Commerce Highlights

June 26, 2025

Commerce Announces New Tools to Empower Economic Growth

At this year’s Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) conference, Commerce announced two new statewide tools designed to support local economic development efforts.

The first, LOIS (Location One Information System), is a property marketing platform that showcases available sites and buildings to a national and international audience. Through a statewide subscription secured by Commerce, access to LOIS is now available at no cost to regional, county, local, and Mainstreet/Downtown Economic Development organizations, as well as Tribal governments.

In addition, Commerce has acquired a statewide license for Lasso, a widely used tool for collecting and organizing data in response to Requests for Information (RFIs). Lasso is a trusted platform among site selectors and corporate decision-makers and will help streamline and strengthen project responses across the state.

Trainings will be offered in a hybrid format to accommodate both in-person and virtual participation. All sessions will be recorded and shared for those unable to attend live. Participants are encouraged to select one option for both LOIS and Lasso, as each platform covers distinct features and functionality.

LOIS Trainings:

• Wednesday, July 9 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM CDT - https://ndgov.link/LOISTrainingJuly9
• Thursday, July 10 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT - https://ndgov.link/LOISTrainingJuly10

Lasso Trainings - How to Fill Out an RFI with Lasso:

• Tuesday, July 22 |10:30 – 11:30 AM CDT - https://ndgov.link/LassoTrainingJuly22
• Tuesday, July 29 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT - https://ndgov.link/LassoTrainingJuly29

Learn More About LOIS and Lasso

North Dakota Showcased at IPW Chicago!

North Dakota tourism leaders made an impact at IPW in Chicago, the premier international travel marketplace. Our team held 78 scheduled appointments and an additional 8-10 walk-up meetings, forging connections and showcasing the state!

Our delegation included Charley Johnson (Visit Fargo Moorhead), Sheri Grossman (Bismarck-Mandan CVB), Julie Rygg (Visit Greater Grand Forks and Hwy 2 Cooperative), Amy McCann (Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library), Sara Otte Coleman and Fred Walker (ND Tourism), and Joe Wiegand as Theodore Roosevelt (Medora).

This team connected with trade representatives from all seven Great American West markets, engaging partners from 18 countries! Kim Schmidt (ND Tourism) also pitched North Dakota story ideas to media entities and journalists at the Media Marketplace.

A standout moment was North Dakota's first-ever hosted press conference at IPW. It was a success, with over 200 media professionals attending, focusing on the anticipated opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library on July 4, 2026. This event garnered 142 mentions, reaching 79.4 million individuals. Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation CEO Ed O'Keefe shared how this landmark institution offers a transformative cultural and educational opportunity for the state.

This presence at IPW reinforces North Dakota's growing reputation as a destination on the global stage!

Learn More About the Theodoer Roosvelt Presidential Library

Learn More About Tourism & Marketing

Commerce Releases Workforce Ecosystem Assessment Findings

Commerce has published the results of its North Dakota Workforce Ecosystem Assessment, a 20-week review conducted by Deloitte in collaboration with the Workforce Development Council and WIOA core partners. The report offers a comprehensive look at the state's workforce system, highlighting both strengths and ongoing challenges. Key findings include a need for unified leadership, greater access to programs, particularly in rural areas and expanded wraparound services like childcare and transportation. It also points to mismatches between worker interests and employer needs, as well as funding and data-sharing gaps that hinder efficiency. The assessment identifies four focus areas for improvement: strategic vision, customer engagement, outreach, and information-sharing.

Commerce remains committed to working with partners to strengthen North Dakota’s workforce system and better meet the needs of employers and jobseekers statewide.

Read the Full Report

2025 Community Development Block Grant Pre-Application Period Ending Soon

Commerce’s Division of Community Services is now accepting pre-applications for the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The pre-application window runs from May 30 to July 25, 2025, and submissions are due by 5 P.M. CT on July 25 to be considered for funding.

CDBG funds support community-based projects that improve infrastructure, housing, and overall quality of life for North Dakota residents. Pre-applications will be reviewed using the criteria outlined in the 2025 Program Distribution Statement (PDS).

Access Grant Guidelines

Learn more about Community Services

Also Happening at Commerce

Commerce's Kim Schmidt and Deanne Cunningham hosted freelance journalist Kristi Eaton, who covers rural town revitalization for The Daily Yonder and Barn Raiser. Her visit explored how communities like Minot, New Town, and Watford City are sparking change and offering new lifestyle options, focusing on showcasing growth and improved quality of life in rural areas.

With a $464,000 grant through Commerce’s Regional Workforce Impact Program, the University of Mary's Butler Center is now a licensed early learning facility in Bismarck. It adds over 80 childcare slots for local families, offering a Montessori-based approach with health screenings and family education, operating weekdays from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Grant Opportunities

Destination Development Grant Program

Commerce has announced that the application portal for the 2025–2027 Destination Development Grant Program opens on July 1. With $15 million available, this 1:1 matching grant supports projects that create or expand unique tourism experiences across North Dakota. Don’t miss this opportunity to help grow our state’s visitor economy. 

Learn more!

Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant program

Commerce will begin accepting applications for the Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant on July 9. This program supports rural grocery stores, food co-ops, and other local food systems in communities with populations under 4,500. Eligible entities including political subdivisions, regional councils, and tribal organizations can apply for up to $150,000 in funding to expand or enhance food access and sustainability efforts. 

View grant details!

Upcoming Events

• Join us for our Tourism Industry Chat on July 24. These informal sessions help keep partners informed, encourage collaboration, and ensure the industry stays aligned on strategies to grow North Dakota’s tourism economy. Register TODAY!
• Workforce leaders, educators and employers will gather for the 2025 Global Talent Summit in Bismarck on August 14. Attendees will gain valuable insights from national and international experts on key aspects of global talent and immigration.
• Save the date for the Travel Industry Marketing Summit! This event will take place on October 7. All travel and tourism business, agencies and organizations are invited to attend this free event.

Power in Partnerships

WalkWise: Smarter Care, Safer Seniors

Across North Dakota, businesses and communities are proving that innovation, collaboration, and hard work can create lasting impact. Here's one powerful example of what happens when vision meets support:

What do you get when you combine family love, innovative thinking, and just the right support? A life-saving solution that’s reshaping how we care for aging loved ones. After his grandmother’s fall, North Dakota entrepreneur Peter Chamberlain created WalkWise—a smart device that attaches to walkers and sends real-time alerts to families and caregivers. With support from the North Dakota Development Fund, WalkWise grew from a personal idea into a national health tool—active in 20 states and helping reduce fall rates by up to 40%.

This is the power of partnership: local support sparking national change.

Watch the Walkwise Video and Read their Story

See More Partnership Wins

In The News

• Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library to Open in 2026
• The 40 Most Charming Small-Town Downtowns in America
• 10 years of Grand Sky: Inside the drone park that put North Dakota on the UAS map
• Technology Investment loan program open for applications
• North Dakota Department of Commerce Releases Comprehensive Workforce Ecosystem Assessment Findings (North Dakota Department of Commerce)