As the Minnesota State Legislature approches its work in conference committees we need Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan to advocate to support, at a minimum, the base funding amount for the Small Business Assistance Partnerships Program, which is $5.45 million. Ideally, we would like them to advocate for a small increase in funding for the program.
Earlier this legislative session, Governor Walz proposed a $2 million cut to the program, which is extremely alarming especially with federal cuts to similar programs.
We will not use your personal addresses for purposes other than direct advocacy. Please contact Kelly (klaw@mccdmn.org) or Kari (kjohnson@mccdmn.org) with any questions or concerns. 
 &nbsp;

Tell Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flannagan to Support the Small Business Assistance Partnerships Program

We need the Governor and Lt. Governor to help fight to at least preserve base funding for the small business assistance partnerships program.

The Small Business Assistance Partnerships program is a cornerstone of DEED’s small business programs and through a competitive process, non-profit economic development organizations contract with DEED to offer free small business technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners across Minnesota.

This proven program has a great return on investment for the state. In 2023 alone, the program helped create or preserve over 20,000 jobs and leveraged $158 million in public and private financing. Because of the competitive application process, this program ensures that the dollars are being spent evenly between Greater Minnesota and the metro area and that non-profits receiving awards must report data to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) so we can track the impact these dollars have in communities. Funds are reimbursed after metrics in the contracts are met on a quarterly bases, helping to avoid fraud.

Please advocate to fully fund, at a minimum, the base of $5.45 million for this program in negotiations with the House and Senate.

Tell Governor Walz to Support the Small Business Assistance Partnerships Program

Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers

Small businesses play a crucial role in every Minnesota community and small business owners employ nearly half the workforce of Minnesota, creating jobs, expanding the tax base, and contributing to the economic vitality of our state. But starting and maintaining a business presents a lot of challenges to entrepreneurs, especially if they don’t have traditional access to business resources or the necessary start-up capital.

Business owners that work with an advisor or officer from a non-profit economic development organization or a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) are more likely to not only avoid costly mistakes, but actually set up a path to a successful business for years to come. The Small Business Assistance Partnerships program has been helping small businesses in Minnesota succeed for 14 years!

Tell Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flannagan to Support the Small Business Assistance Partnerships Program

We need the Governor and Lt. Governor to help fight to at least preserve base funding for the small business assistance partnerships program.

Message

Dear Office Holder (names will be automatically added on each email),