‘We have an inferno we can’t put out’: St. Cloud small businesses struggle amid closures, rising costs

‘We have an inferno we can’t put out’: St. Cloud small businesses struggle amid closures, rising costs

ST. CLOUD — A new Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development initiative to encourage support for local businesses has launched as owners face several challenges, including tariffs, rising energy costs, low consumer sentiment and residual effects from immigration enforcement efforts this winter. As part of the Choose Minnesota initiative, DEED is holding roundtable discussions across the state. On Monday, May 11, Commissioner Mat…