Grants to the cities of St. Paul and West St. Paul for economic development and job retention efforts for small business appropriation

This bill allocates $2 million each from the state's general fund to the cities of St. Paul and West St. Paul to support small businesses with ten or fewer employees. The funds will be distributed through the commissioner of employment and economic development to designated community organizations for economic development and job retention efforts. Money can be used for technical assistance, creating revolving loan funds, providing interest-free or forgivable loans, and offering grants for operating expenses. The appropriations are one-time grants available until June 30, 2028.