counties. This is a powerful testament to the vibrant businesses and innovative individuals who call our community home.

As the end of November and Small Business Saturday approaches, it’s a perfect time to recognize and support these homegrown success stories. When we shop and dine locally, we’re doing more than just making a purchase; we’re backing the businesses that create opportunities and build a strong local economy. That money stays in our community, helping to fund vital public services, create new jobs, and give our neighborhoods their unique character.

For those with a business idea, or those looking to expand or solve a problem, the journey doesn’t have to be a solo mission. The Open to Business program, a trusted partner of the Washington County CDA, serves smaller companies of all types, from pre-startup to existing businesses, at no additional cost. Of these clients, approximately 41 percent are considered low-income, 57 percent are BIPOC- or immigrant-owned entrepreneurs, and 60 percent are woman-owned businesses. The main industry categories are food/drink, service, and retail businesses. The 95 businesses advised this year alone are located from the southern Washington County cities of St. Paul Park and Cottage Grove all the way north to Forest Lake and Hugo.

Whether you need help with business planning, finding funding, or navigating technical challenges, Open to Business is a free and confidential resource for helping our local entrepreneurs succeed. Together, we can continue to make Washington County a great place for businesses to thrive, both on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.

La Vie Est Belle

Gift boutique and gathering spaces in Lake Elmo and White Bear Lake

When Kristin Rohman Rehkamp was looking for financial advice for her retail business, she turned to the Open to Business program. Tyler Hilsabeck reviewed her loan application, providing essential suggestions that helped the loan get approved.

“Tyler feels like a friend and coach — someone who cares about my success,” Kristin noted. “Being a small business owner can be tough. He helped me get ahead of the process, making sure I really understood what I was submitting and what might make me successful or present challenges. I’m just grateful and happy to spread the word about the program.”

— Kristin Rohman Rehkamp
Owner, La Vie Est Belle