Bill to require DED grant awards clears first round

A program aimed at benefitting Nebraska’s small businesses would be required to award a minimum dollar amount of grant funds under a bill advanced from general file March 4.

Currently, the state Department of Economic Development has the option to distribute up to $3 million in grants annually through the Microenterprise Assistance Program under the Business Innovation Act. LB1205, sponsored by Kearney Sen. Stan Clouse, would require DED to do so.

Clouse said the measure would ensures that of the $15 million that will flow to the Business Innovation Cash Fund under another proposal moving through the Legislature, $3 million will be allocated to the microenterprise program.

“I believe investing in Nebraska and promoting economic development are critical parts of our job as state senators,” he said. “LB1205 is an example of both, enabling small businesses to … thrive all across the state.”

Lawmakers advanced LB1205 to select file 38-0.