Johnson will increase both the number and size of these awards, including the creation of a second $25,000 follow-on grant once key milestones are met.
Increase the number and size of proof-of-concept awards and create a second $25,000 follow-on grant once milestones are met.
Occurrences
The program will be broadened to better support software, technology, and artificial intelligence startups
Evidence
Under “Launch South Dakota,” the campaign says: “Johnson will increase both the number and size of these awards, including the creation of a second $25,000 follow-on grant once key milestones are met.” The page also says the existing proof of concept programs assist a small number of early-stage entrepreneurs with $25,000.
The South Dakota Bureau of Finance & Management budget portal lists the Governor’s FY2027 budget materials and related appropriations documents. As of the portal’s current posting, there is no indication on this official budget page that a Launch South Dakota or proof-of-concept expansion proposal has been enacted.
Assessments
The evidence shows a campaign pledge to expand South Dakota proof-of-concept awards and add a second $25,000 follow-on grant, but no official enactment or implementation. The cited FY2027 South Dakota budget materials do not show the proposal adopted. Because this appears to be a campaign proposal for a future or different office rather than an unfulfilled promise from an already completed governing term, the outcome remains unresolved rather than never delivered.
The evidence establishes a clear campaign pledge to expand South Dakota proof-of-concept awards and add a second $25,000 follow-on grant, but it does not show that Johnson has entered an office with authority over this state program or that the proposal has been enacted. The cited budget portal evidence only notes no current indication of enactment as of April 28, 2026. There is also no documented serious legislative or executive attempt that failed, so the effort badge should not apply.