Employer-fueled solutions to Minnesota’s workforce shortage

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation’s Business Education Network (BEN) is a private-sector solution to employers’ urgent need to find skilled, qualified and ready workers for jobs available in communities across our state. BEN is employer-led, connecting students with high-demand careers in their community and region. Local chambers of commerce are the linchpin to the success of BEN. They drive these programs and connect area employers with K-12 and higher education leaders. Click below to read the full BEN five-year report. 

Examples of BEN programs include:

Worker shortage 300,000+

111,000 unemployed 

BEN is driven by local employers and fueled by the engagement and partnership of students, parents and educators. Since 2016, BEN has provided thousands of students across Minnesota real-world experience in their communities. Students see first-hand what a range of jobs look like, from modern manufacturing and health care to culinary skills and welding. BEN not only showcases the jobs but highlights the path to achieving those careers – whether it is a high school diploma, certificate, two-year or four-year degree.

The Foundation is also integrating diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into the Business Education Network. Minnesota’s future population growth will be people of color, and it’s an economic imperative for all underrepresented workforce populations to have the opportunity to engage in the workforce, and that extends to students coming out of high school, whether that be racial diversity or those that face a physical or neuro disability.