Minnesota employers can access various complementary incentive programs designed to support companies that offer opportunities to people with a criminal record and others with barriers to employment.
The programs listed below provide a variety of financial incentives, training support and resources to employers. By leveraging these opportunities, employers can access funding for workforce development and support the success of people with barriers to employment.
Primary
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) - U.S. Department of Labor
Offers a federal tax credit ranging from $1,200 to $9,600 per hire for employers who hire individuals from targeted groups, including justice-involved individuals. This reduces hiring costs while promoting workforce integration. https://mn.gov/deed/business/finding-workers/incentives/wotc.jsp
Federal Bonding Program - U.S. Department of Labor
Provides no-cost insurance to protect employers from losses due to employee theft of money or property. Employers can receive individual Fidelity Bonds for new or current employees who may be denied coverage by commercial bond providers due to a record of arrest, conviction, or imprisonment.
https://mn.gov/deed/business/finding-workers/incentives/federal-bonding.jsp
Low-Income Worker Training Program - Minnesota DEED
This program provides grants to businesses for the training of low-income workers, with a focus on enhancing skills and increasing employability. https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/training-grant/liw/
Supplemental
Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) - Minnesota DEED: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/training-grant/partnership/
Apprenticeship Programs - Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI): https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/workforce/employers
Dual Training Pipeline - Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry: https://www.dli.mn.gov/pipeline
Automation Training Incentive Program - Minnesota DEED (Greater Minnesota only): https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/training-grant/atipp/
Job Training Incentive Program - Minnesota DEED (Greater Minnesota only): https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/training-grant/jtip/
Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund - Minnesota DEED: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/eraf/
