Minnesota Statutes Economic Development and Planning (Ch. 116J-116O) § 116J.682. Small business assistance partnerships program

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms in this subdivision have the meanings given.

(b) “Commissioner” means the commissioner of employment and economic development.

(c) “Partner organizations” or “partners” means:

(d) “Small business” has the meaning given in section 3 of the Small Business Act,United States Code, title 15, section 632.

(e) “Underserved populations and geographies” means individuals who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, veterans, people with disabilities, people who are LGBTQ+, and low-income individuals and includes people from rural Minnesota.

Subd. 3. Small business assistance partnerships grants. (a) The commissioner shall make small business assistance partnerships grants to local and regional community-based organizations to provide small business development and technical assistance services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. The commissioner must prioritize applications that provide services to underserved populations and geographies.

(b) Grantees shall use the grant funds to provide high-quality, free professional business development and technical assistance services that support the start-up, growth, and success of Minnesota's entrepreneurs and small business owners.

(c) Grantees may use up to 15 percent of grant funds for expenses incurred while administering the grant, including but not limited to expenses related to technology, utilities, legal services, training, accounting, insurance, financial management, benefits, reporting, servicing of loans, and audits.