LITTLE FALLS, MN—Representative Ron Kresha, R-Little Falls, is encouraging area businesses to apply for grants through the Job Training Incentive Program, which is handled by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). New or expanding businesses in Greater Minnesota can apply for grants of up to $100,000 to train workers in new jobs.
"This program will create hundreds, perhaps thousands of exciting opportunities and better-paying jobs for families in Greater Minnesota," Kresha said. "Job training is one of the keys to spurring rural economic development and job growth, and I hope businesses in our community will take advantage of this program."
Applications will be accepted beginning October 15, and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible businesses. $900,000 in total funding is available through June 30, 2016, with an additional $900,000 available starting next July.
According to DEED, eligible businesses must be located outside the seven-county Metro Area, and funding may be used "to pay direct training costs, including wages for on-the-job training." Businesses must add at least three new permanent jobs, and pay must be equal to at least the average weekly wage for the county in which the jobs are located.
DEED will be hosting information sessions about the application process on October 13th in Grand Rapids from 3-4PM in the Sheriff's Training Room (440 NE First Ave, Grand Rapids, MN), and on October 14 in Detroit Lakes from 11AM-noon in the City Council Chambers (1025 Roosevelt Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN). More information can be found on the DEED website at
www.mn.gov/deed. Questions about the program can also be directed to
jodie.greising@state.mn.us.
Funding for the grant program was included in the Jobs and Energy Omnibus bill passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton earlier this year.
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