Available Grants & Incentive Programs
Both the local and state governments have programs to help businesses take the next step in positioning the business for success. Please visit the program webpage (copy and paste the link under the Program name) for the most up-to-date information on the program.
| Program Name | Agency | Purpose | Requirements | Provides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Intern
www.commerce.nd.gov/workforce/ workforce-programs/operation-intern | ND Department of Commerce | Workforce-related. To expand the number of internships, work experience and apprenticeship positions with North Dakota employers. | ND Business; The funding is a one-to-one matching grant; Its primary focus is employers in the state’s targeted industries: energy, advanced manufacturing, value-added agriculture, tourism and technology-based businesses, and healthcare. | up to $4,000 in matching funds for the internships/apprenticeships. Funding can be used for items needed for the intern/apprentice to perform their internships, like wages, tools and equipment, essential training or tuition reimbursement. |
| Accelerated Growth Loan Program
https://bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/ accelerated-growth-loan-program/ | Bank of ND | Assists North Dakota-based technology companies with solid operations, good management and strong cash flow that are positioned for a period of accelerated growth or can show consistent monthly revenues above $50,000. These companies normally have limited assets to qualify for traditional bank financing. | Any person or entity who owns a North Dakota-based technology company with solid operations, good management and strong cash flow that is positioned for accelerated growth but has limited assets for normal bank financing. Applying companies must show that the prospect for sales growth is 15.00% or greater over the three-year period following the inception of the loan. OR must show a demonstrated sales record with minimum monthly recurring revenues of $50,000 per month. SaaS companies must have a minimum net annual revenue retention rate of 85% | BND’s maximum loan amount is $3,000,000 or 9x the monthly recurring revenue, whichever is greater. The lead financial institution’s share is a minimum of 10% of the total loan amount and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. The maximum loan term is 10 years. Proceeds shall be used to finance the acquisition of real property, remodel or expand an existing business if owner-occupied, purchase equipment, provide working capital, and/or refinance an existing loan with a maximum amount that may not exceed 30% of the new loan. |
| Bank Participation Loan Program
https://bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/ bank-participation-loan-program/ | Bank of ND | Assists a financial institution with a borrower whose financing needs have outgrown the legal lending or exposures limits of the originating lender. Loans must serve the legitimate credit needs of the state and are made on a sound and collectible basis. | ND Business. Desirable loans include, but are not limited to: business and industrial acquisitions; construction, conversion, expansion, repair, modernization; purchase of land, buildings and equipment acquisition, repair and modernization; start-up and working capital; refinancing an existing loan; any reasonable business purpose. | Loan amount is negotiable. General guidelines for loan terms include: Real estate: 12-20 years; Equipment: 5-7 years; Working capital: 3-5 years |
| Beginning Entrepreneur Loan Guarantee
bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/ beginning-entrepreneur-loan-guarantee/ | Bank of ND | Assists with business startup financing by providing financial institutions with guarantee of a loan not to exceed $500,000. | A North Dakota resident who graduated from high school or received a general equivalency certificate, has some training by education or experience in the type of revenue producing enterprise for which they are seeking a loan. Borrower’s net worth must be less than $500,000. Proceeds may be used to finance: purchase or improvements of real property, equipment or personal property; working capital needs; child care home, group or center licensed by the Dept. of Human Services; business startup expenses including accounting, legal and business planning; refinance or consolidate debt provided the amount of the refinance or consolidation does not exceed 20% of the total loan to be guaranteed; BND may approve a guarantee on a loan up to $5,000 to a beginning entrepreneur for business startup expenses including accounting, legal and business planning. The Bank may approve a guarantee on a loan up to $25,000 without requiring collateral for the loan. | The loan guarantee is based on this schedule: Loan amount up to $150,000 – 85% maximum guarantee percentage; Loan amount of $150,001-$300,000 – 75% maximum guarantee percentage; Loan amount of $300,001-$500,000 – 50% maximum guarantee percentage. |
| Business Development Loan Program
bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/ business-development-loan-program/ | Bank of ND | Assists new and existing businesses in obtaining loans when they have a higher degree of risk. It may be used to start or expand a new business or for refinancing. | ND business. The financial condition or the nature of the industry must lead to a higher credit risk than would normally be acceptable to a lending institution. Proceeds shall be used to: Establish or purchase a new or existing business; Finance the acquisition of real property; Remodel or expand an existing business; purchase or lease equipment; provide working capital; refinance an existing loan. A lead lender is required. | BND’s maximum loan participation is $1,000,000. Repayment terms vary depending upon the use of proceeds: Real estate: 12-20 years; Equipment: 5-7 years; Working capital: 1-5 years. |
| Flex PACE Program
bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/flex-pace-program/ | Bank of ND | Provides competitive interest rates to eligible, financially strong companies looking to move to or expand in North Dakota. | Match shall serve as the primary loan program to support large-scale economic diversification projects. These companies shall provide evidence of considerable financial strength as demonstrated by a long-term investment grade rating. The promissory note will require equal principal payments over the life of the loan. | BND will determine the maximum loan amount based upon funding availability and loan demand at the time of the loan application. Proceeds may finance real estate, term working capital, purchase or lease equipment. |
| Match Program
bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/match-program | Bank of ND | Provides competitive interest rates to eligible, financially strong companies looking to move to or expand in North Dakota. | Match shall serve as the primary loan program to support large-scale economic diversification projects. These companies shall provide evidence of considerable financial strength as demonstrated by a long-term investment grade rating. The promissory note will require equal principal payments over the life of the loan. | BND will determine the maximum loan amount based upon funding availability and loan demand at the time of the loan application. Proceeds may finance real estate, term working capital, purchase or lease equipment. |
| PACE Program
bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/pace-program/ | Bank of ND | Provides financing with an interest buydown for eligible businesses. Helps communities expand their economic base by assisting Primary Sector businesses that make an investment or create jobs in their community. | ND Business that must be a primary sector business and certified by the ND Dept. of Commerce. The program cannot be used to refinance any existing debt or for relocation within North Dakota. The buydown the borrower is eligible for is based on the total investment OR the number of jobs created. The first three years of job creation will be considered in the allocation. BND’s participation must be 50 percent to 80%. | Proceeds may be used for start-up costs, to purchase or refinance real property and equipment, expand existing facilities, and meet working capital requirements, including inventories. |
| SBA Guaranteed Loan Purchase Program
bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/sba-guaranteed-loan-purchase-program/ | Bank of ND | Provides low interest rate loans to North Dakota businesses with bank financing which includes a loan guarantee from the US Small Business Administration. BND can participate in a SBA guaranteed loan by purchasing the guaranteed portion of the promissory note. The purchase is conditioned upon the borrower receiving the benefit of the lower interest rate on the purchased portion of the note. | ND Business involved in production, manufacturing, processing or retail trade. Additional funds may be obtained from other funding sources. There are no maximum loan limits. BND may purchase up to 100% of the guaranteed portion of an SBA guaranteed loan. Application by a lead lender is required for BND’s participation. Additional documentation will be required when submitting the request. The lead lender is responsible for servicing the loan. Equity requirements and credit criteria determined by lead lender and SBA. | Proceeds may be used for start-up costs, to purchase or refinance real property and equipment, expand existing facilities, and meet working capital requirements, including inventories. |
| Value-Added Guarantee Loan
bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/value-added-guarantee-loan/ | Bank of ND | Assists North Dakota-based companies that want to invest in value-added agriculture and energy products that add value to North Dakota commodities. | ND Business that wants to invest in value-added agriculture and energy products. Guarantee term may not exceed fifteen years. | Loan amount/limit: $25,000,000. Proceeds shall be used for value-added agriculture and energy projects that add value to North Dakota commodities. Value-added agriculture is defined as a change made to primary agriculture products (crops and livestock) that increases the product’s value, thereby creating new economic activity and jobs. Value-added agriculture does not include farm production of crops and livestock, biotechnology and research and development activities focused on increasing primary agricultural production, human capital investments, agritourism, seed production or transportation. Value-added energy is a change made to hydrocarbons or by-products of hydrocarbons produced in North Dakota that increase the product’s value, thereby creating new economic activity and jobs. |
| Venture Capital Fund
bnd.nd.gov/loans/business/ venture-capital-fund/ | Bank of ND | To stimulate private sector investment and promote diversification of the economy by supporting a variety of pre-revenue; mid-stage and late stage startup companies. This fund offers a variety of financing options in the form of traditional or convertible debt and equity investment. The structure of the investment is negotiated on a case-by-case basis. | ND business. The business must be innovative, have a unique market aspect or customer base, be scalable and have the potential to return a significant benefit to the state of North Dakota. | Proceeds may be used to fund the working capital, equipment or real property needs of a North Dakota business. The loan limit is generally no greater than $300,000 per business. In certain instances, higher investment levels or follow-on investment will be considered. |
| Ag Commodity Export Enhancement Program
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/ag-commodity-export-enhancement-program/ | Bank of ND | Provides interest buydown on loans to farmers who invest in nontraditional agriculture activities that supplement farm income such as purchase of equipment and facilities, equity shares of an ag-processing business, irrigation equipment, capital improvements to a livestock feedlot, dairy operation or subsurface field tiling projects. | Borrower must be a North Dakota resident whose principal occupation is farming or ranching. The project must be located in North Dakota. A qualified business must be conducted by the borrower or the borrower’s family and is integrated into the farm operation. These businesses include: Nontraditional agriculture; Manufacturing; Processing, and value-added processing; Targeted services industries. A borrower that receives interest buydown from the Ag PACE is not eligible to receive interest buydown under Envest for the same project. Appraisal requirements are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. | Proceeds may fund value-added or non-traditional activities on farms and ranches located in North Dakota that supplement farming or ranching income. |
| Ag PACE
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/ag-pace/ | Bank of ND | Provides interest buydown on loans to farmers who invest in nontraditional agriculture activities that supplement farm income such as purchase of equipment and facilities, equity shares of an ag-processing business, irrigation equipment, capital improvements to a livestock feedlot, dairy operation or subsurface field tiling projects. | Borrower must be a North Dakota resident whose principal occupation is farming or ranching. The project must be located in North Dakota. A qualified business must be conducted by the borrower or the borrower’s family and is integrated into the farm operation. These businesses include: Nontraditional agriculture; Manufacturing; Processing, and value-added processing; Targeted services industries. A borrower that receives interest buydown from the Ag PACE is not eligible to receive interest buydown under Envest for the same project. Appraisal requirements are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. | Proceeds may fund value-added or non-traditional activities on farms and ranches located in North Dakota that supplement farming or ranching income. |
| Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund (ADD)
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/agriculture-diversification-and-development-fund/ | Bank of ND | Supports new or expanding value-added-agriculture businesses that demonstrate financial feasibility, enhance profitability for farmers and ranchers, create jobs and grow North Dakota’s economy. The funding opportunities include grants and interest buydowns. | Value-added agriculture business registered with the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office or North Dakota resident that diversifies a crop or animal industry and provides collateral uses for agriculture resources. Businesses with a majority ownership comprised of North Dakota residents will have priority over majority non-North Dakota-owned applications. Emphasis will be given to those proposals deemed most likely to generate economic returns and support agricultural-based prosperity of a region or sector of the state. a business must first secure a local financial institution to lead the transaction. BND will be a participant in the loan. There is no specified maximum loan amount. | Proceeds may be used to: Purchase or lease equipment; To establish a value-added agriculture business; To expand an existing value-added agriculture business. |
| Beginning Farmer Chattel Loan Program
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/beginning-farmer-chattel-loan/ | Bank of ND | Assists beginning ranchers with the purchase of equipment and livestock. | Applicant must be a North Dakota resident who has not previously farmed for more than 15 years. The eligibility is determined by totaling the number of years the applicant has received federal farm program payments. Applicant’s net worth, including that of dependents and spouse, of less than $1,500,000. Applicant’s principal occupation is or will be the production of an agricultural commodity. The loan term may not exceed seven years. | The loan amount is a lifetime cap of $750,000 per borrower. For the purchase of equipment or livestock. BND is required to take at least 50%, and not more than 80%, of the total loan. |
| Beginning Farmer Real Estate Loan
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/beginning-farmer-real-estate-loan/ | Bank of ND | Assists the farmer or rancher with the purchase of farm real estate. | Applicant must be a North Dakota resident; Applicant’s net worth, including that of dependents and spouse, of less than $1,500,000; Applicant’s principal occupation is or will be the production of an agricultural commodity on a family farm; Applicant may not have previously owned any substantial farmland greater than 30% of the average farm size in the county where the parcel is located. The loan term may not exceed thirty years. Annual amortized payments are required. | Funding will not exceed a $1,200,000 lifetime cap per borrower. Proceeds may be used to purchase agricultural real estate. |
| Biofuels PACE Program
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/biofuels-pace-program/ | Bank of ND | Provides interest buydown on loans to biodiesel, ethanol or green diesel production facilities and livestock operations. The program is used to reduce the interest rate on loans which have been approved by a local lender and BND. There is no community match required for the interest buydown. | Facility must be located in ND; must produce agriculturally-derived denatured ethanol; fuel must be suitable for blending with a petroleum product for use in internal combustion engines; facility must produce biodegradable, combustible liquid fuel derived from vegetable oil or animal fat; fuel must be suitable for blending with diesel fuel for use in internal combustion engines; facility must produce fuel derived from non-fossil renewable resources; fuel must be suitable for blending with diesel fuel for use in internal combustion diesel engines; value-added operations include a producer that engages in dairy and milking or feeding of animals or poultry which enhances the value before sale into the marketplace. BND is required to take at least 50%, and not more than 80%, of the total loan. Borrower must work with a local lender to submit the loan application. Lead lender is responsible for servicing the loan. Biofuels PACE recipients are not eligible for regular PACE funds for the same project. Loan funds may not be used to refinance any existing debt or for relocation within the state. | The total loan amount may not exceed the cost of the project. Funds may be used for: purchase or construct real property; expand facilities; purchase or install equipment including a bio-digester system. |
| Envest
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/envest/ | Bank of ND | Used to purchase shares in start-up or expansion of ag processing businesses intended to process ND-grown products. Feedlot or dairy operations must feed a byproduct of ethanol or biodiesel facility. | Borrower must be a North Dakota resident who owns no more than 25% of the project. It is desirable that the plant be located in North Dakota, however, exceptions may be made based on the overall economic benefits to the state. Project ownership may be other than a cooperative business structure if the intent of this loan program is met. Appraisal requirements are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. BND will participate in up to 70% of the total loan amount. | The maximum loan amount is negotiable. Proceeds to be used towards purchase shares in an ag processing plant intended to process ND products; purchase of equity shares in a ND feedlot or dairy operation that feeds a byproduct of an ethanol or biodiesel facility. |
| Established Farmer Real Estate Loan
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/established-farmer-real-estate-loan/ | Bank of ND | Assists a farmer or rancher with financing of agricultural purposes. | ND resident. | This is a direct loan with BND for a maximum of twenty-five years. The maximum loan amount to any one borrower is $6,000,000. To be used for agricultural purposes. |
| Family Farm Loan Program
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/family-farm-loan-program/ | Bank of ND | Allows a ND farmer to purchase or refinance land, equipment or livestock or to restructure operating debt. | A North Dakota resident with farming experience and training to operate a family farm and to make proper use of the loan. The applicant’s net worth may not exceed $1,500,000. | BND’s participation amount is limited to the lesser of $750,000 or 90% of the total loan amount. |
| Farm Operating Loan Program
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/farm-operating-loan-program/ | Bank of ND | Funds operating expenses for ND farmers and ranchers. | A farmer or rancher who is a North Dakota resident and owns/operates an existing farm or ranch. The borrower’s debt-to-asset ratio must exceed 50% or the borrower must have a net worth of less than $1,500,000. | BND’s participated share is limited to the lesser of $750,000 or 65% of the total loan amount. Proceeds may be used for the current operating year of an existing farm or ranch. The loan may not be used for payment of delinquent debt, interest payment, principal payment or capital expenditure. |
| Farm Real Estate Loan Guarantee Program
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/farm-real-estate-loan-guarantee-program/ | Bank of ND | Borrowers may purchase farm real estate or restructure farm real estate loans in North Dakota under this program. | ND resident. | Loan assists farmers with purchasing or restructuring agricultural real estate loans by providing a financial institution with a 75% guarantee of total loans that do not exceed $400,000 to an individual borrower. Proceeds may be used to guarantee a loan made by the lead lender to a farmer or rancher. The land must be located in North Dakota. BND may approve a guarantee on a loan up to 75% of the certified appraised value of the agricultural real estate. |
| First Time Farmer Finance
bnd.nd.gov/loans/ag/first-time-farmer-finance-program/ | Bank of ND | A tax-exempt bond program that assists first time farmers and ranchers in North Dakota to acquire agricultural property at low interest rates. | A first time farmer or rancher who is also a: ND resident that’s at least 18 years of age at time of funding; has never had any direct or indirect ownership interest in substantial farmland in the operation of which he/she has materially participated. An ownership interest or material participation by a person’s spouse or child will be attributed to the person as well; net worth of $1,500,000 or below; agricultural land, agricultural improvements and depreciable agricultural property shall be used for farming by the first time farmer, spouse or minor children. | Agricultural land and improvements: $543,800; no more than $250,000 of the above aggregate loan amount may be used for agricultural improvements and depreciable agricultural chattel property; within the above $250,000, no more than $62,500 may be used for depreciable agricultural chattel property. Finance the purchase of North Dakota land suitable for use in farming, finance the construction or purchase of improvements located on agricultural land, or the purchase of personal property suitable for use in farming for which an income tax deduction for depreciation is allowed in computing federal income taxes. |
| Commercial Façade Match Grant
cityofwatfordcity.gov/documents/ rough-rider-fund-handbook/ | City of Watford City – Rough Rider Fund | To expand local tax base and promote economic growth. | To be eligible, must be owner or lessor of existing commercial property within city limits. Applicants must schedule a project consultation and review with the SBDC. Grant funds are distributed only after approval of final inspections. Owners/lessors must use the building for the same purpose for at least 24 months after project completion. | Eligible projects include exterior signage placement (up to $5,000), exterior façade improvements, and parking improvements. For single-frontage properties, there is up to 50% of total project cost (1:1 match), with the maximum grant award of $30,000. For multi-frontage properties, there is up to 50% of total project cost (1:1 match), with the maximum grant award of $50,000. |
| Licensed Child Care Renewal Grant
cityofwatfordcity.gov/documents/ rough-rider-fund-handbook/ | City of Watford City – Rough Rider Fund | To promote workforce attraction and retention and health, safety and wellbeing. | ND Child Care facilities. Applicants must be compliant with all city ordinances. Upon attainment of an annual renewal of North Dakota Child Care License in good standing, all Family, Group, and Child Care Centers in Watford City, its ETA and its workforce area are eligible for certain expense reimbursements with proof of incurred expenses. | Provides: up to $1,000 grant for reimbursement of annual Licensing, Inspections, Certifications, Training, Continuing Education – 100% reimbursable up to cap with proof of expenses; up to $500 grant (1:1 Match) for Equipment and Curriculum reimbursable up to cap with 50% reimbursable with proof of purchase; up to $100 grant for per licensed infant enrolled at the time of the application; up to $25 grant for per licensed non-infant child enrolled at the time of the application; up to $100 grant for longevity service for 1-5 years of licensed child care service to our community; up to $500 grant for longevity service for 6-10 years of licensed child care service to our community; and up to $1,000 grant for longevity service for 11+ years of licensed child care service to our community. |
| Community Enhancement Grant
cityofwatfordcity.gov/documents/ rough-rider-fund-handbook/ | City of Watford City – Rough Rider Fund | To promote cultural inclusion and workforce attraction and retention by supporting community organizations that provide community programming and events. | Applications must be made on Community Enhancement Grant Program Application Form. Strength of community impact statement needs to include: Community need, People served, and Applicant’s mission, values, and other service to community outside project application. Applications for initial competitive grant round are due the second Monday of January. Successful applicants are required to submit the required documentation for payment of grant funds within sixty days after their events or prior to the end of the year, whichever is sooner. | Annually, the Roughrider Fund committee may make grant funds available to support quality of life projects and events to communities in McKenzie County and support them by considering applications up to $3,000 each. Specifically, to Alexander, Arnegard, Keene, Grassy Butte, Mandaree, AND five At Large applications throughout the county, up to $25,000. Annually, the ROUGHRIDER FUND committee may make available grant funds to support quality of life projects and events in Watford City and support them by considering applications up to $3,000 each. UP TO $75,000. Organizations / sponsors may submit multiple applications to the fund |
| Business Micro-Match Grant
cityofwatfordcity.gov/documents/ rough-rider-fund-handbook/ | City of Watford City – Rough Rider Fund | To support businesses with a commercial footprint of 250 sq/ft or less who grow and diversify the local economy and grow the local tax base by supporting new micro-business startups in their first year of business. | Must be a business startup. Application must be made on BUSINESS MICRO-MATCH Grant Program Application Form (1/2024). Application requires an initial project consultation and review with SBDC. Proof of PAID reimbursable receipts required. Project is also required to operate within city limits or ETA. | Up to $2,500 at a 1:1 match. Eligible match expenses include: fixtures, fit ups, remodel, signage, rent, equipment. |
| Business Startup & Expansion Forgivable Loan
cityofwatfordcity.gov/documents/ rough-rider-fund-handbook/ | City of Watford City – Rough Rider Fund | To diversify and grow the local economy and grow the local tax base for public benefit. | Any business. Application must be made on Business Startup & Expansion Forgivable Loan Application Form. Application requires an initial project consultation and review with SBDC. Proof of PAID reimbursable receipts required. Project is required to operate within city limits or ETA. | Eligible match expenses include: fixtures, fit ups, remodel, signage, rent, equipment. Loan award amounts of: $5,000; $10,000; $15,000; $20,000 – all determined by project size, which is determined by value of PAID receipts. |
| Business Flex PACE / PACE Interest Buydown Match Grant
cityofwatfordcity.gov/documents/ rough-rider-fund-handbook/ | City of Watford City – Rough Rider Fund / BND | To diversify & grow the local economy and grow the local tax base for public benefit. It is an interest buy-down grant program that matches BND’s required local match. | Any business. Lead lender who will successfully apply to BND’s Flex Pace / PACE Program is required (see https://bnd.nd.gov/loans/ business/flex-pace-program/). A lead lender commitment letter is required for a complete application to this program. Application requires an initial project consultation and review with SBDC, must be made on a Business Flex Pace / Pace Match Grant Program Application Form (1/2024), and the project is required to operate within the city or its ETA. | Buy-downs for both Flex Pace and Pace interest are based on total project investment, job creation, and economic growth. BND’s program grid scores cap interest buydown participation at: $300,000 for businesses; $450,000 for childcare; and $750,000 for affordable housing. |
| Technical Skills Training Grant
www.commerce.nd.gov/workforce/ workforce-programs/technical-skills-training-grant | ND Department of Commerce | To support eligible training providers and employers in their efforts to design and launch rapid, non-degree re-skilling and upskilling programs, or expand capacity in existing programs. | All tracks require a 1:1 match. Eligible applicants include North Dakota colleges and universities, business, non-profit organizations, city/county municipals, and/or trades organizations/associations in North Dakota. Applicants must be registered and in good standing with the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office; training must take place in North Dakota; majority of program participants must reside and intend to work in North Dakota. If tuition or training costs are part of the proposed application, the applicant may not pay those funds directly to the individuals receiving the education or training; the funds must be paid to the organization providing the education or training. Jobs for which workers are being trained must be on the In-Demand Occupations List. | The program has three tracks, each focused on developing or expanding a highly skilled workforce. Programs in TRACK A may be eligible for up to $200,000. TRACK B programs may be eligible for up to $50,000 with a dollar-for-dollar match throughout the lifetime of the grant program. TRACK C programs may be eligible for up to $200,000 for training and or upskilling existing workforce related to automation. Applicants for TRACK C also may apply for up to $100,000 for a feasibility study, related to automation. |
