Funds for entrepreneurial training, technical assistance with R&D, and matching grants for innovative small businesses are among the items now part of Minnesota’s economic development toolkit thanks to new funding in the state’s recently signed FY 2020 biennial budget. Under the approved budget, Launch Minnesota will receive $2.5 million in each of the next two fiscal years to support innovation and entrepreneurship. Originally called the Minnesota Innovation Collaborative in Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget, the suite of Launch Minnesota programs will be administered by the state’s Department of Employment and Economic Development. The program includes four types of grants: funds for universities and nonprofits offering entrepreneurial training; funds for startups in need of R&D and other types of technical assistance; funds to alleviate housing and/or childcare expenses for entrepreneurs; and, matching funds for SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees.