Representative Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, 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. New or expanding businesses in Greater Minnesota can apply for grants of up to $100,000 to train workers in new jobs.

“Many businesses in Greater Minnesota are struggling to find qualified workers for job openings,” Bennett said. “I was proud to support this grant program during the last legislative session because it will help connect more people in Greater Minnesota with better-paying job opportunities. I hope businesses in our area will consider taking advantage of this program.”

Applications will be accepted beginning Oct. 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 from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, October 1 from in Ruby Rupner Auditorium at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in Austin. 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.