Purpose

Provide targeted funding to support African immigrant entrepreneurs, by directing resources to African Economic Development Solutions (AED Solutions) to help address economic inequities within that community.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation: A total of $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund is allocated to the commissioner of employment and economic development (DEED) to award a grant to AED Solutions.
• Fund Breakdown:
  • $1,000,000 to establish a loan fund to support business ventures of entrepreneurs in the African immigrant community.
  • $1,000,000 to provide business technical assistance to entrepreneurs in the African immigrant community.
• Nature of Funding: This is a one-time appropriation.
• Availability: Funds are available until June 30, 2028.

Funding Source and Administration

• Source: General fund.
• Administration: The commissioner of employment and economic development administers the grant to AED Solutions.

Timing and Sunset

• Effective for fiscal year 2026; one-time appropriation with a sunset date of June 30, 2028.

Significance and Potential Impact

• This bill creates a new, targeted funding program to support African immigrant entrepreneurs by combining a loan fund with technical assistance.
• It represents a shift toward addressing economic inequities through dedicated financing and support for a specific community.
• No routine changes to existing law are described beyond establishing this one-time appropriation.

Implementation Considerations (implied)

• AED Solutions will manage both a loan fund and technical assistance initiatives funded by the grants.
• Outcomes likely include increased access to capital for entrepreneurs and enhanced business capabilities within the African immigrant community.

Relevant Terms - African Economic Development Solutions - Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) - general fund - grant - loan fund - business technical assistance - African immigrant community - economic inequities - entrepreneurs - one-time appropriation - sunset date (June 30, 2028)