Commerce Awards $4.2 Million in Grants to Boost Regional Workforce Solutions (2024)

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that 13organizations wererecentlyapproved for $4,288,345 through the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) in round2. The RWIP provides grants to regional workforce entities in North Dakota to design and implement innovative plans to address their region’s most demanding workforce challenges.

“We areexcited to see the creativity and regional focus of these Round 2 RWIP grant recipients,” said Janna Pastir, Commerce Workforce Deputy Director. “These projects directly address the childcare shortage and workforce attraction challenges faced by many North Dakota communities. By supporting the expansion of childcarecapacity and innovative marketing campaigns, we are investing in a stronger workforce pipeline for the future.”

The RWIP recipients include:

• Learning Adventures Childcarewas funded$487,000.00 topurchase a building and expand childcare capacity by 70 slots.
• Western Region Economic Developmentwas funded$40,000.00 for national digital marketing of regional in-person job fairs.
• El Way Child Carewas funded$331,216.00 to build a physical expansion and add 58 childcare spots, including 12 infant spots.
• Walsh County JDA was funded$380,593.00 for two separate projects, one thatwilladdress workforce shortages by attracting new residents through marketing and events, while the other projectwill expanda childcare with anadditional 30 slotsthrough a new air handling system.
• Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC)was funded $500,000.00 tocreate 2separate marketing campaigns, onethat showcases the benefits of living and working in the region, including developing videos, a website, and automated communication and the otherto attract andretain alumni and a broader workforce audience.
• WyndmereC.A.R.E.wasfunded $495,478.00 tofacilitate the construction of a new childcare facility with a capacity of 60 children.
• Buzy Beez Childcare LLC was funded $169,000.00 topurchase a commercial property and open a new childcare facility with a capacity of 30children.
• VictoryChristian School Childcare was funded$500,000.00 for childcare expansion to add 48 new childcare slots.
• Bismarck Mandan EDC was funded $100,000.00to create video testimonials and drone footageshowcasing the area's growth and lifestyle to attract new talent.
• Community Church Child Care was funded$428,045.00 for Phase Two of their childcare center project, adding 50 full-time slots.
• The Enrichment Garden was funded $500,000.00 to expand their childcare facility in NW Bismarck and add 30 childcare slots.
• Bowman County Development Corporation was funded $152,583.00 for a talent attraction campaign to fill high-need jobs.
• Roosevelt Custer Regional Councilwas funded $204,430.00 to enhance the "Wide Open Wonder" workforce recruitment campaign.

Round3 of the RWIP is currently openuntilJuly 9, 2024,and eligibleapplicantscan visitndgov/RWIP to apply.