ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today celebrated $24 million in funding for job training and economic development programs. The funding, which takes effect today, will support entrepreneurs and start-up businesses with operating needs, fund training programs, and support community events that provide an economic boost, including the Special Olympics, Taste of Minnesota, and other festivals.

“Investments in job training and economic development strengthen our workforce and boost our economy,” said Governor Walz . “This funding will enhance Minnesota’s culture of innovation, global talent market, and high quality of life, allowing us to continue to build the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”

The programs supported by this funding include:

- $2.5 million for Launch Minnesota for innovation grants to assist eligible Minnesota entrepreneurs or start-up businesses with their operating needs

- $1 million to the Entrepreneur Fund to capitalize its revolving loan funds to address unmet financing needs in northeast Minnesota of for-profit business startups, expansions, and ownership transitions

- $1 million to the New American Development Center to provide small businesses and entrepreneurs with technical assistance, financial education, training, and lending

- $2 million to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

- $1.25 million to the Minneapolis Downtown Council for infrastructure and associated costs for the Taste of Minnesota

- $1 million to the city of Brooklyn Park to develop a biotech innovation district

- $1 million to the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce for technical support to Black-owned small businesses

- $1 million to WomenVenture for supporting child care providers by providing business training, mentorship, services, and educational materials

- $700,000 for the Shakopee Chamber Foundation for the Shakopee area workforce development scholarship pilot program