Opportunity Overview
The North Dakota Department of Commerce Workforce Development Division is accepting applications for the Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program. The program helps eligible North Dakota communities host recruitment events for qualified out-of-state job seekers and connect them with employers while showcasing local quality of life. Applications are reviewed in the order received and funding remains open until all allocated funds are obligated and spent.
Funding and Match
Applicants may request up to $25,000 in matching grant funds per fly-in event. A minimum 1:1 match is required. Each event must accommodate at least five potential movers, and all funded events must occur by June 30, 2027.
Eligibility
Eligible North Dakota-based applicants include economic development organizations, incorporated cities, counties, chambers of commerce, job development authorities, regional councils, and equivalent Tribal entities. State agencies are not eligible. A community may apply for one event at a time.
Healthcare Workforce Relevance
The program is not a healthcare equipment or clinical technology grant. It can support healthcare workforce recruitment when healthcare is one of the applicant community’s one to three major targeted industries and participating healthcare employers are directly involved in the fly-in event. The applicant should use local labor data and employer job postings to document the need.
Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the Commerce online portal. Proposals must address current recruitment efforts and workforce challenges, targeted occupations and industries, newcomer supports, proposed fly-in activities, conversion strategies, employer partners, targeted industries, participant goals, a project timeline, and a line-item budget with narrative. Required supplemental documentation includes a sample itinerary, employer job descriptions or postings, at least three letters of support from participating employers, letters from organizations providing match funding or in-kind support, documented commitment of match, and quotes or bids supporting budget line items.
Allowable Costs
Eligible grant costs include participant airfare or mileage, food and lodging within State of North Dakota rates, room or venue rental, transportation based on the lowest obtained bid, and accessibility costs. Match rules permit certain related costs and in-kind contributions when properly documented and approved. Federal funds may qualify as match only when the underlying federal source permits that use.
N9+ and QC Healthcare Fit
N9+ Fit Score: 0/100. The published grant scope supports workforce recruitment event expenses, not connected clinical examination equipment, medical devices, or platform costs. Atlas should not force the Nonagon N9+ device and platform into this opportunity. There is no current direct Dr. Miltie or QC Healthcare applicant path under the published eligible-applicant classes.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 66/100. This is a credible rolling workforce opportunity with clear application requirements and a legitimate healthcare-workforce pathway when supported by local employer demand. The $25,000 cap, required 1:1 match, community-workforce applicant structure, and documentation requirements limit its utility for broader healthcare projects.
Submission and Contact
Applications are accepted beginning March 24, 2026 and reviewed in the order received until funds are fully obligated. Portal access may require up to three working days for approval. Program contact: Sydney Helgeson, Talent Attraction Specialist, North Dakota Department of Commerce, 701-328-7675, helgesonsydney@nd.gov.