WASECA, MN—Representative John Petersburg, R-Waseca, 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.
"Matching workers with the skills needed for new job openings will mean more opportunities for better-paying jobs for Minnesota families," Petersburg said. "This program is designed to meet the challenges in many parts of Greater Minnesota where businesses often struggle to find skilled workers to fill open positions. This is a win-win for employers and employees alike."
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 an informational session in Austin, MN on Thursday, October 1 from 11AM to noon at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in the Ruby Rupner Auditorium (1304 21st Street NE, Austin, 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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