Minnesota Job Skills Partnership – Partnership Program Grants
Minnesota Job Skills Partnership – Partnership Program Grants support Minnesota training institutions and businesses in developing customized worker training to meet business needs and strengthen the state's workforce.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Due Dates: September 14, 2026 (Regular Partnership) | October 5, 2026 (Short Form Partnership and Pre-Development)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 for regular Partnership grants; under $50,000 for Short Form grants; projects typically last 1–2 years
Summary: Funds Minnesota educational institutions to develop and deliver business-specific training for new and incumbent workers.
Key Information: Participating Minnesota businesses must provide at least a 1:1 cash or in-kind match.
Description
The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Board, through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), funds cooperative projects between accredited Minnesota training institutions and businesses. Partnership grants support training for new or incumbent workers that addresses an employment need and is specific to participating businesses. Projects must consist primarily of new or customized curriculum; collaborations among multiple institutions or businesses are encouraged.
MJSP aims to strengthen the state’s workforce and build lasting relationships between education and industry. It prioritizes equity and economic opportunity, including training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Projects serving people experiencing economic disadvantage or dislocation, people of color, or people with disabilities—and those involving rural businesses—receive preference.
