Small business assistance partnerships program appropriation

This bill appropriates $6.425 million for fiscal year 2026 and another $6.425 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's Small Business Assistance Partnerships Program. The funds will provide two-year grants to small businesses through partnerships with economic development organizations, as authorized under Minnesota Statutes section 116J.682. Up to 5% of the total appropriation may be used for administrative costs by the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The program directly assists small businesses seeking economic development support through these partnership grants.