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How Minnesota Is Encouraging Townships and Small Communities to Find Work from Home Opportunities
Telecommuter Forward! Certification
Since 2014, The Department of Employment and Economic Development of Minnesota has awarded over $126 million in broadband infrastructure grants to fund 179 projects across Minnesota, with the goal of border-to-border broadband access. Reliable high-speed internet access is recognized as essential for successful telecommuting. This certification expands upon border-to-border broadband efforts by providing a way for communities to promote themselves to Minnesotans interested in telecommuting and to businesses that support growing their telecommuting workforce.
The Path to Certification
According to the Office of Broadband Development and the Department of Employment and Economic Development of Minnesota, cities that receive the Telecommuter Forward! Certification have adopted a model resolution that includes a statement of support and commitment to promoting working from home.
As part of the model resolution, the community appoints one employee or department as the single point of contact for coordinating work-from-home opportunities with that community.
By committing to being Telecommuter Forward! These communities are improving the quality of life in Minnesota and encouraging economic vitality. Friendly telecommuting policies add new potential for startup creation among rural entrepreneurs, and co-working spaces and add new opportunities for civic engagement and collaboration.
Application Process
Communities wishing to apply for the Telecommuter Forward! Certification can use the following form to apply to become a Telecommuter Forward! Community.
For more information about the application process for Telecommuter Forward! Certification or for any questions about the Telecommuter Forward! Community Model Resolution, please contact the Office of Broadband Development at deed.broadband@state.mn.us or 651-259-7610.
