Central ND News

The North Dakota Department of Commerce has announced the launch of the Relocation Opportunity for Outstanding Talent Grant Program (ROOT). This initiative aims to assist businesses in attracting and retaining skilled workers by providing relocation incentives.

Katie Ralston Howe, Commerce Workforce Director, emphasized the urgency of addressing workforce shortages. “North Dakota employers are facing critical workforce shortages, and the ROOT program is designed to bridge that gap,” she stated. “By supporting relocation efforts, we’re ensuring businesses can grow while strengthening our communities.”

Under this program, employers must offer a one-to-one match in relocation incentives such as hiring bonuses, licensing fees, or moving expenses. The funding will be available until all allocated funds are distributed. It will be disbursed after an employee has relocated and completed their first pay period. Employers are required to retain employees for at least one year. If an employee leaves voluntarily before this period ends, the employer might need to reimburse a prorated amount.

Applications will be reviewed based on the order they are received. Priority will be given to businesses that demonstrate critical vacancies, feasibility of relocation, and capability to provide matching funds.

Interested employers can submit their applications at https://ndgov.link/ROOTgrant.