Welcome to the Job Pod, where we explore the people, programs, and ideas shaping the workforce and business landscape.

Today, we're diving into the world of small business support across North Dakota, with a closer look at the Small Business Development Centers and the role they play in helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and succeed.

Dusty is joined by two guests who are at the heart of this work: Tiffany Ford, the State Director of the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers, along with Nicole Evans, the Center Director for the Grand Forks SBDC.

To set the stage—entrepreneurship is booming. In 2023 alone, more than 5 million new business applications were filed across the United States. Here in North Dakota, 3,199 new businesses opened between March 2023 and March 2024.

So what does it take to turn an idea into a successful business—and how can resources like the SBDC help along the way? Let's find out.

Find out more on the NDSBC Website: https://ndsbdc.org/index.html

Choosing a path after high school can feel overwhelming, but for many students, the journey becomes clearer with the right guidance. Today, we're diving into the vital role high school career advisors play in helping students become "Choice Ready" by the time they graduate—prepared to confidently pursue college, careers, or other opportunities.

We're joined by three Career Advisors who are dedicated professionals from the Grand Forks Public Schools and making a real difference in students' lives: Angela Beardemphl, Cara Davis, and Megan Folkert. Through their work, they empower students to explore their interests, build practical skills, and make informed decisions about their futures.

In this episode, we'll explore what it means to be Choice Ready, how career advisors support students along the way, and why this guidance is more important than ever in today's rapidly changing world.

We've all made mistakes in our lives. Bad decisions. Wrong turns. Moments we wish we could redo. But those mistakes don't have to define who we are — or limit where we're going.

On this episode, we're diving into a newer program from Job Service North Dakota called JP3 — a program built on second chances and new beginnings. JP3 is designed to help individuals move beyond their past choices and reconnect with meaningful employment and opportunity.

We'll begin with a message from Executive Director Pat Bertingolli and Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation Colby Braun, sharing how the JP3 program came to life and why this partnership matters.

Then, we'll head to our Fargo office to hear firsthand from JP3 client Cody and JP3 Advisor Trisha Thomas about the real impact this program is making.

Second chances. Real support. New opportunities.

Employers ~ You should also watch our webinar Breaking Barriers: Hiring Justice Involved Individuals.

Today, we're coming to you from an exciting new hub of opportunity and innovation — the Career Innovation Center (CIC) in Fargo. As one of the newest Career and Technical Education centers in North Dakota, the CIC serves students from Fargo, West Fargo, Northern Cass, and Central Cass school districts, creating powerful pathways from the classroom to the workforce.

What makes this CTE center especially unique is its strong partnership with North Dakota State College of Science — a collaboration that gives students access to advanced training, real-world experience, and college-level opportunities while still in high school. It's a bold example of how Career and Technical Education continues to evolve to meet workforce needs and prepare students for high-demand, high-skill careers.

Today on The Job Pod, we're joined by two leaders helping drive that vision forward: Dr. Denise Jonas, CTE Director of the Cass County Career & Technical Education Consortium, and Shanda Cool, Work-Based Learning Coordinator. We'll talk about the impact of the CIC, the power of partnerships, and how innovative CTE programs are helping build the future workforce.

Visit Career Innovation Center for more information.

What happens when a community comes together for its students? Grand Forks didn't just support Career and Technical Education—they invested in it. As North Dakota expands CTE centers statewide, Grand Forks stepped up to match federal funds and bring the Career Impact Academy (CIA) to life. In this episode, we're joined by Eric Ripley, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for Grand Forks Public Schools, to talk about why CTE matters, how students are becoming choice ready, and what this means for the future of the workforce and the community. Visit https://cia.gfschools.org/ to find out more about the Career Impact Academy.

What does civility at work really look like—and why does it matter so much? Today, Dusty is exploring how everyday behavior shapes workplace culture and what we can all do to improve it. Dusty recently heard Susan Williams, a trainer with The Village Family Service Center, speak to the Grand Forks local HR association, and her insights were too good not to share.

Learn more about The Village Family Service Center at https://www.thevillagefamily.org/.

One of the goals of the Job Pod is to introduce you to employers who are doing things right. In this episode, Dusty heads to Fargo and sits down with Cole Mercier, Communications Manager, and Teri Winkelman, Talent Acquisition Manager at DSG Supply. They give you a closer look and share what makes DSG Supply a great place to work—and why their team is proud to be there.

Today's guest on The Job Pod is here to shed light on the world of home health and hospice—what it is, what kind of school or training required, why it matters, and how it impacts families and communities.

Keisha Spitzer, an experienced RN and the director of CHI Health at Home and Hospice in Breckenridge, Minnesota, brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the conversation.