Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program

The Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program is an initiative administered by the Workforce Development Division of the North Dakota Department of Commerce to address the pressing labor shortage facing the state. North Dakota's 2025 Workforce Ecosystem Assessment identified a significant gap in available workforce, with the state maintaining the third-lowest unemployment rate nationally while facing over 16,000 job vacancies. To counteract this labor deficit, the state is strategically leveraging its “Find The Good Life” campaign by inviting prospective out-of-state workers to participate in community fly-in events. These immersive experiences are designed to help potential residents explore the lifestyle and employment opportunities in various North Dakota communities. The program supports fly-in events hosted by eligible North Dakota-based organizations to attract and integrate out-of-state job seekers. These events aim to not only connect individuals with employers in key local industries but also to provide participants with a realistic sense of life in North Dakota through organized community tours, housing introductions, and social engagement opportunities. Past pilot programs have demonstrated success, with relocation outcomes and continued interest from participants, validating the approach and supporting the expansion of the initiative. Each community awarded under the program will be eligible to receive up to $25,000 in matching funds for organizing a fly-in event accommodating at least five job-seeking participants, plus guests. These events must include direct employer involvement in one to three of the hosting community’s major industries. Grant funds can be used for travel expenses, lodging, meals within per diem guidelines, room rentals, and accessibility accommodations. However, certain items like expenses exceeding state per diem rates, administrative costs, and welcome materials are not eligible for reimbursement and may only be used as match contributions. Eligible applicants include North Dakota-based economic development organizations, incorporated cities, counties, chambers of commerce, job development authorities, regional councils, and tribal entities that serve similar functions. State agencies are not eligible to apply. All events must be completed by June 30, 2027, and applicants must ensure one-to-one matching funds are secured or pledged at the time of application. Applications for the program must be submitted through the official portal, which opens at 9 a.m. on March 24, 2026. Registration through the state’s Office of Management and Budget is required for payment processing. The review process is managed by the Workforce Division, with award decisions typically communicated within four weeks of submission. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funding is allocated. Post-event, grantees are required to maintain engagement with fly-in participants for up to a year to support relocation decisions. Grantees must also submit mid-point progress reports and final narratives outlining event outcomes, such as job offer conversions and relocation metrics. Fifty percent of grant funds are disbursed upon grant execution, with the remaining 50% provided after acceptance of final reporting and verification that both grant and matching funds were fully expended. Noncompliance with reporting requirements may result in termination of the grant agreement.

Include housing tours, coordinate with community events, secure pre-visit employer meetings, and provide accessible transportation and lodging.