Overview: The Executive Committee of the ‘Renewable Energy Marketplace – An Alliance for Talent Development’ (MNREM) is requesting Proposals from businesses and organizations in the 36-county MNREM region. Proposals should present innovative concepts for addressing the talent development needs to transform the region from primarily agriculture-dependent to a knowledge and innovation-based economy that capitalizes on the region’s strength in agriculture and renewable/alternative energy. The ‘Renewable Energy Marketplace – An Alliance for Talent Development’ initiative is one of thirty-nine regional projects throughout the country funded through the United States Department of Labor WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) Initiative. Proposals must address Talent Development or Entrepreneurship/Innovation/Business Growth goals, and one or more outcomes.
Who is eligible to apply? Any legitimate business or organization may apply. Applicants must be based in one of the 36 MNREM counties: Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Clay, Cottonwood, Douglas, Faribault, Freeborn, Grant, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Otter Tail, Pipestone, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Sibley, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Waseca, Watonwan, Wilkin, Yellow Medicine.
What can funds be used for?
- Provide job training and related activities to assist workers (including unemployed and employed workers) in gaining skills and competencies needed to obtain or upgrade career ladder employment positions in high growth industries and economic sectors
- Assist in the development and implementation of model activities (such as develop curricula to build core competencies and train workers, identify and disseminate career and skill information, and increase the integration of the education system with activities of business and the public workforce investment system).
Match Requirement: There is no required or prescribed percentage of matching funds for this round of MNREM investments. However, the inclusion of match and/or leveraged resources is required. Match can be in-kind, leveraged resources and/or cash. (See Allowable Use of Funds)
Project Timeline: Full proposals should include starting and ending dates for the project (one-year maximum; to be completed by or before June 30, 2010). Extensions may be considered pending a MNREM-WIRED grant extension from the Department of Labor.
Due Date: Proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2009.
