Workforce Development Month
September 25, 2017
Highly skilled professionals play vital role in meeting needs of Minnesota's employers, job seekers
September kicked off National Workforce Development Month.
Minnesota is home to nearly 161,000 businesses that employ 2.77 million people. Earlier this year, U.S. News and World Report ranked Minnesota’s workforce participation as the best in the country.
Minnesota is committed to building an economy that works for all Minnesotans and to ensuring businesses have the skilled workforce and talent pipeline needed to thrive.
DEED remains focused on improving racial equity and eliminating economic disparities. Since last year when $35 million was approved to address economic disparities for Minnesotans on the sideline, DEED has awarded grants to groups throughout the state to offer programs such as career pathways and entrepreneurship in targeted communities.
The Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program, new in 2016, awarded $2 million to lenders to improve access to capital for business owned by people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans and/ or low-income individuals.