WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HF 2920

MNSBIR grant funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jess Hanson and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes and funds a Minnesota SBIR-like grant program to support small businesses’ R&D, prototyping, and commercialization with outcomes tracking.

Author added Jones
#employmentandeconomicdevelopmentdepartment
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 2920

Summary of HF 2920 (Session 2025-2026, Minnesota)

Title

MNSBIR grant funding provided, and money appropriated

Purpose and Intent

HF 2920 appears to establish, expand, or authorize grant funding related to the Minnesota Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program or a similarly named initiative (MNSBIR). The bill focuses on providing grants and outlining the appropriation of funds to support small business innovation activities, commercialization, and related workforce development in Minnesota. The overall aim is to increase support for small businesses pursuing research and development, helping them bring innovative products or services to market.

Key Provisions and Changes (as typically found in SBIR-related bills)

Note: The bill text is not provided here; the following points reflect typical components of a grant-focused SBIR-type bill. Please consult the actual statutory language for precise section numbers and requirements.

  • Grant Funding Authorization

    • Establishes or expands state-funded grant programs for small business innovation.
    • Specifies eligible grant activities (e.g., feasibility studies, prototype development, product commercialization, and market validation).

  • Funding Source and Appropriations

    • Identifies the state budget line(s) or funding mechanism for appropriating dollars to the MNSBIR program.
    • May include a total appropriation amount and potential biennial funding structure, with some allocations potentially contingent on future appropriations or program performance.

  • Eligibility Criteria

    • Defines eligible applicants (e.g., Minnesota-based small businesses, startups, regional incubators, or research institutions collaborating with industry).
    • Requirements may include company size, ownership (e.g., U.S. entity, Minnesota-based), time in operation, and alignment with statewide priorities.

  • Application and Evaluation Process

    • Establishes application timelines, required documentation, and submission portals.
    • Sets criteria for awarding grants (e.g., technical merit, commercial potential, job creation, proposed milestone plans, and potential for regional economic impact).
    • Outlines the review process (independent panels, state agency involvement) and decision timelines.

  • Grant Terms and Use of Funds

    • Specifies permissible uses of grant funds (e.g., R&D activities, prototyping, salary support, equipment, and consulting services directly linked to the project).
    • Includes reporting requirements (milestones, quarterly or semi-annual progress reports, financial reporting).

  • Performance and Accountability

    • Requirements for performance metrics, milestones, and post-grant reporting to assess outcomes (jobs created, revenue growth, commercialization progress).
    • Possible compliance with state procurement or grant oversight rules.

  • Match or Complementary Funding

    • May require cost-sharing or leveraged funding from applicants or partner organizations to maximize program impact.

  • Oversight and Administration

    • Identification of the administering agency (likely a Minnesota state agency focused on economic development or workforce development).
    • Provisions for annual or biannual program evaluation and potential legislative reporting.

  • Sunset or Review Provisions

    • Possible sunset date or requirement for periodic legislative review to assess program effectiveness and justify continued funding.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Eligible Small Businesses in Minnesota
    • Particularly those engaged in research, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies or services.
  • Minnesota-Based Startups and Researchers
    • Entities collaborating with industry partners or institutions to advance R&D with commercialization potential.
  • Job Creation Regions
    • Programs often aim to stimulate growth in diverse regions, potentially benefiting rural and underserved areas.
  • Partner Organizations
    • Accelerators, incubators, universities, and research institutions that can assist applicant companies.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading
    • Introduced and referred to the House committee: Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy (3/27/2025).
  • Sponsors
    • Primary sponsor: (Representative) Jones (added 4/1/2025).
    • Co-sponsors: Katie Jones and Jess Hanson.
  • Next Steps
    • Committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes, and passage by the Minnesota House, followed by consideration by the Minnesota Senate (not specified in the provided information).

Economic and Policy Implications

  • Potential to boost innovation-based economic development by providing critical early-stage funding to Minnesota small businesses.
  • Could accelerate commercialization timelines, attract private investment, and support regional tech ecosystems.
  • Requires careful oversight to ensure funds are tracked, outcomes are measured, and funds are used for eligible R&D and commercialization activities.

If you can share the bill’s full text or specific section numbers, I can provide a more precise, section-by-section summary with exact language, definitions, eligibility standards, funding amounts, and reporting requirements.

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

Sign in to ask a question.