Future Ready Workforce Grant 2025 - Business Registration
Employers who provide a high-quality paid internship in a high-demand growing career area such as healthcare, social services, transportation, trades, manufacturing, education, childcare, public service, and general business may apply for up to $500 in wage reimbursement per intern. In addition, the grant may also fund student needs such as transportation assistance, tools, or supplies.
Careers with a median salary of $37,000 or more and projected growth are considered Careers in Demand and qualify for internship wage reimbursement. Funds will be available until depleted. Funds provided to the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce are available through a “Future Ready Workforce Grant” from the Greater Twin Cities United Way, the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, and the State of Minnesota Dept. of Employment & Economic Development (DEED). Please contact Lisa Workman, Chamber President, at (218) 736-6951 if you are interested in learning more or have questions.
Process for Employers
Employ a student intern in a qualifying career area (see below).
Interns must be between 14-22 years old, high school students preferred.
Interns must be paid a minimum of $12.50/hour.
Interns must be a W-2 employee and should work at least 40 hours during the internship.
Register your business: http://business.fergusfalls.com/form/view/35484
Paid internships are reimbursable for up to $15.00/hour.
Submit wage reimbursement by 1st of each month to the Chamber: http://business.fergusfalls.com/form/view/35440
A maximum of $500 of student intern wages (per intern) may be reimbursed.
Checks will be mailed within 30 days of submitting reimbursement.
Qualifying Internship Career Areas
Healthcare
• Nursing Assistants
• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocation Nurses
• Medical Secretaries
• Registered Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Medical and Health Services Managers
• Medical Assistants
• Dental Assistants
• Dental Hygienists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
Transportation, Trades & Manufacturing
• Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
• Light Truck Drivers
• Bus Drivers
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
• Bus and Truck Mechanics
• Diesel Engine Specialists
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Automotive Body and Related Repairers
• Maintenance and Repair Workers (General)
• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
• Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Tool Operators
• Janitors and Cleaners (Except Maids and Housekeeping)
• Stockers and Order Fillers
• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers
• Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
• Construction Laborers
• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
• Machinists
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
• Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Education, Childcare & Public Service
• Childcare Workers
• Preschool Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• Elementary School Teachers
• Middle School Teachers
• Secondary School Teachers
• Special Education Teachers
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
• Social and Community Service Managers
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
• Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers
General Business
• Sales Representatives of Products/Services
• Sales Managers
• Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
• Accountants and Auditors
• Business Operations Specialists
• Human Resources Specialists
• Financial Managers
• Loan Officers
• Software Developers
• Computer User Support Specialists
• First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
Careers with a median salary of $37,000 or more and projected growth are considered Careers in Demand and qualify for internship wage reimbursement. Funds will be available until depleted. Funds provided to the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce are available through a “Future Ready Workforce Grant” from the Greater Twin Cities United Way, the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, and the State of Minnesota Dept. of Employment & Economic Development (DEED). Please contact Lisa Workman, Chamber President, at (218) 736-6951 if you are interested in learning more or have questions.
Process for Employers
Employ a student intern in a qualifying career area (see below).
Interns must be between 14-22 years old, high school students preferred.
Interns must be paid a minimum of $12.50/hour.
Interns must be a W-2 employee and should work at least 40 hours during the internship.
Register your business: http://business.fergusfalls.com/form/view/35484
Paid internships are reimbursable for up to $15.00/hour.
Submit wage reimbursement by 1st of each month to the Chamber: http://business.fergusfalls.com/form/view/35440
A maximum of $500 of student intern wages (per intern) may be reimbursed.
Checks will be mailed within 30 days of submitting reimbursement.
Qualifying Internship Career Areas
Healthcare
• Nursing Assistants
• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocation Nurses
• Medical Secretaries
• Registered Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Medical and Health Services Managers
• Medical Assistants
• Dental Assistants
• Dental Hygienists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
Transportation, Trades & Manufacturing
• Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
• Light Truck Drivers
• Bus Drivers
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
• Bus and Truck Mechanics
• Diesel Engine Specialists
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Automotive Body and Related Repairers
• Maintenance and Repair Workers (General)
• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
• Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Tool Operators
• Janitors and Cleaners (Except Maids and Housekeeping)
• Stockers and Order Fillers
• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers
• Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
• Construction Laborers
• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
• Machinists
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
• Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Education, Childcare & Public Service
• Childcare Workers
• Preschool Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• Elementary School Teachers
• Middle School Teachers
• Secondary School Teachers
• Special Education Teachers
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
• Social and Community Service Managers
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
• Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers
General Business
• Sales Representatives of Products/Services
• Sales Managers
• Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
• Accountants and Auditors
• Business Operations Specialists
• Human Resources Specialists
• Financial Managers
• Loan Officers
• Software Developers
• Computer User Support Specialists
• First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers