• Plant closings and mass layoffs. When a plant closing or mass layoff affects many workers (typically 50 or more), DEED uses a Rapid Response process to quickly assess needs and deliver customized services for affected workers and the business. Whenever possible, this process begins confidentially and at least 60 days before the layoff date, consistent with the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. These services can include career counseling, job search help, training or retraining, and support services to help dislocated workers return to suitable employment as quickly as possible. MINNESOTA FEDERAL BONDING SERVICE The Minnesota Federal Bonding Service provides individual fidelity bonds (employee dishonesty insurance) to employers for new or current employees who might otherwise be denied coverage by a commercial surety company because of certain risk factors (for example, a criminal record, poor credit, or limited work history). The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is an authorized agency for issuing these bonds under the federal bonding program. A fidelity bond can be issued at the employer’s request when they make a job offer or if they decide to bond someone they already employ. Coverage becomes effective when the employer contacts DEED’s bonding coordinator and the bond is issued. The worker must be employed in Minnesota in full‑ or part‑time W‑2 employment; self‑employment is not eligible. Bonds are provided at no cost to the employer or the employee. The standard bond is usually 5,000 dollars in coverage for a period of six months. The bond protects the employer only against employee theft of money or property. If no claim is made during the initial six‑month period, the employer may choose to continue bonding the employee at standard commercial rates, and the employee is generally considered “bondable” going forward. An individual who previously held a bond under this program and had a claim paid on that bond is not eligible for a new bond. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION University of Minnesota Extension delivers practical, research‑based education and information to people and communities across Minnesota. Extension’s statewide network of researchers, educators, and volunteers helps Minnesotans address issues in agriculture and natural resources, community development, family health and wellbeing, and youth development. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT ASSISTANCE Federal, state, and local governments buy a wide range of goods and services from private businesses, including small firms. Many agencies have set‑aside or preference programs for small businesses in general and for firms owned by women, minorities, service‑disabled veterans, and businesses in economically distressed areas. To benefit from many of these programs, a business must apply for and obtain the appropriate certifications (for example, through federal programs, the State of Minnesota’s Office of Equity in Procurement, or other recognized certifiers). Information on federal, state, local, and private
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