In addition to programs administered by the federal government, the State of Minnesota offers many additional benefits and programs for military members.
Department Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
The
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
(DEED) is the state’s principal economic development agency, with programs promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention; workforce development; international trade; and community development. The agency’s mission is to support the economic success of individuals, businesses, and communities by improving opportunities for growth.
Employment Preference
The
Minnesota Veterans Preference Act (VPA)
grants most veterans a limited preference over non-veterans in hiring and promotion for most Minnesota public employment positions.
Hire A Hero
Hire a Hero
seeks to provide career placement assistance to all returning service men and women. The HHUSA program focuses on the career placement of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans, specializing in the placement of those injured or with any level of disability. HHUSA serves veterans from all branches of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reservists and Coast Guard.
Minnesota County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO)
In each of Minnesota’s counties there is a
Minnesota County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO)
who is dedicated to serving veterans. The CVSO is usually located in the county courthouse or government center, and is a valuable initial contact for state and federal claims for veterans.
Minnesota Government Careers
The
State of Minnesota
website is the official site for state of Minnesota Government careers. They offer many career opportunities and endless potential for career advancement. They are the largest employer in Minnesota and offer career opportunities in more than 100 agencies in locations throughout the state.
Minnesota Military Reservist Economic Injury Loan Program
The new
Guard/Reserve Small Business Loan Program
is live and accepting applications. This state program can provide an important resource for small businesses affected by deployments. The program provides loans to eligible small businesses which 1) have an essential employee or employees about to deploy or deployed in the military reserves for 180 days or longer, and 2) are likely to sustain or are sustaining economic harm. Logans range from $5,000 to $20,000 and are interest free to be repaid over the course of 4.5 years.
For more information, visit Web site link above or contact Jeff Nelson via email at
jeff.m.nelson@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-259-7523.
Minnesota WorkForce Center/Development
The Workforce Development Division works with local and statewide partners to provide training and support to unemployed and dislocated workers with financial assistance for businesses seeking to upgrade the skills of their workforce. Additional services include State Services for the Blind, Rehabilitation Services, Local Labor Exchange, and Disability Determination. Many of these services are provided at Minnesota WorkForce Centers located throughout the state.
The
Minnesota WorkForce Center System
across Minnesota provides the tools, resources and services you need for your employment, training and related workforce development needs. The system represents a unique partnership of employment and training organizations that reflect the needs of each community. The WorkForce Centers are nationally recognized for their accessibility and the wide range of services offered. Additionally, workers, employers, students, and those looking for a first job or returning to the workforce will find that nearly all services are offered at no cost. Visit the Web site link above or call 1-888 GET JOBS (1-888-438-5627) for more information.
Minnesota Works
MinnesotaWorks
is an internet-based self-service system where member employers and job seekers can find each other. Membership is encouraged because it allows full access to all the features of the system. There is no cost for membership. Job seeker members can post up to five resumes to be searched by employers. Members can also search for job openings, contact employers by email, and even apply online.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
Transition Assistance Program
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP)/Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) Workshop, provided by the Veterans Employment Service, can help you make the right choices.
- The TAP/ACAP Workshop will help you assess your present life situation, set goals, and make career choices
- You will develop job research and job seeking skills, and create a plan to achieve the results you want
- As a TAP/ACAP participant, you will learn how to find hidden job opportunities, write effective resumes and cover letters, highlight your job skills in an interview, and negotiate a fair wage. We encourage you to bring your spouse if possible
Unemployment Insurance
The Unemployment Insurance Division provides a temporary partial wage replacement to Minnesota workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. It is an economic stabilizer and stimulator during economic downturns and helps maintain an available skilled workforce. Visit the
http://www.uimn.org/ Minnesota Unemployment Insurance
Web site or call 1-877-898-9090 for more information.
USA JOBS
The
USA JOBS
website is a United States Office of Personnel Management website. USAJOBS is the Federal Government's official one-stop source for Federal jobs and employment information.
Veterans' Employment Representatives

Minnesota's
Veterans' Employment Representatives
work with local businesses and veterans to provide:
- Individual, intensive employment assistance
- In-person orientation to Minnesota WorkForce Center services
- Job search information, resume assistance, cover letters, job search videos
- Information and assistance on licensure, certification and apprenticeships
- Information on how to apply for Federal, State and County positions
- Direct referral to job openings
- and many more services
For more information, contact MDVA's Veterans Preference Representative at: (651) 757-1568.
More "Employment Resources" pages:
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Federal Employment Resources
Employment Search Programs
Employers-Why Hire a Vet