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Chamber outlines micro‑internship and OJT funds for local small businesses

Iola City Council · June 22, 2026

Summary

The Chamber reported a small‑business education series and funding for micro‑internships: a 20‑hour, $500 micro‑intern model with $2,500 currently available for projects and about $6,000 for on‑the‑job training, offering employers subsidized project labor and work‑training opportunities.

A Chamber of Commerce representative updated the council about local economic development programming and workforce connections. The Chamber is running a series of educational sessions with the Small Business Development Center and Economic Development Center; sessions are well attended and cover grant and hiring practices.

The representative said the Chamber currently has $2,500 available to fund short, project‑based micro‑internships (20 hours at $500 per intern) and indicated roughly $6,000 in on‑the‑job training (OJT) dollars are also available, for a combined potential of about $8,500 in subsidized hiring support. The speaker encouraged local businesses to use micro‑interns to bring student talent from nearby community colleges and noted the program structure does not obligate employers beyond the funded period.

Kiley Jensen, a participating business‑administration student, introduced herself as a program participant. Council members asked for follow‑up on how to connect employers with Workforce One and local colleges; the Chamber agreed to provide contact information and additional details.

No grant awards or contracts were approved at the meeting; the report was informational and council requested staff and the Chamber continue outreach to area employers.

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