Laid off?? Check out your local dislocated workers program

I was laid off for the first time last year.

I was working for my neighbors in Northeast Minneapolis, assisting them in bringing their start-up to life and opening their first brick and mortar location. The business launched successfully, but unfortunately, the cash flow needed to keep me just wasn’t there. After a few months, they had to let me go and absorb my role.

When you’re laid off you’re required to attend a reemployment session. There I learned about the dislocated worker program which can help you with things like career counseling, resume writing, networking, and self-marketing. They also have an allotted budget for individuals to attend training and educational courses to build skills that positively impact their job searching process.

The dislocated worker program has a number of programs within it itself. I, personally, got plugged in with Project CLIMB, an acronym that stands for converting layoffs into Minnesota businesses. You can read more about project CLIMB here. Through these economy-boosting programs, I was eligible for a education stipend of $5,000 to further my entrepreneur skills.

The University of Minnesota Continuing Education, along with other various educational institutions and training centers, even offer a 10% discount on classes for those enrolled in the dislocated worker program. I’d really encourage anyone who is laid off to take advantage of these opportunities. If I can be of help with any questions you may have about the dislocated worker program and/or Project CLIMB don’t hesitate to reach out! You can reach at me at: Jordyn@thenortheastartscommune.com

-Jordyn Kromminga, founder and member of The Northeast Arts Commune