Days prior to Minnesota House Democrats and Republicans reaching a deal to end an over three-week DFL boycott at the Capitol, Black Entrepreneurs Day was in full swing. With fewer Democrats present due to the stalemate, several Republican lawmakers stepped up to support the more than 400 business owners in attendance at the Capitol on Feb. 3.
In addition to Rep. Jim Nash (R-Waconia), who reiterated his advocacy for Black businesses during his speech in the Capitol rotunda, Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) was among the local policymakers present. A champion for small Minnesota businesses who is committed to lowering taxes, she has attended Black Entrepreneurs Day since its kickoff three years ago.
“I love the event and seeing it grow each year,” said Robbins, who credits Black Entrepreneurs Day founder, Sheletta Brundidge, for bringing a special energy to the Capitol and cultivating energy from attendees. “If we’re not a state where all small businesses can open and thrive, we’re not doing right by our citizens and our state economy,” said Robbins.
Robbins met with several business owners during the event and shared her appreciation for the opportunity to learn about all of the different businesses, hear their start-up stories, and understand the challenges they face as well as their dreams.
“I was so overwhelmed by the support we got from Republicans in the House,” said Brundidge, who had initial concerns about Black business owners taking time out of their busy schedules to come to the Capitol to meet with their district policymakers who were out of the office due to the boycott.
“They (Republicans) met with people outside of their districts and came to sit down and have lunch with us – they knew these folks didn’t have House members to talk to due to the boycott,” she added. Boycott aside, Brundidge acknowledged that House and Senate members from both sides of the aisle agree that Black small business owners need to succeed in order for the state to be successful.
Minnesota’s three most powerful Democrats—Governor Tim Walz, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Attorney General Keith Ellison, spoke at the event rally, powerfully reaffirming the DFL party’s support for Black businesses in the room. Additionally, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) and Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (MN-03), a member of the House Committee on Small Business and one of the newest members of the U.S. House of Representatives, brought federal-level advocacy to the event for the first time.
Attendee Rep. Dawn Gillman (R-Dassel) reflected on bipartisanship being key to addressing crucial issues for small businesses and encouraged people she met during Black Entrepreneurs Day to contact their legislators if they weren’t present that day. “Visiting the vault and seeing families who took time off work to be at the Capitol was emotional and impactful,” said Gillman, who acknowledged it was tough to hear what’s happened with some of their businesses in recent years due to all of the mandates. “Over the next two years, we must work together to support small businesses regardless of party control in the Minnesota House,” she said.
As a family business owner herself – Gillman’s father-in-law founded Porta-dock.com – and a mom of five, including three Black adopted children, she brings an empathetic, personal perspective to challenges many small businesses face. “We as business owners can figure out what works for our employees because then we can retain them versus a one size fits all approach,” said Gillman.
Gillman noted that key issues bubbling up for small businesses include common sense solutions for Minnesotans, such as earned sick and safe time and paid family medical leave, set to start in January 2026. This will require a tax on both employers and employees, allowing even businesses with one employee to offer 12 weeks of paid leave. However, she also feels implementation will be costly.
She shared concern that Minnesota leads the nation in corporate taxes, putting significant pressure on businesses. Her goal is to collaborate with Democratic colleagues to find solutions and policy changes that support growth and allow people to thrive.
In addition to curiosity around whether there are tax exemptions allowed for companies with fewer employees and paid medical leave questions, common needs and concerns Gillman heard from Black Entrepreneurs Day business owners revolved around streamlining processes so people can more easily apply for grants or find resources or support.
Sharing a similar sentiment, Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville), Chair of Minnesota House of Representative’s Transportation Committee, said “Minnesota must do more to support small businesses by reducing regulations, expanding access to capital, and lowering costs, and Republicans are committed to policies that remove barriers and help all entrepreneurs succeed.”
Regardless of political party affiliation, policymakers who attended this year’s event share the opinion that Entrepreneurs Day is a critical opportunity to highlight the hardworking business owners who drive innovation and create jobs in our communities.