Automation Training Incentive Program is sponsored by Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED). This program provides grants to existing Minnesota businesses in the manufacturing or skilled production industry to train incumbent workers on new automation technology. This aligns with Minnesota Dog LLC's mission of applying evidence-based manufacturing.

Automation Training Incentive Pilot Program / Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Safeguarding tax dollars is our priority: Report suspicious activity . Automation Training Incentive Program This program provides grants to small businesses for the purpose of training existing workers on new automation technology.

Grants of up to $35,000 are available to small businesses in the manufacturing or skilled production industry for the express purpose of training incumbent workers as quickly and effectively as possible on new automation technology.

The program is available to existing Minnesota Businesses located outside of the seven county metropolitan area OR located in the cities of Cannon Falls, Hanover, Rockford, Northfield, and New Prague that are investing in new automation technology at the project location. Training is for existing, full-time jobs paying at least 120% of federal poverty guidelines for a family or four. For 2026, this is $39,600 per year.

Additional program information and eligibility requirements are outlined in the Automation Training Incentive Program Guide . Download a printer-friendly Automation Training Incentive Program Fact Sheet .

Funds may be used to pay direct training costs for existing workers including trainee wages for on-the-job training, curriculum development, delivery of training, materials and supplies, training equipment and facilities, and trainer travel and lodging costs. Funds may also be used for assessment, testing and certification costs.

Training may be provided in-house, by institutions of higher education, by federal, state, or local agencies, by consultants, or equipment vendors. Awards will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis contingent on DEED’s receipt of an eligible application and the availability of funding. Application forms and additional program information are available on the Forms tab.

Interested businesses are encouraged to contact DEED to inquire about eligibility and the availability of funding. Once an application is submitted, DEED staff will evaluate and score the application and notify the applicant of approval or denial within 15 days or as soon as reasonably possible after DEED’s receipt of the complete application.

Eligible applications with a minimum score of 30 points will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additional information on the application process and scoring criteria can be found in the Automation Training Incentive Program Guide on the Forms tab. All requests for funding must be submitted as formal application proposals to DEED’s Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Office on forms provided by DEED.

Application forms, along with specific eligibility criteria, guidelines and application instructions can be found on the Forms tab. Following are instructions and forms for completing an Automation Training Incentive Program grant application. Automation Training Incentive Program Guide Updated February 2026.

This document includes detailed program information, eligibility criteria and application instructions Automation Training Incentive Program Application Form Each region of the state has an assigned grant coordinator who can answer questions about the MJSP training grant programs. Check the map to identify your region and then find your contact. Both our grant coordinators administer projects in the Twin Cities Metro Area.

MJSP Grant Coordinators by Region Danielle Kressin – Region 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7W, 7E, 11 Vikki Palony – Region 6W, 6E, 8, 9 & 10, 11 Fun Fun Cheng , Program Administrator Jodie Greising , Director NOTE: If you are an individual looking for training assistance please contact the Minnesota Dislocated Worker Program , CareerForce , or the financial aid office of the educational institution you are planning to attend.