Overview
The North Dakota Department of Commerce announces the availability of $600,000 to support Native American small businesses in North Dakota. Awards may be made to one or multiple businesses. The intent of this program is to maximize the economic impact of the funds by supporting the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of Native American–owned small businesses.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a Native American–owned business (minimum 51% ownership).
- For profit entity with fewer than 500 employees.
- Be located and operating in North Dakota.
- Be in good standing with state and federal requirements.
Use of Funds
Funds must be used to strengthen and grow the applicant’s business. Eligible uses may include, but are not limited to:
- Working capital (e.g., inventory, supplies)
- Purchase of equipment or technology
- Business expansion or modernization
- Marketing and customer acquisition
- Workforce training or development
- Other business investments that demonstrate measurable impact
Award Amounts
Total funds available: $600,000
Awards may range from $10,000 to $600,000 per business (flexible depending on demand and impact).
The Department of Commerce reserves the right to make multiple awards or to award the full amount to one applicant.
Proposal Requirements
- Applicants must submit a proposal including the following:
- Business Information – Business name, location, ownership structure, and contact information; description of products/services and years in operation.
- Eligibility Certification – Proof of Native American ownership and confirmation the business is a for profit entity with fewer than 500 employees.
- Project Proposal – Description of how funds will be used; explanation of how this investment will strengthen, expand, or sustain the business; timeline for implementation.
- Impact Statement – Anticipated outcomes and lasting effects on the business and community.
- Budget – Itemized use of requested funds.
Review Committee: Department of Commerce staff.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated on the following factors:
- Business Viability (25 points)
- Business Model – Does the business have a clear model for how it makes money?
- Market Potential – Is there demonstrated demand for the product or service?
- Track Record – Is the business established with some history, or if new, does it show realistic potential?
- Financial Stability – Does the business have reasonable financial practices (cash flow, revenue, expense management)?
- Competitive Positioning – Does the business differentiate itself from competitors?
- Use of Funds (25 points)
- Clarity – Is the request specific and well-articulated?
- Feasibility – Is the proposed use of funds realistic given the award size?
- Appropriateness – Are requested uses eligible and aligned with program intent?
- Leverage – Does the funding unlock or attract other resources (e.g., private capital, other grants, in-kind support)?
- Budget Soundness – Is the budget itemized, balanced, and consistent with the project narrative?
- Impact (30 points)
- Job Creation/Retention – Will the project create or sustain employment?
- Revenue Growth – Will the investment increase sales, expand markets, or strengthen profitability?
- Community Benefit – Will the business provide meaningful benefits to it Native community or broader North Dakota economy?
- Sustainability of Impact – Are outcomes likely to last beyond the funding period?
- Scalability – Could the project grow or replicate success in the future?
- Capacity (10 points)
- Leadership/Management – Do owners or managers demonstrate capability and commitment?
- Implementation Readiness – Is the business prepared to begin the project quickly?
- Operational Capacity – Does the business have the staff, systems, or partnerships to execute effectively?
- Past Performance – Has the business successfully managed grants, loans, or business investments before?
- Completeness (10 points)
- Completeness – All required sections, documents, and signatures are included.
- Clarity – Information is clearly written, easy to follow, and responsive to requirements.
- Professionalism – Application is organized, free of major errors, and demonstrates attentional to detail.
- Supporting Documentation – Ownership verification, budget, and other required attachments are included.
Total: 100 points
Reporting Requirements
Awardees will be required to submit:
- Progress reports provided every six months (template provide by Commerce)
- A final report summarizing expenditures, business impact, and outcomes (template provide by Commerce)
Submission Instructions
Deadline: January 13, 2026
Submission Method: Email to Shayden Akason at sakason@nd.gov
Questions: Shayden Akason
Terms & Conditions
Funds must be expended by June 30, 2027.
Awards are subject to state contracting and monitoring requirements.
The Department of Commerce reserves the right to adjust award amounts and funding decisions to maximize impact.
FAQ
Can I submit supplemental materials to help bolster my application?
Yes, applicants may submit supplemental materials if it directly supports the information included in the application. Examples may include financial statements, letters of support, marketing materials, or other documentation that demonstrates business viability or impact. The review committee’s evaluation will focus primarily on the required application components, and applicants should not rely on supplemental materials to replace any required information.
Can I apply for this grant if I want to start a business or is it only for businesses that are already operating?
Eligible applicants must already be a for-profit, Native American–owned business that is located and operating in North Dakota. The program is open to both established and very new/early-stage businesses, as long as the business has begun operating.
For purposes of this program, “operating” means the business has begun generating revenue. There is no minimum revenue requirement to be considered operating.
What percentage of Native American heritage or documentation is required to qualify for the program?
To be eligible for this program, the business must be at least 51% owned by one or more individuals who are Native American. Eligibility is based on ownership and control of the business, not on a specific percentage of tribal blood quantum. Applicants are required to certify Native American ownership and are required to provide documentation to verify eligibility. Documentation can include:
- Tribal enrollment card or letter of enrollment
- Certificate of Indian Blood
- Letter from a tribe or tribal government confirming tribal affiliation
- Affidavit or certification of Native American identify signed by the owner
Are nonprofits eligible to apply?
The Legislature directed that these funds be used to support Native American-owned small businesses. For purposes of this program, eligibility is limited to for-profit businesses, as the funding is intended to support business operations, growth, and commercialization activity rather than charitable or programmatic services. As a result, nonprofit organizations, including Native-serving nonprofits, are not eligible under this particular opportunity.
Are Native Americans from Central and South America eligible to apply?
This program was designed to support small businesses owned by individuals who can document a tribal affiliation consistent with the tribal structures recognized by the United States government. As part of the application process, applicants must provide documentation of Native American identity that aligns with what is issued by tribes recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Because of this requirement, individuals who are Indigenous to Central or South America, but who are not enrolled in, or formally affiliated with, a federally recognized U.S. tribe, would not be able to meet the documentation requirements for this program and therefore would not be eligible to apply.