The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners recently approved allocating $2 million in economic support to organizations affected by COVID-19. This funding is from federal legislation: the CARES Act.
Small locally owned businesses adversely affected by COVID-19 may apply for a one time grant of up to $10,000 (per applicant) to cover expenses for up to three months through Blue Earth County’s Business Assistance Grant Program. Read More
This is a guest blog submission from Dan Solomon of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
The Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline is an innovative approach to address current and future workforce needs. The program works with employers to change the conversation from “How do we find workers with the skills we need?” to “How do we GIVE workers the skills we need?”
Pipeline exists to support employers in creating or enhancing a competency based dual-training approach where workers receive a combination of related instruction strategically paired with on-the-job training. Dual-training grants through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education provide funding for employers to create new and expand existing dual-training initiatives. Pipeline focuses on the four industries of advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services and information technology. In the Mankato area, Pipeline is thrilled to most recently support workforce training efforts at Jones Metal, Dotson Iron Castings, V-Tek, Inc. and Mankato Clinic.
Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline is here for business and available to provide consultation with employers interested in setting up dual training any time throughout the year. In addition, Pipeline hosts industry forums to bring business leaders together to share information and provide updates as well as hosts a speaker series with a variety of topics of interest to employers. Pipeline also hosts 101 Webinars for those brand new to the program who would like to learn more. The next Pipeline 101 webinar is on August 11 from 9am to 10am and you can sign up at the following link here: https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/workforce/pipeline-events
To learn more about Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline or to contact one of the Pipeline staff, visit https://www.dli.mn.gov/pipeline .
Recently Greater Mankato Growth distributed 66,000 face masks in Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties in response to the statewide mandate. The intent was to assist businesses in welcoming customers, keeping employees safe, and assisting in keeping costs down for area businesses. See full news release here. Read More
This is a guest blog submission from Wendy June of member business, Mankato Pet Cremation. We love to hear about WHY our members love what they do in our community.
Who could have guessed that starting a second career in pet cremation would bring about so many stories and unexpected blessings?
In March of 2018, with much support from family, friends, and the Small Business Development Center in Mankato, we opened Mankato Pet Cremation serving Mankato and south central Minnesota. Initially, I went into this work with the goal of providing a crucial service for area pets. But I soon realized after death it’s no longer about the pet anymore, it’s about the people. To my amazement, it turns out people experiencing pet-loss are at their most genuine, honest, and tender selves. The good in people naturally spills out at this difficult time. Every customer renews my faith and gives me hope for the human race, especially during this difficult time. I am thankful everyday for this very rare and wonderful view of this complicated world.
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Today Governor Walz announced a new EO-20-81-Final implementing a statewide requirement to wear facial coverings when inside indoor businesses and indoor public settings. This requirement will be effective beginning July 25. You can find general information and FAQs on the mask mandate here. In addition, below are FAQs provided by the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development relating specifically to business questions. Read More
The Mankato Area Pubic Schools are looking for great candidates to run for School Board in this November’s election. Is that you or someone you know? Read More
Beginning Friday, July 10 the Mankato City Council’s emergency declaration ordinance requiring face coverings goes into effect. The City has published a website with details about the ordinance and compliance, including FAQs and optional signage businesses can utilize.
The City of Mankato Council last evening passed an emergency ordinance which will require the use of a mask or face covering in places of public accommodation. The ordinance will take effect Friday, July 10, 2020 and be in effect for 60 days (starting July 6) unless modified by Council. The full ordinance can be viewed here. You can view additional information about the ordinance and compliance at the City of Mankato’s Website. The site includes FAQs as well as optional signage businesses can utilize.
This is a guest blog by Greater Mankato Growth member, Mankato Clinic.
As the Greater Mankato region experiences an increase in COVID-19 cases, business owners and managers have many questions and concerns on how to stay open and keep customers, staff and our community safe.
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This is a guest blog post by Joe Paulsen from Greater Mankato Growth member business, Pinnacle Business Traction.
At the virtual Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) conference in May, my biggest take away came from the creator of EOS, Gino Wickman. He gave a keynote address titled: “Managing Human Energy Coming Out of a Crisis.” Gino provided 10 Disciplines for Leaders who want to perform at the top of his/her game in good times or challenging times. Following are the 10 Disciplines with a brief explanation:
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This is a guest blog post by Greater Mankato Growth member business, Eide Bailly LLP.
As economies reopen across the country, many organizations have turned a critical eye to how they should reopen in the wake of the next normal. In a time of great operational uncertainty, how organizations can reopen and reposition themselves in the marketplace effectively will be critical to their long-term success.
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The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced that the Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants Program – which was approved by the Minnesota Legislature last week and signed by Governor Tim Walz on Tuesday – will begin accepting applications next week. Read More
