Public Engagement & Equity Update: Moving forward together as One Minnesota Part 1
Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan are looking forward to serving a second term and are committed to continuing to move forward together as One Minnesota. We have done lots of good work together, and there is much work ahead to expand equity and economic opportunity, invest in education, and make Minnesota the best place to raise a family.
Veterans Day
Friday, November 11, is Veterans Day in Minnesota and across the country. This is a time to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by those that have served. This year’s official State of Minnesota Veterans Day event will be held in person at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights, beginning with a free community breakfast at 8:30 a.m. The program begins at 10 a.m. and will feature remarks from state leaders. A live stream is available to access from home and will be posted.
DEED Launches Second Small Business Funding Stream
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) launched the Growth Loan Fund as part of the recently announced $97 million through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This new program provides direct loans from DEED to technologically innovative seed- and early-stage businesses.
Businesses seeking funding through this program need to be engaged in, or be committed to engage in, technological innovation in Minnesota. Qualified high-technology fields include: aerospace, agricultural processing, renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, environmental engineering, food technology, cellulosic ethanol, information technology, materials science technology, nanotechnology, telecommunications, biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, biologicals, chemistry, veterinary science, or similar.
West Central and Central Minnesota Regional Housing Forums
Minnesota Housing is pleased to partner with Greater Minnesota Housing Fund to offer two virtual housing forums – one for the West Central Region and the other for the Central Minnesota Region.
Each event includes panel discussions on housing development in the region. There will also be interactive breakout sessions on regional housing solutions, as well as legislative, policy and funding updates.
the West Central Region Forum which will take place on Thursday, November 17,from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The Central Region Forum which will take place on Thursday, December 1, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Minnesota Housing Seeks Feedback
Minnesota Housing’s Housing Stability Team’s funding application, due diligence, and contracting processes have been receiving feedback from the public. The responses indicated what is working, but more importantly, provided ways in which we can improve as we work and partner with you. Below are six themes that we derived based on public comments:
• Internal coordination and cohesion
• Trust of our partners
• Accountability to our partners
• Capacity for smaller and newer applicants, including culturally specific organizations
• Flexibility, accessibility, and support
• Cultural and equity needs
There is also an opportunity to participate in a focus group and provide feedback on the themes laid out above, as well propose potential solutions to challenges faced throughout the funding application, due diligence, and contracting processes. The upcoming focus group session will take place on Thursday, November 17, from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.