Good Jobs Challenge

Expanding career opportunities and enhancing lives

The Good Jobs Challenge

The FMWF Chamber Foundation received a $9.62 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to strengthen the regional workforce. Through this program, eligible participants can receive up to $5,000 to engage in education and training with one of our approved providers. The Good Jobs Challenge focuses on equity by opening more pathways for individuals to gain skills, earn credentials, and advance in their careers—ultimately supporting economic growth across North Dakota and northern/west central Minnesota.

Our goal:

To strengthen the regional workforce by helping more than 900 people in North Dakota and Minnesota secure good-paying jobs—or advance into higher-wage opportunities within their current roles—by September 30, 2026. This work is centered on three high-demand industries critical to our region: Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity/Information Technology, and Precision Agriculture/Food.

The Chamber was notified on July 3, 2025, that a no-cost grant extension was awarded with the new completion date of September 30, 2026.

PARTICIPANTS

You can launch into a high-growth, good-paying job in Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity/Information Technology and Precision Agriculture/Food industries with little to no cost with assistance from the Good Jobs Challenge (GJC). We can connect you with education/training partners to help you advance your skills and knowledge.

In addition to access and assistance with training/education costs, GJC can also help provide support to you for essential needs while you complete your training - things such as childcare assistance, necessary equipment for training, ensuring reliable transportation, and connecting you to our Ignite platform to find job opportunities that will allow you to start your career.

Check Eligibility

Who is eligible?

To be eligible to receive assistance through the Good Jobs Challenge, you must:

Live in:
- Any county in North Dakota
- One of the following counties in Northwestern Minnesota:
  - Kittson, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Beltrami, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, Clearwater, Norman, Mahnomen, Clay, Becker, Hubbard, Cass, Wilkin, Otter Tail, Wadena, Crow Wing, Traverse, Grant, Douglas, Todd, Morrison, Stevens, Pope, or Hennepin.
Be currently employed in, or seeking training/education to gain employment in one of the following sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Agriculture/Food
- Cybersecurity/Information Technology (IT)
Be complete with education/training and employable within one of the sectors prior to September 30, 2026.
Complete the Good Jobs Challenge (GJC) eligibility application prior to beginning any new training program or the final semester of an existing program and receive formal approval.

Target populations

All individuals are eligible to participate, if they meet the above requirements. Target populations include:

New Americans
Justice Involved (you or an immediate family member has spent time, or are currently, in jail, youth correctional facilities, or prison)
Veterans or Service Members
Persons of Color, Indigenous/Native American, Black
High School Senior going directly into the workforce
Women pursuing a career in technology

The FMWF Chamber Foundation complies with Section G.02 of the U.S. Department of Commerce Standard Terms and Conditions which prohibits discrimination in any program or activity funded under the U.S. Department of Commerce, including the Good Jobs Challenge Ignite Initiative Regional Workforce Training System.

What support is provided?

GJC Participants can receive up to $5,000 for training/education tuition, costs, fees, and/or other assistance with essential needs. While enrolled in training/education program, assistance may be available for essential needs to help you complete your training such as childcare costs, training equipment, transportation vouchers/assistance, career coaching/placement.

By participating in the GJC, you'll receive:

Supportive services such as transportation and childcare to empower you in achieving your career goals.
Training and educational opportunities for career advancement.
Access to jobs that provide financial stability and opportunities for growth.
Helpful connections with employers in your community.

How do I get started?

Interested in finding out more about being a GJC participant? Here is what is next:

Complete this form
You’ll be contacted by a dedicated Chamber staff member to gather additional information, discuss goals and provide training/education options for you.
Enroll in a training/education program that fits your interest and needs in the Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity/Information Technology and Precision Ag/Food industries.
Start your training/education program
Gain access to support services that help you focus on your training and your career ahead.
Complete your training!
Get hired and begin your new career!

Training and Education Partners

The FMWF Chamber Foundation's GJC currently works with various training education/training providers. If you are currently enrolled or would like to start your training/education with a different provider, please contact Jane Vangsness Frisch, vice president of workforce, at jvfrisch@fmwfchamber.com or by phone at 701.365.3440.

Current education/training partners

Future education/training partner

Employer Partners

If you are an employer looking for assistance upskilling your workforce or would like to be connected with a GJC participant, please contact Jane Vangsness Frisch, vice president of workforce, at jvfrisch@fmwfchamber.com or by phone at 701.365.3440.

SUBAWARD AND CONTRACT RFPs

Good Jobs Challenge | Education and Training Providers (RFP closed)

The FMWF Chamber Foundation requested proposals from qualified education and training providers to deliver high-quality, industry-aligned programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture/Food Systems, and Cybersecurity/Information Technology. This RFP closed on July 23, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST

The RFP is now closed. Proposed RFP review timeline:

July 23–25, 2025: Initial Compliance Screening
Proposals will be reviewed to confirm they meet submission requirements and include all required components.

July 28–30, 2025: Independent Scoring by Review Panel
Reviewers will evaluate and score proposals individually using the rubric that was provided within the RFP.

July 31 or August 1, 2025: Review Panel Meeting & Award Recommendations
The review panel will convene to discuss scoring results, resolve any discrepancies, and finalize award recommendations.

Week of August 5, 2025 (tentative): Award Notifications
All applicants will be informed of the outcome.

RFP Overview

This opportunity was made possible through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Good Jobs Challenge grant. The goal: to train and place more than 900 individuals in good-paying jobs across critical sectors in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.

Award Types: Cost reimbursement contracts

Award Caps: $5,000 per participant (includes tuition + wraparound services)

Anticipated Funding Available: Up to $3.2 million

Questions?
Please contact Jane Vangsness Frisch via email at jvfrisch@fmwfchamber.com.

Good Jobs Challenge

The Good Jobs Challenge

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