WILLMAR, MN—Assistant Majority Leader Representative Dave Baker, R-Willmar, 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 help connect Minnesotans with better-paying jobs and make it easier for Greater Minnesota businesses to train workers for current openings," Baker said. "It's my hope businesses will take advantage of this unique opportunity to train workers and grow good-paying jobs right here in Kandiyohi County."
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 Redwood Falls, MN on Friday, October 2nd from 11AM until noon at the City Council Chambers on S. Washington Street. More information can be found on the DEED website at
www.mn.gov/deed. Questions about the program can 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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