1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to economic development; appropriating money for a pilot grant program 
1.3 	to support broadband connections for coworking spaces; requiring reports.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. COWORKING GRANTS PILOT PROGRAM; APPROPRIATION.
 1.6 	(a) $50,000 in fiscal year 2020 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner 
1.7 	of employment and economic development for grants to support broadband connections 
1.8 	for coworking spaces designed to foster startup businesses.
1.9 	(b) Grant recipients must:
1.10 	(1) be located in an unserved area or an underserved area for broadband, as defined 
1.11 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.394; and
1.12 	(2) obtain a 100 percent nonstate match to grant funds in either cash or in-kind 
1.13 	contributions, though matching funds may be used for expenses of the coworking space 
1.14 	other than broadband.
1.15 	(c) Within one year of receiving grant funds, grant recipients must report to the 
1.16 	commissioner on the outcomes of the grant program including but not limited to the number 
1.17 	of startup businesses served and the amount of local funds invested.