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SF 5301

Minnesota Entrepreneurship Task Force establishment

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Gustafson

Establish a Minnesota Entrepreneurship Task Force to evaluate programs, reduce startup barriers, and deliver a comprehensive report with policy recommendations by Feb 15, 2028.

Referred to Jobs and Economic Development
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Bill Summary · SF 5301

Overview

SF 5301 proposes establishing a Minnesota Entrepreneurship Task Force within the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to evaluate current programs, develop new initiatives, identify barriers to starting a business, and issue policy recommendations. The goal is to make Minnesota the easiest and most rewarding state to start, own, and grow a business. The bill requires a formal report to the Legislature by February 15, 2028 and sets the task force to expire after delivering the report.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a dedicated body to assess entrepreneurship support in Minnesota.
  • Recommend program enhancements, new initiatives, and potential permitting/licensing reforms.
  • Identify and address barriers to starting and growing a business, including workforce, financing, and regulatory challenges.
  • Improve access to education, apprenticeships, and supportive services for entrepreneurs at all stages.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment:

    • The commissioner of employment and economic development must establish the Minnesota Entrepreneurship Task Force.
    • The task force will assess current programs, propose new programs, consider licensing/permitting reforms, and identify barriers to entrepreneurship.

  • Membership:

    • The task force includes the commissioner (or designee) and ten additional members appointed by the commissioner.
    • Specific positions include:
    • Two members with direct entrepreneurship experience
    • Two members representing small and large business owners
    • One representative of organized labor
    • One representative of registered apprenticeship programs
    • One representative of K-12 education
    • One representative of higher education
    • One representative of career and technical education
    • One expert in business financing
    • The Commissioner of Labor and Industry (or designee) must also be a member.

  • Administration and terms:

    • The first meeting must be convened by September 15, 2027.
    • The task force will receive staff support from the state.
    • Members serve without compensation or per diem.
    • Terms and removal of members governed by Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 6.

  • Duties:

    • Focus areas for findings and recommendations include:
    • Building robust support systems for small businesses from launch to succession
    • Reducing friction in starting and running a business via streamlined licensing, permitting, and technical assistance
    • Improving access to capital, mentors, and support networks
    • Expanding entrepreneurship education for students and adults
    • Providing apprenticeship supports
    • Addressing real-life barriers such as health care and child care
    • Analyze current programs’ effectiveness and propose new programs and permitting/licensing reforms to address identified barriers.

  • Report requirement:

    • A comprehensive report due to the chairs and ranking minority members of the relevant legislative committees by February 15, 2028, detailing findings and recommendations.

  • Expiration:

    • The task force expires the day after submitting the required report.

  • Effective date:

    • The act becomes effective the day after final enactment.

Who is affected

  • State agencies, particularly DEED, which will establish and support the task force.
  • Stakeholders in Minnesota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem including:
    • Current and aspiring entrepreneurs
    • Small and large business owners
    • Labor organizations
    • Apprenticeship programs
    • K-12, higher education, and career/technical education sectors
    • Entities involved in business financing
  • The bill’s focus is on systemic changes; individuals may experience changes through streamlined licensing, enhanced education, and improved access to capital and supports.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • First task force meeting by September 15, 2027.
  • Report due to Legislature by February 15, 2028.
  • Task force expires after submitting the report.
  • Effective date: day after final enactment.

Potential impact

  • Could streamline regulatory processes for startups.
  • May expand access to financing and mentorship for entrepreneurs.
  • Likely to influence future economic development or workforce policies in Minnesota.
  • Policymakers would receive a consolidated set of recommendations to improve the entrepreneurial climate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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