Greater Mankato Growth’s (GMG) business development team connects businesses to resources.  You can find many useful tools under the “Business” tab on greatermankato.com.  In addition to the Financing and Incentives page, GMG is periodically notified of new programs that may be of interest.

Very recently, the Minnesota Pipeline Project:  Dual-Training Grant was brought to our attention.  First off, the deadline is November 16th, so you have to hurry.  This grant program was funded by the Minnesota Legislature to help employers and training providers deliver dual-training to meet industry developed occupational competency standards.

If you are in any of the following industries, you should consider pursuing this opportunity:

Dual-training programs include formal instruction provided by an education provider (i.e. community college, technical school, university, or other qualified trainer) and structured on-the-job training in one of the eligible occupations.

Trainees are both employees and students who have yet to attain the competency standard in the occupation.

For example, XYZ Company needs employees skilled in mechatronics – with support from a PIPELINE Project grant award, employees will receive formal instruction in mechatronics through the local technical college as well as valuable on-the-job training from the employer.

The application includes information about the employees or students receiving the training and an agreement with the training provider that outlines the program or courses in which the trainee(s) will be enrolled. Technical assistance will be available to assist employers interested in applying for PIPELINE dual-training grants.

The maximum total grant application is $150,000. The maximum grant award for each employee participating in dual-training is $6,000. A large employer ($25,000,000 or more in revenue) must pay at least 25 percent of the training institution’s or program’s charge for the training to the training institution or program. Grants will be awarded by balancing metro and greater Minnesota needs for each of the four industries.

Contact Heather McGannon, PIPELINE Project Manager, at [email protected] for more information.