Pilot program creation for provision of information technology assistance for small businesses

SF 661 establishes a pilot program providing free information technology assistance to Minnesota small businesses, defined using the federal Small Business Act standard. The program offers computer technical support for software, hardware, networks, websites, and internet use through a dedicated hotline and website, staffed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. It supplements existing small business assistance services and requires the commissioner to report on participation, service hours, and demographics by January 2027. The program is funded by a one-time $2026 fiscal year appropriation to the small business assistance office.