Small Business Grants in North Dakota (ND)

Securing a small business grant in North Dakota involves a multi-faceted approach, focusing on state-specific programs, as well as opportunities tailored to certain demographics such as women, minorities, and veterans. Here’s a detailed guide on how to secure a small business grant in North Dakota:

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
The North Dakota Department of Commerce administers the CDBG, which provides financial assistance to support housing, public facilities, and other community development projects. While this program is not exclusively for businesses, it can support infrastructure and community improvements that indirectly benefit small businesses.

Workforce Development – Technical Skills Training Grant
This grant is designed to support non-degree re-skilling and upskilling programs, or to expand capacity in existing programs, with an appropriation of $2 million. Small businesses can benefit from a more skilled workforce or by creating training programs eligible for this grant.

Operation Intern
Operation Intern is aimed at expanding the number of internships, work experience opportunities, and apprenticeships with North Dakota employers, particularly in sectors that are in high demand and have a workforce shortage.

Destination Development Grant Program
Although currently closed, this program with an appropriation of $25 million provides financial support to develop new or expanded unique experiences for workforce recruitment and retention and to enhance North Dakota’s appeal as a destination.

Economic Development and Finance (ED&F) – Innovate ND
Innovate ND is a state-funded voucher reimbursement program that helps North Dakota entrepreneurs with customer and market research, with a total funding of $948,467. This program is particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses looking to innovate.

Energy Conservation Grant
With an appropriation of $1.2 million, this grant supports energy conservation projects in nonfederal public buildings, which can include small businesses that meet the criteria.

Rural Workforce Housing Grant
This grant, with an appropriation of $2 million, supports non-profit efforts in rural workforce housing, which can indirectly benefit small businesses by ensuring their employees have access to housing.

Rural Food Sustainability Grant
With a $1 million appropriation, this program supports rural grocery store sustainability and food access, which is particularly relevant for small businesses in the food industry.

Rural Facility Planning Grant
This grant aims to support the planning of rural facilities, which can include small businesses that serve rural communities.

ND Women’s Business Center (NDWBC)
NDWBC offers Funding Fridays, which features unique funding opportunities available to women business enterprises. They also provide coaching to help women business owners optimize their budgets and increase profitability.

Amber Grants for Women
The Amber Grant is available to women-owned businesses across America, including North Dakota. Monthly grants of $10,000 are awarded, and winners are eligible for an additional $25,000 grant at the end of the year.

STEP ND
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, is a financial reimbursement program designed to assist small North Dakota businesses in growing through export initiatives.

Receiving a grant requires diligence, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of your business goals and how they align with the grant’s objectives. Utilize the resources and programs specific to North Dakota to increase your chances of success.