African Development Center, social benefit corporations and small businesses in the St. Paul Midway area grants appropriations

This bill appropriates $4.8 million from the general fund for targeted economic development in the St. Paul Midway area. It provides $4 million to the African Development Center for small business real estate loans ($2M), loan loss reserves ($910K), and capacity building ($1.09M). An additional $500,000 supports social benefit corporations expanding employment from 15 to 30 workers through wage subsidies, training, and retention programs. A separate $300,000 fund targets African immigrant business owners in the Midway area for job creation and business stability, requiring grantees to report on new hires and economic impact within one year. All funding is one-time and expires June 30, 2027.