WomenVenture grant appropriation

SF 2336 appropriates $8 million from the state general fund for WomenVenture, a nonprofit, to support women-owned businesses in Minnesota. The funds will directly assist women child care providers (through business training and materials to expand in underserved areas) and women food entrepreneurs (through business expansion support, technical assistance, and workforce development). Eligible uses include business equipment, lease improvements, inventory, and working capital - funding can be grants, loans, or forgivable loans, with up to 5% for administrative costs. WomenVenture must report by December 2028 on how funds were distributed, including county-level breakdowns and repayment details.