This bill appropriates $3,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of employment and economic development, specifically for a grant to the African Development Center. The purpose of this grant is to provide forgivable loans to small businesses that have been financially impacted by the federal immigration enforcement activities known as Operation Metro Surge. The African Development Center is tasked with establishing and administering a forgivable loan program aimed at assisting eligible small businesses located in communities directly affected by these enforcement activities. The loans can be forgiven if recipients meet the program's requirements.

To qualify for assistance, businesses must be small enterprises operating in Minnesota with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, located in areas impacted by Operation Metro Surge, and able to demonstrate financial losses due to the disruption. The forgivable loans can be used for various expenses, including rent, utilities, payroll, inventory replacement, and other necessary working capital. Additionally, the African Development Center is required to submit a report by February 1, 2027, detailing the number of businesses assisted, the distribution of funds, and the overall impact of the program. The appropriation is a one-time allocation available until June 30, 2027.