Economic Development Resources
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| Business Financing | Entrepreneurship | Environmental/Energy Resources | Exporting/Importing |
| Research and Data Tools | How to Start and Manage a Business | Workforce Development Assistance |
Business Financing |
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Statewide |
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| Angel Loan Fund Program Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) New funding option for businesses certified to participate in Minnesota's. Angel Tax Credit Program. Loans up to $250,000; 0% interest; deferred 7 year loan term w/ balloon payment; must be eligible for Angel Tax Credit. |
Angel Tax Credit |
Emerging Entrepreneurs DEED Supports micro-enterprises and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, targeting minority- and women-owned businesses and those located in economically distressed areas. |
| MN Reservist & Veteran Business Loan Program DEED Provides business loans to companies that are affected when certain employees are called to active military duty and to individual veterans who have returned from active duty and want to start their own business. |
Minnesota Investment Fund
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Job Creation Fund DEED Provides financial incentives to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. |
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R&D Tax Credit Program |
Greater MN Job Expansion Program DEED Sales tax refunds for 7 years to existing businesses expanding in Greater Minnesota. |
Work Opportunity Tax Credit |
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SBIR-STTR Funding for High-Tech Companies
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Minnesota Foreign Trade Zones DEED Store goods, assemble products, manufacture or re-export goods without paying Customs duties. |
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program |
| SBA 504/REAL Loan SBA/Participating Lenders Provides growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing of up to $5 million for major fixed assets such as land, buildings, machinery and equipment. |
SBA 7 (a) Loan SBA/Participating Lenders Includes financial help for businesses with special requirements. 7(a) loans have a maximum loan amount of $5 million. |
SBA Microloan Program SBA/Participating Lenders Loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The average microloan is about $13,000. |
| SBA Disaster Loan Program SBA/Participating Lenders Low-interest loans to repair or replace the following items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster: real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets. |
Rural Business Enterprise Grant |
Intermediary Relending Program USDA Provides 1% low-interest loans to local intermediaries that re-lend to businesses and for community development projects in rural communities. |
| Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program USDA Under the REDLoan program, USDA provides zero interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. |
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Twin Cities Metro |
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| Small Business Loan Neighborhood Development Center For existing businesses, loans from $50,000 - $250,000 for working capital, inventory, equipment or real estate. NDC has 7a/SBA Guaranteed Loans. |
Contractor Financing Neighborhood Development Center For startups and existing small businesses, loans up to $50,000. |
Micro Loan Neighborhood Development Center Loans to cover costs of performing on a specific contract. |
| Small Business Loan Women Venture Provides SBA loans up to $50,000 to qualified borrowers to launch or grow small businesses. Our consultants guide applicants through the process to determine readiness and qualifications. |
Small Business Loan Metropolitan Economic Development Association Businesses must be owned and controlled by entrepreneurs of color. Minimum loan amount is $25,000. Loans more than $400,000 require a higher bank participation. |
Transactional Financing Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers Provides short term loans for businesses whose cash flow cycle inhibits them from making regular monthly loan payments. |
| Loans for New and Emerging Businesses Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers Direct loans aimed for a variety of business purposes, including inventory, working capital, asset and equipment purchases, and start-up costs. Loans sizes up to $25,000 for retail/service businesses, or $50,000 for manufacturing businesses. |
Loans for Second Stage and Growing Businesses Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers Loans greater than $50,000 are targeted at businesses that have been operating for several years and need financing to grow. |
Gap Financing for Real Estate Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers Loans in partnership with private lenders to provide gap financing for real estate acquisition projects including projects financed through the SBA 504 program. |
| Acquisition Financing for Real Estate Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers In partnership with private lenders, provides permanent term financing for commercial real estate acquisition. |
Technical Assistance and Financing African Development Center We offer both traditional and alternative/profit-based financing terms. Total finance packages range from $5,000 to more than $250,000 per client. |
Co-op Member Share Loan Latino Economic Development Center Finance the purchase of a share in a co-op by an existing or proposed co-op member. Minimum loan amount is $2,000; maximum loan amount is $10,000. |
| Microenterprise Loans Latino Economic Development Center Start or expand very small businesses. Minimum loan amount is $2,000; maximum loan amount is $25,000. |
CREDO (Community Real Estate Development Opportunities) Latino Economic Development Center Purchase or improvement of real estate by growing businesses. Minimum loan amount is $25,000; maximum loan amount is $125,000. |
Cooperative Loans Latino Economic Development Center Start or expand a cooperative enterprise. Minimum loan amount is $4,000; maximum loan amount is $25,000. |
Northwest Minnesota |
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| Product Development Loan Northwest Minnesota Foundation Loans are available to new products with an emphasis on new technologies. |
Entrepreneur Development Program Northwest Minnesota Foundation NMF staff provides technical assistance and financing to individuals who want to start a business or persons wanting to expand an existing business. |
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Southwest Minnesota |
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| Business Finance Loan Program Southwest Initiative Foundation Eligible projects must create or retain jobs that provide a livable wage with benefits, generate new wealth for the region and diversify the economy of southwest Minnesota. The maximum loan amount is $50,000. |
Microenterprise Loan Program Southwest Initiative Foundation Customized support for entrepreneurs through ongoing technical assistance. The maximum loan amount is $50,000. |
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Northeast and North Central Minnesota |
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| Business Finance Program Northland Foundation Two types--direct loan and participation loan. Business loans generally range from $50,000 to $500,000. |
Financing Resources Entrepreneur Fund Fund your business growth, acquisition, working capital, or other needs with creative financing up to and exceeding $250k. |
Business Assistance Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) Whether you're establishing a new business or looking to expand, we have the financial tools, dedicated support, and local resources to get you there. |
West Central Minnesota |
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| SELF Small Enterprise Loan Fund West Central Initiative Foundation Loans from $1,000 to $35,000, and includes smaller loans to businesses in the manufacturing or service sectors. |
Business and Industry Loan Fund West Central Initiative Foundation The Business and Industry Loan Fund is used for loans from $20,000 to $300,000. Most of the loans in this fund are given to manufacturing businesses. |
Access to Capital Loan West Central Initiative Foundation WCI will match bank loan amount up to $75,000. 100% LTV subordinated. |
| Childcare Loans West Central Initiative Foundation The maximum loan under this program is $3,500. These loans are to help child care providers obtain or maintain licensure from their country regulating agency. |
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Central Minnesota |
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| Direct Business Loan Fund Initiative Foundation Provides up to $500,000 for value-added agriculture and manufacturing companies that bring new revenue to communities. |
Technology Capital Fund Initiative Foundation Provides up to $500,000 for emerging high-tech ventures and technologies that increase productivity. |
Green Business Loan Fund Initiative Foundation Provides up to $500,000 for businesses that preserve the environment, reduce energy demands or recycle existing waste streams. |
| Lender Match Loan Fund Initiative Foundation Provides up to $75,000 for manufacturing, technology, wholesale and other businesses. |
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Southeast Minnesota |
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| Business Loan Fund Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Targets six key industries: bioscience, renewable energy, food/agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and health care. Loans will be considered up to $200,000; cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. |
Small Business Enterprise Loan Fund Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation These loans support small business owners or start-up entrepreneurs who create service, retail, local foods, and manufacturing businesses. $2,000 to $35,000 loan amounts. |
Building Blocks Loan Fund Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Financial resources and technical assistance to help expand or enhance licensed child care businesses. Loan size: from $1,000 - $15,000. |
| Local Foods Loan Fund Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Supports the start-up or expansion of businesses engaged in locally or regionally produced agricultural food products. Loan dollars can be used to purchase inventory, supplies, machinery/equipment, or used for working capital. |
Seed Fund Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Supports start-up stage businesses that need capital, business expertise, and networking opportunities. Helps companies perform research and analysis, patent opinions and filings, and product testing and analysis. Investment amounts up to $25,000. |
Southern Minnesota Equity Fund Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Financial capital and expertise to early stage and start-up companies. Maximum initial investment of $100,000, eligible for follow-up investments. |
Entrepreneurship |
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| Angel Tax Credit DEED Provides a 25-percent credit to investors or investment funds that put money into startup companies focused on high technology, new proprietary technology, or a new proprietary product, process or service in specified fields. The maximum credit is $125,000 per person, per year ($250,000 if filing jointly). |
Emerging Leaders (FREE Mini-MBA) Small Business Administration (SBA) The Emerging Leaders training focuses on small, poised-for-growth companies with potential for job creation. |
MN Cup Carlson School of Management—University of Minnesota Supports emerging entrepreneurs from across the state through events, educational programming and an annual new venture competition to accelerate the development of their new ventures. |
| Resources and networking for Entrepreneurs 1 Million Cups Locations throughout the region - Eden Prairie, Mankato, Winona, Willmar. Each Wednesday morning, two early-stage startups present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisers and other entrepreneurs. |
Investment Resources for Entrepreneurs Gopher Angels A group of accredited investors who are passionate about creating businesses in Minnesota. GA looks for outstanding entrepreneurs who can turn their vision into a successful business. |
Plan It! An Entrepreneur's Guide to Success Neighborhood Development Center Whether you're just getting started, have recently started operations or are a current business owner seeking additional training, Plan It! is a great opportunity to build and expand your knowledge. |
| The Norris Fund for Technology Innovation William C. Norris Instistute—University of St Thomas Provides equity investments and convertible note loans of up to $75,000, with deferred payback terms and warrants. |
The James Roger Fox M.D. Fund for Healthcare Innovation William C. Norris Instistute—University of St Thomas Provides seed capital to innovative health care technology companies. |
Entrepreneurial Resources for Clean Tech Start-ups Cleantech Open Midwest A global accelerator for early-stage clean technology startup companies. |
| Various Entrepreneurial Resources Minnesota Entrepreneur Network (MNEN) An informal collaboration of entrepreneur support organizations committed to growing the Minnesota entrepreneurial ecosystem. |
Resources for Inventors and Entrepreneurs Inventors' Network We are dedicated to providing educational & practical assistance to individuals who are trying to bring an idea to the marketplace. |
Various Entrepreneurial Resources The Network Connect We connect businesses with investors. Entrepreneurs, CEOs and business people come to The Network Connect for information helpful to growing a business. |
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CEO Next Business Institute |
Seed Fund |
Various Resources |
| Southern Minnesota Equity Fund Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Provides financial capital and expertise to early stage and start-up companies. Maximum initial investment of $100,000, eligible for follow‐up investments. |
Consulting and Financing Assistance Initiative Foundation Various (see financing) |
Business Development Program West Central Initiative Foundation Various (see financing) |
| Various Southwest Initiative Foundation: MN CORE Center for Rural Entrepreneurship Whether you're an aspiring start-up or have been in business for years, the Minnesota Center of Rural Entrepreneurship is here for you! |
Various Entrepreneurial Resources Southwest Initiative Foundation Helps entrepreneurs develop small businesses and self-employment opportunities. The program provides customized support for entrepreneurs through ongoing technical assistance. The maximum loan amount is $50,000. |
Business Development Program Northland Foundation Various (see financing) |
| Launch Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Launch Minnesota is a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation. Find information on grants, investors, and other educational resources. |
Investment Resources for Entrepreneurs Hill Capital / Empire Builders We understand the entrepreneurial journey and created Hill Capital to provide both the Capital and Community to grow your business. We invest up to $1 million directly into growth-oriented companies. We nurture success by making connections and accessing resources that business owners need to grow. |
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Environmental/Energy Resources |
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Waste Wise The Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation offers a variety of services, including, environmental sustainability consulting, on-site waste and visits, waste stream analysis and more. |
Energy Smart Energy Smart services are available at no cost to businesses or organizations in Minnesota. Energy Smart is a program of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and works closely with the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, a nonprofit affiliate of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. The program is funded through state-approved utility conservation programs, specifically Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power. |
Environmental Guide for Small Businesses in Minnesota Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) A user-friendly guide to Minnesota's environmental regulations. The goal is to give you enough information to quickly determine whether your business is subject to a regulation and where to go for more help. |
| Minnesota Business First Stop Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Streamlines the development process for complex business startups, expansions or relocations that involve financing, licensing, permitting, and regulatory issues that overlap multiple state agencies. |
MN Technical Assistance Program University of MN (check location availability) Helps Minnesota businesses develop and implement industry-tailored solutions that prevent pollution at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and costs to improve public health and the environment. |
Small Business Environmental Assistance Program MPCA Provides small businesses with practical advice and tools to implement sustainable and environmentally business practices that go beyond compliance. |
| Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan Program MPCA Provides low-interest loans to small businesses to finance environmental projects such as capital equipment upgrades that meet or exceed environmental regulations, and costs associated with the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites. |
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Exporting/Importing |
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| General exporting and trade services Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) MTO helps turn opportunities into profits in foreign markets by providing the training and expertise that small and midsized companies need to export goods and services successfully worldwide. |
STEP Program Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) Reimbursement of up to $500 for export-training that will result in the development of an export strategy or up to $7,500 for approved export-development activities. |
Exporting Consulting & Other Services U.S. Commercial Service in Minnesota--US Department of Commerce We offer the experience and services you need to grow international sales of your U.S. made products and services. In addition to our core service offerings, we offer free consulting to companies. |
| Trade Assistance Helpline Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) Call 651-259-7498 to reach an international trade representative who can either answer your questions or make appropriate referrals. |
International Business Services Directory Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) Need help finding an accountant, freight forwarder, translator, or other service provider with international business experience? Search our International Business Services Directory for a list of Minnesota companies that offer the services you need. |
Minnesota Exporter's Resource Database (ERD) U.S. Commercial Service in Minnesota--US Department of Commerce Provides important information and resources to Minnesota businesses intersted in exporting goods or services internationally. |
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Collection of other national export financing programs Resources include: International Trade Finance Guide, U.S. Small Business Administration -- Office of International Trade, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP), U.S. Trade and Development Agency. |
General exporting and trade services Minnesota District Export Council Brings together experienced international business people who provide guidance and assistance in international markets. |
Market Research (for exports) |
| General resources Global Minnesota Hosts lively forums for discussion of global issues, encourages international friendships and intercultural learning, and connects international professionals with their Minnesota counterparts. |
Minnesota Foreign Trade Zones
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Research and Data Tools |
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| 2020 Economic Benchmarks Minnesota Chamber of Commerce A collection of key economic indicators that measure Minnesota's competitiveness and the health of our economy. |
Economic Data and Reports MN Demographic Center The State Demographic Center assists policymakers, state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits, the media, and all Minnesotans locate and understand the demographic data they need to make smart decisions. |
Various Business Services UMN, Office of Economic Development UED offers a broad range of services to companies, both large and small, nonprofit organizations, and other groups looking to partner with the U. |
| Business Finder Career One Stop Use Career One Stop's Business Finder data tool to find contact information for nearly 12 million employers. |
Compare Minnesota DEED Shows how Minnesota compares with other states in business climate, major industries, economic performance, labor, innovation, energy, taxes, and quality of life. |
Labor Market Information Help Desk DEED Our Labor Market Information Help Desk is staffed weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Talk with a live person. |
| Why Minnesota? DEED Profiles of six key regions focus on education, workforce, business taxes, & infrastructure. |
MN Compass Wilder Foundation Tracks trends and leading indicators for Minnesota's workforce and economy. |
Regional Economic Data and Forecasts Minneapolis Federal Reserve Review the regional economic outlook for the 9th District. |
| Sales Tax Calculator Department of Revenue Use this calculator to determine the state and local general sales and use tax rate to apply to sales and purchases made in Minnesota. |
Business Development Services University of Minnesota Provides management and technical assistance to small businesses to provide educational, legal and accounting resources/tools, workshops, seminars, customized training, and direct coaching support. |
Community Economics University of Minnesota -- Extension Works with Minnesota communities as they develop their economic strategy, offering education, research, analysis and advice. |
| Site Selection Tools DEED Find the perfect Minnesota location for your business startup, expansion, or relocation. |
Locating a Business in Minnesota DEED General resources for businesses looking to locate in Minnesota. |
Mid-America States Busines Conditions Index Creighton University Monthly survey of supply managers to produce leading economic indicators of the Mid-America economy. States included are: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota. |
| St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report St Cloud State University The St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report presents a quarterly analysis of economic and business conditions in the St. Cloud (Minnesota) region. |
Minnesota Economic Recovery Dashboard Minnesota Chamber Foundation A collection of indicators measuring Minnesota’s economic recovery. |
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How to Start and Manage a Business |
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| Business Counseling & Training SCORE-MN Provides free and confidential business counseling tailored to meet the needs of your small business and your personal objectives. |
Small Business Assistance Office Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Consultants address everything from basic process questions ("What form do I need to file, where do I get it, and with whom do I file it?") to complex tax, regulatory, financial, managerial, business structure and other questions. |
Starting a Business or Nonprofit in MN Secretary of State While there is no single source for all filing requirements, the following steps have been developed to assist you in starting your business. |
| Locating a Business in Minnesota DEED General resources for businesses looking to locate in Minnesota. |
Everything HR (Only available to MN Chamber members) MN Chamber of Commerce EverythingHR, is a 24/7, online resource that delivers comprehensive material on the latest employment laws to serving the professional development of your employees. Employers also value the opportunity to quiz the experts directly on timely and relevant issues. Take advantage of our webinars to keep you updated on a range of topics without having to leave your desks. |
File Your Business with the Minnesota Secretary of State Secretary of State Portal that allows businesses to file with the SoS. |
| Emerging Leaders (FREE Mini-MBA) Small Business Administration (SBA) The Emerging Leaders training focuses on small, poised-for-growth companies with potential for job creation. |
Minnesota Business First Stop DEED Streamlines the development process for complex business startups, expansions or relocations that involve financing, licensing, permitting, and regulatory issues that overlap multiple state agencies. |
Small Business Development Centers |
| A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota (2019 edition) DEED A concise summary discussion of major issues, questions and concerns that are most commonly raised by those contemplating a business startup. |
Business Development Resources University of Minnesota List of business planning articles and business development resources. |
Office for Business & Community Economic Development University of Minnesota Provides management and technical assistance to small businesses to provide educational, legal and accounting resources/tools, workshops, seminars, customized training, and direct coaching support. |
| Various Resources Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) helps develop new uses for agricultural products through science and technology, partnering with businesses and entrepreneurs to bring ideas to reality. |
Sales Tax Calculator Department of Revenue Use this calculator to determine the state and local general sales and use tax rate to apply to sales and purchases made in Minnesota. |
Site Selection Tools DEED Find the perfect Minnesota location for your business startup, expansion, or relocation. |
| CEO Next Business Institute Edward Lowe Foundation (in partnership with Hennepin, Scott, Dakota, and Ramsey Counties and City of St. Paul) Provides scholarships to owners of second stage growth businesses for business research combined with peer learning and business forums. |
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Workforce Development Assistance |
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CareerForce
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Hiring People with Disabilities DEED Workers with disabilities bring skills and add a valuable dimension to most any company. |
Job Creation Fund DEED Provides financial incentives to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. |
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Business Development Specialists |
Apprenticeship Department of Labor & Industry Activities include outreach and recruitment, co-enrolled program intake, assessment, adult basic education where necessary, wrap-around support services, career guidance, life skills coaching and counseling, structured on-the-job training, competency based technical instruction and state-issued industry-recognized credentials. |
Work Opportunity Tax Credit DEED The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to all businesses as an incentive to hire workers in certain groups. |
| Hiring Foreign Workers DEED Foreign labor certification and employer responsibilities when hiring foreign workers. |
For Businesses (Various topics) Department of Labor & Industry There are many things to consider when starting a business. The following items explain some of the areas regulated by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. |
Partnership Program DEED We work strategically with businesses and educational institutions to train or retrain workers, expand work opportunities, and keep high-quality jobs in the state. |
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SciTech Internship Program (Matching grants)
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How to Hire a Veteran |
Career Events for Veterans |
| SE MN Career Seekers and Employers Workforce Development, Inc. An independent, non-profit agency serving the needs of career seekers and employers in Southeast Minnesota. |
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