Dual Training Grant: Legal Cannabis Industry

Pairing on-the-job training with related instruction to generate a comprehensive platform for learning

 

The 2023 Minnesota Legislature established the Dual Training Grant: Legal Cannabis Industry (DTG LC) to be administered by the MN Office of Higher Education (OHE) in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). DTG LC is a funding source that generates collaborative and strategic educational solutions between cannabis employers and related instruction training providers across Minnesota. The dual-training model helps cannabis employers meet their workforce needs by pairing on-the-job training with formal related instruction to create a robust learning environment resulting in skilled employees and enhanced company culture. Cannabis employers or organizations of cannabis employers may apply for DTG LC funds to support employees in their attainment of industry-recognized degrees, certificates, or credentials.

Who is Eligible?

An eligible applicant must meet all of the following:

• Be a cannabis employer or organization of cannabis employers, in which the cannabis employer:
  • Operates within the cannabis industry; and
    • Approved Medical Cannabis Laboratory
    • Licensed Cannabis Business
    • Registered Medical Cannabis Manufacturer
    • Tribal Sovereign Nation
  • aligns with one of theapplicant classifications:
    • Business Entity
    • Nonprofit Organization
    • Political Subdivision
    • State of Minnesota
    • Tribal Sovereign Nation
• Have or will have a dual-training program which meets competency standards through means of on-the-job training by the employer and related instruction by an eligible training provider
• Employ or will employ an eligible dual trainee
• Have or will enter into agreement with an eligible related instruction training provider
• If annual gross revenue exceeded $25,000,000 in the previous calendar year, pay for at least 25% of related instruction costs
• If a current or prior DTG LC recipient, be in good standing on all grant requirements
• If a current or prior recipient of other Minnesota State grant programs, be in good standing on all grant requirements

What Related Instruction Training is Eligible?

Related instruction is an opportunity for dual trainees to learn the fundamentals of occupations through formal training from a training provider. An eligible related instruction program must meet all of the following:

• Provided by an eligible related instruction training provider
• Meets one or more identified competency standards
• Instructor-led for a majority of the training
• Results in the dual trainee receiving an eligible industry-recognized degree, certificate, or credential

How Much Money Can a Grantee Receive?

Up to $1,880,000 is available for the 2025 grant round. A grantee can receive up to $150,000 for related instruction costs, of which a single dual trainee can benefit from $6,000. In addition, a grantee can receive up to $15,000 for trainee support costs. Grantees receive funds through a reimbursement process. Grantees pay related instruction costs and OHE reimburses grantees for related instruction costs. In some cases, a cost match is required of grantees. Allowable related instruction costs include tuition, fees, books, and materials. Allowable trainee support costs include transportation, mileage, lodging, meals, tutoring services, translation services, interpreter services, and/or accessibility services.

Dual Training Grant: Legal Cannabis Industry Request for Proposal 

The 2025 Dual Training Grant: Legal Cannabis Industry Request for Proposal (DTG LC RFP) is currently available and has $1,880,000 in available funds. If you are interested in submitting a proposal for this grant, please carefully read through all of the following information.

2025 DTG LC RFP Steps

Step 1: Carefully read the 2025 Dual Training Grant: Legal Cannabis Industry Request for Proposal
Step 2: Consult with the Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline staff for guidance about dual-training programs
Step 3: Establish a partnership with an eligible related instruction training provider through a selection process
Step 4: Have or will have a dual-training program in at least one eligible occupation for the upcoming 2025-2026 grant period
Step 5: Submit a User Registration for the Grants Management System by April 9, 2025  
Step 6: Complete and submit all proposal content through the Grants Management System by 4:00 p.m. on April 15, 2025
Step 7: Receive notification from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education about award decision on May 23, 2025

2025 DTG Request for Proposal Timeline

Request for Proposal Opens: March 4, 2025
Technical Question Deadline: April 3, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. CT
Grants Management System User Registration Deadline: April 9, 2025
Request for Proposal Deadline: April 15, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. CT
Applicants Notified about Awards: May 23, 2025
Grantees Publicly Announced: May 27, 2025
Mandatory Grantee Orientation: May 29, 2025 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. CT
Prepare Grant Documents: June through July 2025
Sign Grant Contract: August 2025
Optional Dual Trainee Welcome Session: August 7, 2025 from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. CT
Begin Dual-Training Program: August 2025

2025 DTG LC RFP Writing Workshops

Detailed information about workshops is available online HERE!

1. In-Person (St. Paul): March 10, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CT
2. In-Person (Bemidji): March 12, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CT
3. Virtual (Microsoft Teams): March 14, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. CT
4. Virtual (Microsoft Teams) Refresh Version: March 14, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT

Workshop recordings and presentation materials are available online HERE.

2025 DTG LC RFP Technical Questions

Technical assistance is available for interpreting instructions or preparing proposals by emailing gwi.ohe@state.mn.us. Please review all available materials before emailing your inquiry.

Each week, the Office of Higher Education will post responses here to technical questions. Technical questions must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 3, 2025.
 

2025 DTG RFP Resources

• Related Instruction Training Providers (RITP) Active for 2025
  • The document includes RITPs who are actively listed and available for selection in the Grants Management System. If a RITP is not listed and has an eligible related instruction program, please email gwi.ohe@state.mn.us. All applicants are responsible for collaborating with RITPs to ensure they and their programs meet grant eligibility requirements. The inclusion of a RITP in the Grants Management System does not confirm that the related instruction program is eligible for the DTG. Please carefully read the Request for proposal for grant requirements.
• Dual-Training Pipeline Related Instruction Inventory
  • The inventory includes education and training program options that align with eligible industries and occupations. The inventory is updated periodically. Related instruction programs may change and not be eligible for DTG. Therefore, applicants are responsible for collaborating with related instruction training providers and ensuring they and their programs meet grant eligibility requirements.
• Occupational Competency Models are available at Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
  • Applicants must utilize the most recent corresponding Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline Occupational Competency Model (pyramid) while completing the Proposal Narrative section of the DTG RFP. 
• Dual-Training Program Tracking Templates
  • Applicants may utilize the templates to develop and track dual-training programs for their dual trainees.
     

Who do I Contact with Questions?

For Dual Training Grant Questions, please contact OHE at gwi.ohe@state.mn.us 
For Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline Questions, please contact DLI at Pipeline.Program@state.mn.us