Welcoming New Americans is critically important to our economy and to Minnesota communities. From September 9 through 18, DEED is participating in Welcoming Week, a national initiative to bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity. Of course, DEED is committed to creating inclusivity and a welcoming environment year-round through the activities of our Immigrant and Refugee Affairs staff.

At this month's Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Forum, speakers shared information and resources for immigrant and refugee community members on a variety of important topics, including hiring opportunities, small business resources and more.

Hiring Opportunities at Parker Hannifin Corporation

Plant Manager Madeleine Seeger gave an overview of career opportunities available at her company. Parker Hannifin is the world’s leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems. Most of their sales are business to business with major airplane manufacturers like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Their operation groups include aerospace, filtration, instrumentation, motion systems and more. Their Lakeville location focuses mainly on warehouse distribution and hose assembly. 

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or have a green card with a high school diploma. Preferred candidates should be mechanically apt, have a great attention to detail and enjoy a fast-paced environment. Warehouse positions start at $19 an hour and assembly positions start at $20.50 an hour. Please check their website for more information on their available positions. 

Overview of Small Business Association and their Partner Resource Network

Maribel Reigstad and Don Jackson with the U.S. Small Business Administration gave an overview of the SBA and their SBA Resource Partner Network. The network provides reliable advice to help start, grow and expand small businesses. Some of the partners mentioned include:

Score Business Mentors – Provides free business mentoring, learning and business development in the Twin Cities and Central Minnesota. 

Small Business Development Centers (SBCDs) – Through a network of nine statewide regional centers, SBDCs offer confidential consulting to help clients identify, understand and overcome the challenges of running a successful business.

Women’s Business Development Center – Supports and accelerates business development and growth, targeting women and serving all diverse business owners, in order to strengthen their participation in, and impact on, the economy.

Veterans Business Outreach Center – Provides entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) – Offer technical assistance to businesses interested in selling products or services to federal, state and local governments. 

U.S. Export Assistance Centers – Teaches small businesses about the exporting process. 

Community Navigators – Connects underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs to critical resources and assistance, including financial assistance and access to capital; contracting and procurement; marketing; operations; business development and exporting; and industry-specific training. 

Introducing DEED’s Interim Director of the Office of Public Engagement

Deven Bowdry was recently appointed as Interim Director of the Office for the remainder of 2022. Deven has served as a leader in DEED’s policy office for several years and has strong experience in community engagement. This fall the Office will be looking to gather input from the community for the 2023 legislative session. Welcome Deven!

Community Updates

Twin Cities Startup Events at DEED

To kick off Twin Cities Startup week, DEED is sponsoring an in-person open house on September 19 from 9 to 11 am. Attendees can learn about the many financing and technical assistance programs DEED offers startups and entrepreneurs. To see all Twin Cities Startup Week Events, and for more information on these DEED events, visit the TC Startup Week website. 

Minneapolis To Celebrate Welcoming Week

Tied to the national Welcoming Week noted above, from September 9 – 18, Minneapolis will participate in recognizing the contributions and importance of immigrants to our communities and highlighting that it is a Welcoming City. Get-togethers, readings, potlucks and sporting events are some ways that other municipalities choose to celebrate and welcome our immigrant and refugee community members. You can search all Welcoming Week events on the Welcoming America website.

If you missed this month’s forum, access the discussion on DEED’s YouTube channel.