Central ND News

Applications for the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) grant will open at 9 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, Sept. 16, according to an announcement from the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

The RWIP grant aims to support regional workforce entities in North Dakota by funding projects that address local workforce challenges. The program is financed by the 69th North Dakota Legislative Assembly and is designed to promote collaboration among communities, employers, and regional partners to help connect workers with jobs and strengthen local economies.

There are two tracks available for applicants: Track A focuses on sector strategy planning, while Track B supports the implementation of sector strategies developed within the past five years. Eligible organizations include economic development groups, incorporated cities, chambers of commerce, job development authorities, tribal entities, and regional councils. Each project must involve at least one industry partner and provide a 25% match commitment.

“North Dakota’s workforce challenges are as diverse as our regions,” said Commerce Deputy Commissioner and Workforce Development Division Director Katie Ralston Howe. “The RWIP grant gives communities the tools and flexibility to design solutions that work for them—whether that’s attracting new talent, retaining skilled workers or building stronger partnerships between industry and education.”

Applications must be submitted through an online portal accessible via the Commerce website when the application period begins. Interested applicants are advised to review all guidelines before submitting their proposals.

Further details about eligibility and application procedures can be found at https://nd.gov/RWIP.