PROMISE ACT FUNDS
The Initiative Foundation announces $1.1 million in grants for small businesses in Central Minnesota.
Thanks to the PROMISE Act funded by the Minnesota Legislature, businesses can receive one-time grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for existing operations or planned growth.
Funds can be used for various expenses, and the program supports fair economic recovery by boosting small, rural, and minority-owned businesses.
Click here to learn more.
JANUARY 4 QBR AFTER DARK WRAP-UP
Over 50 individuals gathered on January 4 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report (QBR), presented by King Banaian, the Interim Dean of the College of Education and Learning Design at St. Cloud State University, and Mana Komai Molle, the Chair of the Department of Economics at St. Cloud State University. They provided valuable insights into the economic and business landscape of the Greater St. Cloud region.
The collaboration of St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Live, Magnifi Financial, Creative Planning, and the GSDC makes the quarterly QBR a reality, bringing together expertise and resources to foster business growth in the Greater St. Cloud region.
Click here to read full report.
EMPLOYER TOOLS & RESOURCES
Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline Program
The Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline exists to support employers in creating or enhancing a competency based, earn-and-learn dual-training approach to meeting their workforce needs and workers receive a combination of related instruction paired with on-the-job training. The Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry is hosting several upcoming industry-specific webinars.
Click here to learn more.
Minnesota’s NEW Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund
Small and medium-sized employers in Minnesota can now take advantage of the new Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) offered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Click here to learn more.
Discover the resources and programs Amazon has to help enable the success of small businesses and entrepreneurs at the “Amazon Small Business Event” on Tuesday, March 12 from 8 – 11 a.m. at Falcon National Bank, 1010 St. Germain St. W., St. Cloud.
Click here to register.
MY SHINES STORY
JOAN SCHATZ – PARK INDUSTRIES
St. Cloud Shines stands out as the region’s most comprehensive marketing tool. It showcases the many advantages of the Greater St. Cloud community to employees, entrepreneurs, employers, families, students, and beyond.
Today, we are spotlighting the My Shines Story of Joan Schatz, CEO of Park Industries. Park Industries is a founding partner of the GSDC and sponsors of the St. Cloud Shines and EPIC (Exploring Potential Interests & Careers) initiatives. Joan first connected with the Greater St. Cloud community in her capacity as a leader within Park Industries. Presently, she generously dedicates her time and remarkable expertise to the GSDC in the role of the Chair of the Board of Directors.
Click here to watch Joan’s My Shines Story.
During February, we honor Black History Month. A meaningful way to champion diversity, inclusion, and economic opportunity is by supporting BIPOC-owned businesses. In the Greater St. Cloud community, we have several locally owned BIPOC businesses, including Ashley’s Yummy Rolls, Krewe Restaurant, Busy Mom’s Cleaning Service, No Limit Painting, Princess Printing, and more.
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Contact Our Staff Team
NeTia Bauman, CEcD, CEO & President
nbauman@greaterstcloud.com | 320.437.1430
Leslie Dingmann, CecD, EDFP, Business Development Director
ldingmann@greaterstcloud.com | 320.493.9003
Gail Cruikshank, Talent Director
gcruikshank@greaterstcloud.com | 320.260.6775
Tammy Campion, Communications Specialist
tcampion@greaterstcloud.com | 320.252.5185