The bill amends the Wyoming business ready community program by introducing new requirements for grants and loans. Specifically, it mandates that all grants must now include a minimum matching contribution of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total eligible project costs. Additionally, the bill removes references to educational development as an eligible use for grants, focusing solely on economic development, planning, and infrastructure projects. The council will continue to oversee the program and will require that all projects align with the program's objectives, with the state loan and investment board responsible for final approval of grants and loans.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that grants may be awarded for projects that encourage the expansion of existing businesses in the information technology storage sector, while eliminating previous language that referenced the University of Wyoming business technology center. The changes will apply to all grants and loans issued under the program starting from the effective date of July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0071 v0.4: 9-12-601