Senate committee hears $3.9M request to shore up Enterprise Minnesota operations
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Summary
Enterprise Minnesota asked for $3.9 million in state funding to replace uncertain federal support for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership; testimony cited impacts including 12,000 jobs created or retained and $1.4 billion in sales impacts for assisted manufacturers.
Senator Gustafson presented Senate File 3807, seeking $3.9 million beginning July 1, 2026, to support Enterprise Minnesota and its Made in Minnesota program amid uncertainty in federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership funding.
Mark O'Leary, president and CEO of Enterprise Minnesota, told the committee Enterprise Minnesota has helped more than 500 manufacturers, claiming the work has created or retained over 12,000 jobs and increased or retained company sales by about $1.4 billion. O'Leary said state operating funds would help the organization continue assisting small and medium manufacturers adopt technology and training.
Paul Garki, president of North Central Bus and Equipment, described his company's experience with Enterprise Minnesota and urged support, saying state funding would bridge federal funding gaps and enable continued consulting and training to retain employees and improve operations. After testimony the committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion.