September 21, 2023
Enhanced accessibility with new agenda additions
Join us at the Main Street ND Summit, where we prioritize accessibility, offering features such as a Spanish translator and ASL interpreter to accommodate all guests. By attending, you'll gain valuable insights into community building and development. This year's Summit offers a variety of tours focusing on art, culture, development, and energy, providing practical knowledge and memorable experiences. Special rates have been secured at The Roosevelt Hotel (40 rooms at $89/night, room block released on October 10) and at Teddy’s Residential Suites (50 rooms at $97/night, with an additional 20 rooms at $88.20) Be sure to check the agenda for new events recently added!
Innovate ND Program open for applications
The North Dakota Department of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the revised Innovate ND grant reimbursement program designed to help North Dakota entrepreneurs further their business by supporting customer and market research.
"At its core, this grant reimbursement program is dedicated to fostering the growth of our entrepreneurial landscape and promoting economic development and diversity throughout the state. By offering coaching and financial backing, we aim to educate entrepreneurs on the principles of the lean business model canvas, refining their value propositions, and effectively identifying their target customers," stated Commerce Program Director Carla Valentine. "Our ultimate goal is to facilitate the development of new, innovative businesses with the clear potential to achieve primary sector certification."
Program participants are eligible for up to $22,500 in reimbursable expenses to be paid through an Entrepreneur Center. There are two phases offering $7,500 and $15,000, respectively in reimbursable expenses. The participant has up to three months per phase, for a total of six months, to complete all requirements of the program.
The program is administered through four entrepreneur Centers:
- The North Dakota Women’s Business Center, Bismarck
- Jamestown Regional Entrepreneurial Center, Jamestown
- NDSU Research & Technology Park, Fargo
- UND Center for Innovation, Grand Forks
Learn more and submit an application
Rural Food Sustainability Grant Program launches
The North Dakota Department of Commerce is launching the Rural Food Sustainability Grant Program, dedicated to boosting food access, sustainability, and economic development in rural communities. This program supports sustainable grocery services, food access, and the growth of rural food co-ops. These co-ops help aggregate, store, and distribute food in rural areas, addressing unique challenges.
"Commerce is committed to enhancing wealth and quality of life in North Dakota," says Emma Cook, Community Development Liaison for Commerce. "The program aims to strengthen local food systems, improve grocery supply quality, encourage local partnerships, support innovative solutions, foster rural community development, and promote economic collaboration." The program includes two components:
Component 1: Feasibility studies for food accessibility and expansion projects (up to $20,000).
Component 2: Grants for implementation of sustainable food access projects (up to $300,000).
The following outlines the timeline for applications and awards:
- Applications opened: Sep. 8, 2023.
- Applications close: Oct. 13, 2023.
- Awards: Oct. 24, 2023.
Component 2 will be opening in early 2024.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local entities, economic development organizations, and tribal entities. The program focuses on communities with a population of less than 10,000 and encourages but does not require matching funds. Regular maintenance funding is excluded, and projects must enhance food access with a sustainable plan.
2023 ND League of Cities Annual Conference: fostering innovation, collaboration, and community growth
The 2023 North Dakota League of Cities (NDLOC) Annual Conference, held at the Bismarck Event Center from Sep. 20-22, serves as a platform for city leaders to exchange ideas, partake in workshops, and connect with businesses serving municipalities. The conference features key sessions on North Dakota's industries, economic development grants, Renaissance Zone program updates, and resources for arts, tourism, and workforce recruitment.
Commerce appreciates the collaboration with NDLOC and the opportunity to provide information to community champions at the annual conference. This work cannot be done without communities and community members and organizations like NDLOC who serve as a trusted voice and collective partner.
Workforce Development Council celebrates Dave Farnsworth's 12 years of leadership
At their recent meeting, the Workforce Development Council (WDC) honored Dave Farnsworth for his outstanding 12-year tenure as Chair of the WDC. They presented him with a commemorative clock in recognition of his dedication to serving North Dakota and devising workforce strategies. Dave, appointed by Governors Hoeven, Dalrymple, and Burgum, has been a steadfast advocate for our state's workforce system. We deeply appreciate his leadership and wish him success in his future endeavors.
Walker collaborates with tribal communities at 2023 Tribal Leaders Summit
Commerce Global Marketing Manager Fred Walker recently moderated a panel at the 2023 Tribal Leaders Summit in Bismarck. The panel, "Experiencing and Educating our Traditional Lands in our Own Ways," highlighted the importance of nurturing the tourism industry from within Native communities. This approach empowers Native people to share their own stories, ensuring they're told authentically from their own lands. Additionally, Fred hosted international media at the United Tribes International Powwow, working to showcase North Dakota's rich Native experiences to a global audience.
Tooke named among Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC class of 2024
North Dakota Development Fund CEO Jessica Tooke has been chosen as one of the 15 professionals and emerging leaders for the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC class of 2024. Her dedication and leadership have earned her this well-deserved recognition, and we're eager to see her continued success. Congratulations, Jessica!
Cook chosen for Rural Leadership North Dakota 10th Class
We're excited to share that Community Development Liaison Emma Cook has been selected for the 10th class of Rural Leadership North Dakota. We have no doubt that Emma will excel in this new endeavor and bring valuable insights back to our communities. Congratulations, Emma!
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September 6, 2023
Commissioner Tiegen visits Alberta for CEEA annual meeting
Josh had an exciting trip to Alberta for the CEEA Energy Business Forum, featuring politicians, business leaders, and renowned speakers. Energy executives from across Canada gathered to discuss industry issues, forge partnerships, and enhance cross-border collaborations. This trip highlighted the importance of global energy security and economic prosperity through strengthened partnerships between North Dakota and Alberta energy providers.
81 applicants seek $151M in funding for tourism development
The Destination Development Grant, which concluded on Aug. 31, received a substantial response with 81 applicants, and the total funding requested by applicants exceeded $151 million, highlighting the significant demand for investment in destination development initiatives. The Department of Commerce will provide $25 million in funding for the Tourism Destination Development Program through program grants or grants for interest rate buy-downs, and each project can be awarded up to $5,000,000 under this program for the 2023-2025 biennium.
Learn more about Tourism and Marketing
Input requested to form new Statewide Travel Industry Association
The Destination Marketing Association of North Dakota (DMAND) and North Dakota Travel Alliance Partnership (TAP) is inviting travel and hospitality professionals to participate in a survey that aims to determine the value of a new statewide travel industry association for North Dakota.
Representatives of various statewide organizations, such as DMAND and TAP, are dedicated to fostering the growth of sustainable tourism and enthusiastic about the potential of a unified travel industry association. This association could serve as a platform to collaborate, innovate, and drive growth within North Dakota’s tourism landscape.
Participation in this survey, including input from entities such as attractions, events, lodging, food and beverage, communities and events/festivals, will play a pivotal role in determining the goals, priorities, and structure of the association. Thoughts and ideas shared by respondents will contribute to the development of initiatives that promote responsible and inclusive tourism practices, enhance visitor experiences, and support the local communities that are the backbone of our industry.
Survey Details:
- Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LK6ZXMK
- Estimated Completion Time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Deadline: Sep. 20, 2023
Responses will be confidential and used solely for the purpose of shaping the new travel industry
association.
For more information, contact Terri Thiel, TAP Chair, at terri@visitdickinson.com.
Extended public comment period for RWIP
As Commerce has started to receive public comment on the Regional Workforce Impact Program’s website and grant guidelines, we have decided to extend the public comment period to Sep. 8, 2023. Please take some time and visit the website Regional Workforce Impact Program (nd.gov) and review the overall updates of the website and the grant guidelines, which can be found at the bottom of the webpage. What will also be found at the bottom of the webpage will be a link to a public comment survey. Please review the grant guidance and leave your comments within the survey which will then be reviewed and taken into consideration while we finalize the grant guidance.
Creamery Assistance Grant fuels economic growth in North Dakota Agriculture
The North Dakota Department of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the Creamery Assistance Grant, designed to support the state's agricultural industry, enhance job opportunities, and drive economic growth.
With $250,000 available, the Creamery Assistance Grant allows Commerce to award the full sum to one recipient or divide it among multiple candidates based on proposal strength and alignment with state goals.
The grant's core purpose is to financially boost an existing or emerging creamery business with a plan to advance economic and agricultural objectives within North Dakota. All registered creameries in the state are eligible. Priority will be given to those with clear business plans, showcasing current/future operations, expected outcomes, and alignment with state goals. Preference goes to enterprises fostering agriculture and economic growth.
Eligible entities can submit applications to Commerce by Sep. 25, 2023, at 5:00 pm CST. Applications should include applicant details, preferred contact, and funding request. Limited to ten pages, applications should be sent to Shayden Akason at sakason@nd.gov.
LIFT Committee fuels technological innovation with $1.25 million funding
The North Dakota Department of Commerce's Legacy Investment for Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee proudly announces the allocation of a significant $1.25 million in funding to two companies this August.
“The LIFT loan fund is committed to enhance commercialization of intellectual property within the state by providing low-interest loan financing,” said Shayden Akason, Head of Investments and Innovation at Commerce. “I am pleased to announce the following North Dakota companies received funding and extend my gratitude to all LIFT Committee members for their dedication to serve on this board.”
The August LIFT grant beneficiaries are as follows:
- MAC Company - $1,000,000 awarded to this company in West Fargo to develop an innovative SwingSteer loader.
- Protosthetics - $250,000 awarded to this Fargo company offering hardware and software solutions for orthotic and prosthetic clinics.
Commerce works with the Bank of North Dakota to manage and administer the loan fund. LIFT loan terms include 0% interest for the first three years of the loan, and 2% interest for the next two years, and an interest rate equal to a standard Bank of North Dakota loan for all subsequent years. The program is open to North Dakota companies working in advanced computing and data management, agriculture technology, autonomous and unmanned vehicles and technologies, energy, health care, value-added agriculture, value-added energy, and any area specifically identified by the LIFT committee as contributing to the diversification of the state’s economy.
Rural Food Sustainability Grant Program launches
The North Dakota Department of Commerce is launching the Rural Food Sustainability Grant Program, dedicated to boosting food access, sustainability, and economic development in rural communities. This program supports sustainable grocery services, food access, and the growth of rural food co-ops. These co-ops help aggregate, store, and distribute food in rural areas, addressing unique challenges.
"Commerce is committed to enhancing wealth and quality of life in North Dakota," says Emma Cook, Community Development Liaison for Commerce. "The program aims to strengthen local food systems, improve grocery supply quality, encourage local partnerships, support innovative solutions, foster rural community development, and promote economic collaboration." The program includes two components:
Component 1: Feasibility studies for food accessibility and expansion projects (up to $20,000).
Component 2: Grants for implementation of sustainable food access projects (up to $300,000).
The following outlines the timeline for applications and awards:
- Applications Open: Sep. 8, 2023.
- Applications Close: Oct. 13, 2023.
- Awards: Oct. 24, 2023.
Component 2 will be opening in early 2024.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local entities, economic development organizations, and tribal entities. The program focuses on communities with a population of less than 10,000 and encourages but does not require matching funds. Regular maintenance funding is excluded, and projects must enhance food access with a sustainable plan.
Strategies for effective grant writing and management
Join Professor Grace Karikari for a free chat on grant writing and administration on Sep. 7 at 11a.m. CDT. Grace will walk through the grant writing process, determining the best grant for your situation and delve into how to share your needs in a compelling and factual manner. She will briefly touch on how to keep records and accountability in the grant administration process.
There will be a 15-minute segment for Q&A as well, so we ask that you please submit your questions to communitydevelopment@nd.gov.
Register today for the 2023 Main Street ND Summit
Gain valuable insights to help you build and enhance your community for the future. This year's Summit offers a range of valuable add-ons. Explore various tours, covering topics from art, culture, development, to energy, designed to provide you with practical knowledge and valuable experiences. Some of these include:
- Artists on Main Street Cohort Meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 24, 12:30 – 3:30 pm
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park Guided Bus Tour – Oct. 24, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
- Ag & Energy Tour – Oct. 24, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
- Arts and Culture Walking Tour – Oct. 24, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Main Street Development Tour – Oct. 24, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Art Class – Oct. 24, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- End of the Rope Movie Showing – Oct. 24, 7:00 – 9:30 pm
- Watford City High School Ambassadors Cultural Fair – Wednesday, Oct. 25, 4:00 pm
- Post-Summit Watford City Community Tour – Thursday, Oct. 26, 8:30 – 11:30 am
**The event will feature a Spanish translator and an ASL interpreter to ensure all guests are accommodated.