MN SF4240

Establishes pandemic relief grant program administered by the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development to provide grants to businesses directly or indirectly impacted by COVID-19.

Allocates $100,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 from the general fund as a onetime appropriation for the program.

Eligible businesses must have primary operations in Minnesota, be at least 50% Minnesota-owned, employ 50 or fewer full-time workers, demonstrate 2022 financial hardship from COVID-19, and operate in food service, personal services, indoor entertainment, fitness centers, or wellness industries.

Individual grants capped at $25,000 per business, awarded through randomized selection process over a 10-day application period, with minimum allocations of $15,000,000 for micro-businesses (6 or fewer employees), $10,000,000 for minority-owned enterprises, $2,500,000 for veteran-owned businesses, and $2,500,000 for women-owned businesses.

Funds must be spent by December 31, 2022, for working capital including payroll, rent, utilities, and similar operational expenses incurred since January 1, 2022, but not for debt refinancing.