The North Dakota Department of Commerce has launched a new grant program aimed at helping communities recruit out-of-state workers by bringing prospective job seekers to see career opportunities and quality of life in the state firsthand.
The new Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program will support up to 10 communities as they host fly-in events for qualified candidates identified through the state’s Find the Good Life pipeline. State officials say the effort is designed to give employers and communities a new tool to compete for workers in a tight labor market.
The program comes as workforce shortages remain one of North Dakota’s biggest economic challenges. A 2025 Workforce Ecosystem Assessment identified a lack of available workers as the top barrier facing employers, and state officials say more than 15,000 open jobs highlight the need for more aggressive recruitment strategies.
Under the program, selected communities can receive up to $25,000 in matching grant funds per event, with a required one-to-one local match. Each event must host at least five job seekers, and all events funded through the program must be completed by June 30, 2027.
Eligible applicants include economic development organizations, incorporated cities, counties, chambers of commerce, job development authorities, regional councils and tribal entities. Applications are set to open March 24 and will be reviewed in the order they are received until available funds are fully committed.
The fly-in model is intended to give job seekers more than just a list of openings. Participants will be able to meet with employers while also getting a sense of housing options, local amenities, daily life and the community support systems available if they choose to relocate.
State officials say that firsthand exposure can make a major difference in relocation decisions. Research and resident relocation data cited by Commerce found that 76% of new residents visited North Dakota before making the move, suggesting that in-person experiences play a significant role in convincing workers and families to relocate.
Commerce will assist participating communities by helping identify and screen candidates, confirm eligibility and build event rosters. The department also plans to track hiring and relocation outcomes after each event.
The grant program marks another step in North Dakota’s broader effort to address labor shortages by pairing workforce recruitment with a stronger push to market the state as a place to live as well as work.