Minnesota Department of Commerce

Our latest Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Alerts is out! This month’s tips: protect yourself from fraud, check for unclaimed money, and save on heating costs. Want more? Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/g4NVSk7A

Thanks to all who showed up for the MLK Career Fair last weekend. We were thrilled to see such a big turnout and interest in working for the State of MN. This career fair featured over 30 state agencies and offices actively recruiting new team members. Minnesota Department of Commerce offers rewarding career opportunities in public service where you can make a positive difference for Minnesota. Our mission is to protect the public interest, advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a strong, competitive and fair marketplace, strengthen the state’s economic future and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses. If you missed the career fair from this past weekend but want to stay in the loop for future job fairs and job openings, be sure to check out our career page. We encourage everyone to apply!  https://lnkd.in/gX_c4wZ6

Thanks so much to BBB of MN & ND for inviting Jackie Olson from Minnesota Department of Commerce to speak at today’s Minnesota Latine Business & Community Roundtable. This important event focused on sharing stories and forming partnerships to raise awareness about scams and their impact on the Latine community. Visit our website to learn how to prevent, recognize, and report scams. https://lnkd.in/gNrWNES8

Minnesota has joined three multi-state settlements totaling $203 million: Block Inc., involving its mobile payment service Cash App, Edward Jones, and Vanguard. These actions show the benefits of the Minnesota Department of Commerce's partnerships with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), NASAA and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to provide financial consumer protections. For more info about the three settlements: https://lnkd.in/gGK8WXGN

Thanks to Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) for inviting Kari Groth Swan to share the opportunities MnCIFA is providing Minnesota's clean energy economy. https://lnkd.in/gtFEjFWS

Have you always wanted a career in state government where you can do meaningful work and improve the lives of Minnesotans? Join us for the MLK Career Fair on Saturday, Jan. 18 and be sure to stop by the Minnesota Department of Commerce booth. The career fair will feature over 30 state agencies and offices actively recruiting new team members, in a collaborative effort to honor Dr. King’s legacy of economic equality. Explore career opportunities, discover valuable resources, receive resume tips, and more. Join us and find your purpose in state service! Register in advance to save time at the door. https://lnkd.in/gDZCr_Vc

Time to apply for the Minnesota Department of Commerce State Competitiveness Fund. We encourage businesses, nonprofits, Tribes and other organizations pursuing federal clean energy grants that require or would benefit from matching funds to apply. Due date Jan. 17, 2025. https://lnkd.in/d8n9v4Je   “To date, nearly $11 million in SCF Matchings Funds has leveraged more than $60 million in federal funding, bringing benefits to communities across our state now and into the future,” said Commerce Deputy Commissioner of Energy Resources Pete Wyckoff.   This is the fourth call for State Competitiveness Fund applications. Proposals requesting less than $1 million will be accepted during this round. Learn more about SCF matching funds: https://lnkd.in/gEPJghin 

Minnesota joins $20M multistate settlement, marking the first collective multistate enforcement action by state regulators for a mortgage company data breach. Thanks to the collaboration with our partners at the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS).   “This settlement shows the critical need for businesses to protect consumers’ personal and financial data to prevent a data breach and to protect consumers in case there is a data breach,” said Minnesota Department of Commerce Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement Jacqueline Olson. "This settlement shows the critical need for businesses to protect consumers’ personal and financial data to prevent a data breach and to protect consumers in case there is a data breach.”   Learn more: https://t.co/CBkQ5AiQ4g

SAINT PAUL, MN: The Minnesota Department of Commerce is encouraging Minnesotans to make a New Year’s resolution to be a scam spotter in 2025 and help to identify and prevent scams that harm Minnesota consumers, organizations and communities. https://lnkd.in/g82TA4YY

The board for the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MnCIFA) has approved its 2-year strategic plan and its investment strategy, with the goal of lending to hundreds of Minnesota projects that will save energy and reduce greenhouse gases. At least half of the projects will serve Minnesota communities that have the greatest need to reduce energy costs. “With this plan, we are bringing innovations in financing that are critical for Minnesota to be a leader in the clean energy economy,” said MnCIFA Executive Director Kari Groth Swan. "Our plan provides gap funding that is critical to moving clean energy projects forward, creating local energy jobs, and increasing local ownership in our state’s increasingly clean energy system” “Our strategic plan and investment goals fulfill MnCIFA’s vision to empower communities that have historically been left behind when it comes to decisions about energy resources and energy costs,” said MnCIFA Board Chair Bali Kumar. “When we remove barriers for financing, we open the door for innovative projects that will deliver long-term savings and benefits for communities.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gtFEjFWS