HF 2920

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 04/01/2025 12:40 p.m.

A bill for an act
relating to economic development; appropriating money for a grant to MNSBIR,
Inc.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; ASSISTANCE TO MINNESOTA SMALL
BUSINESSES TO SECURE FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
FUNDING.
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new text begin (a) $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the
commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to MNSBIR, Inc., for
support of the small business research and development goals provided in Minnesota Statutes,
section 3.222. This appropriation is onetime and is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin (b) The purpose of the grant is to support moving scientific excellence and technological
innovation from the lab to the market for startups and small businesses by:
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new text begin (1) securing federal research and development funding to build a strong innovation
economy and stimulate the creation of novel products, services, and solutions;
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new text begin (2) strengthening the role of startups and small businesses in meeting federal research
and development needs;
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new text begin (3) increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results; and
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new text begin (4) developing and increasing the Minnesota workforce, especially by fostering and
encouraging participation by small businesses owned by people who are Black, Indigenous,
People of Color, and women.
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new text begin (c) MNSBIR, Inc. shall use grant money to become the federal research and development
dedicated resource for Minnesota small businesses to support research and commercialization
of novel ideas, concepts, and projects to develop cutting-edge products and services for
worldwide economic impact. Grant money shall be used to:
new text end

new text begin (1) assist startups and small businesses in securing federal research and development
funding including the small business innovation research and small business technology
transfer programs;
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new text begin (2) support technology transfer and commercialization from the University of Minnesota,
Mayo Clinic, and federal laboratories;
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new text begin (3) collaborate with corporate venture groups and large businesses nationally;
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new text begin (4) conduct statewide outreach, education, and training on federal rules, regulations, and
requirements;
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new text begin (5) assist with scientific and technical writing;
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new text begin (6) help manage federal grants and contracts; and
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new text begin (7) support cost accounting and federal sole-source procurement opportunities.
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