The topic of workforce recruitment has always been a discussion in the economic development sector. Since COVID shutdowns though, this topic has moved to the forefront as a major issue for business development. Workforce shortages are plaguing the nation, not just rural Nebraska. There are many contributing factors to this issue, such as baby boomers exiting the workforce, legal immigration freezes, job growth, and so much more. At the end of the day, there simply is not enough people to fill open jobs, which means workforce recruitment is more competitive, and costly, than ever.
Valley County Economic Development (VCED) is thrilled to announce its newest business assistance program, the Workforce Recruitment Grant. Over the last year, the Business Retention Expansion & Workforce (BREW) Committee, a joint committee between VCED and the Ord Area Chamber, has researched, written, and workshopped this grant program to determine the most impactful way to assist businesses with recruiting new individuals to workforce in Valley County. This program offers a one-to-one matching reimbursement grant, up to $2,500, to assist businesses with several recruitment tactics, including:
*Strategic marketing
*Hiring a professional recruiter
*Workforce pipeline development with post-secondary education
*Legal migrant workforce programs
To introduces this grant program and further inform on its eligible uses, VCED will host the Workforce Recruitment Grant Launch Event on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM at Central Community College Ord Center. Several resource providers will be available for questions on their workforce recruitment services, including CCC Apprenticeship Program and professional recruiting firms.
This workshop is free and open to all Valley County Business eligible to receive LB840 Funds. Applications will be accepted starting May 1, 2025 and remain open while funds last. For questions regarding this grant program, contact VCED Executive Director Caleb Pollard or Business Coach Katie Walmsley at (308) 728-7875.
Download the Employer Workforce Recruitment Grant