St. Paul and West St. Paul; grant funding provided for economic development and job retention efforts for small businesses, and money appropriated.

This bill allocates $4 million in state funding to provide economic development grants for small businesses in St. Paul and West St. Paul. The money is designated for businesses employing ten or fewer full-time employees and will be administered through the commissioner of employment and economic development. Funds can be used for technical assistance, creating loan programs including interest-free and forgible loans, and providing grants to cover operating expenses. The appropriations are one-time funds available until June 30, 2028, with West St. Paul's portion specifically requiring consultation with the Residents of Color Collective.