Looking to bring your business idea to life in North Dakota?

Securing a North Dakota small business grant can be the first step in making your dream a reality. Fortunately, there are several North Dakota small business grants available that can provide the financial support you need to get started. Today we’ll discuss 5 grants for small business owners in North Dakota.

Whether you’re launching a new product, expanding your services, or rebranding your business, these grants can give you the boost to turn your vision into a success. Let’s dive into the funding opportunities that can kickstart your dream.

• APUC Grant
• Innovate ND
• North Dakota Development Fund
• North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund
• Bank of North Dakota PACE Program 
• Secure Funding for Branding Efforts

1. APUC Grant

Are you an ambitious entrepreneur looking to innovate in North Dakota’s agricultural sector? 

The Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) grant might be the game-changer you need to bring your bold ideas to life!

Let’s dive deeper into how the APUC grant can help you turn your vision into reality.

Understanding the APUC Grant

The APUC exists to fuel innovation and economic growth in North Dakota’s agricultural industry.

With its mission to create new wealth and jobs, APUC offers grants that support the development of new and existing businesses.

Quick Notes about the APUC grant:

• It’s awarded quarterly to the first 15 qualifying applicants
• The deadlines for submitting applications are: January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.
• Focuses on adding value to North Dakota agriculture
• Offers funding in six different categories
• Aims to stimulate economic development in the state
• Generally, grant applicants must commit a minimum match dollar investment of 25 percent of the total amount requested from APUC. 

By focusing on projects that have a high probability of creating jobs and wealth, the APUC grant not only benefits your business but also contributes to our great state’s economic growth. It’s a win-win. 

Now, let’s explore the six categories APUC provides funding for. 

1. Funding for Innovative Research

The APUC grant provides funding for basic and applied research. This means you can explore new ways to utilize North Dakota’s agricultural products, potentially revolutionizing the industry.

Example: Let’s say you’re a researcher working on developing a new type of biodegradable plastic made from corn stalks. The APUC grant could fund your laboratory work, materials, and testing processes. This research could lead to a breakthrough in sustainable packaging, reducing environmental impact while creating a new market for corn byproducts.

In 2024, North Dakota State University was awarded $70,099 to research Azospirillum Brasilense effectiveness against pathogens.

2. Marketing Support

With the Marketing and Utilization category, you can secure North Dakota small business grant funds to promote your innovative agricultural products. This support can help you reach a wider audience and establish your brand in the market.

Example: Imagine you’ve developed a new line of gluten-free pasta made from North Dakota-grown lentils. The APUC grant could fund your marketing campaign, including:

1. Brand strategy to ensure you’re reaching the right audience
2. Professional photography and videography of your product
3. Development of a robust social media strategy
4. Attendance at food trade shows to showcase your pasta
5. Creation of promotional materials for grocery stores

In 2022, Pride Dairy Inc. was awarded $100,000 for a comprehensive brand strategy and to develop their new ice cream sandwich product. The grant funds allowed Pride Dairy to work with The Good Kids to design expertly-branded packaging that stands out on shelves, captures attention, and increases sales on a national scale. 

3. Farm Diversification Opportunities

The Farm Diversification category encourages farmers to explore new revenue streams. This can help you reduce risk and increase profitability by expanding your agricultural business beyond traditional crops.

Example: A wheat farmer could use the APUC grant to diversify the income streams of their farm. The grant could fund:

1. Construction of a corn maze and pumpkin patch
2. Development of educational programs about farming for school groups
3. Purchase of equipment for a farm-to-table restaurant on the property
4. Marketing materials to promote the new agritourism venture

In 2024, Peak Anodes LLC was awarded $100,000 to evaluate the use of polymer-derived ceramic resin and corn stover as a carbon source alternative to battery-grade graphite. 

In 2023, Dakota Valley Growers LLLP was awarded $128,500 to expand a cattle operation and construct equipment for converting manure into sustainable fertilizer.

4. Expert Guidance

Through the Technical Assistance category, you can access expert knowledge to overcome technical challenges. This support can be crucial in developing and implementing new agricultural technologies or processes.

Example: Suppose you’re developing an AI-powered crop monitoring system. The APUC grant could fund consultations with:

1. Agricultural experts to ensure the system meets farmers’ needs
2. Software developers to refine your AI algorithms
3. Legal advisors to navigate patents and intellectual property rights
4. Business consultants to develop a scalable business model

This expert guidance could be the difference between a good idea and a successful, market-ready product.

5. Tourism Development

The Nature Based Agri-Tourism category opens up possibilities for combining agriculture with tourism. This can help you tap into the growing agritourism market, creating unique experiences for visitors.

Example: A sunflower farm could use the APUC grant to develop a comprehensive agritourism experience:

1. Building a visitor center with educational displays about sunflower cultivation
2. Creating a sunflower photo-op area
3. Developing workshops on sunflower crafts
4. Constructing a gift shop to sell sunflower products

These additions could transform a simple farm into a must-visit destination, attracting tourists and boosting the local economy.

In 2016, Fluffy Fields Vineyard & Winery was awarded $59,584 to support a comprehensive marketing campaign designed to increase visitors and revenues and lean evaluation of production practices.

6. Product Development Support

The Prototype Development and Technology category can help you bring your agricultural product ideas to life. This funding can cover the costs of developing and testing prototypes, a critical step in product innovation.

Example: Let’s say you’ve conceptualized a new type of seeding equipment for small-scale farmers. The APUC grant could fund:

1. 3D printing of prototype parts
2. Assembly of a working prototype
3. Field testing on various North Dakota farms
4. Refinement based on farmer feedback

In 2024, CorVent Medical, Inc. was awarded $84,000 to develop ventilators for veterinary use.

APUC Scoring

Applications are evaluated on a 100-point scale. To maximize your score, you’ll need to:

1. Clearly demonstrate how your project will create jobs and wealth (30 points)
2. Showcase the scientific and technical merit of your research (30 points)
3. Highlight the potential for rapid commercialization (15 points)
4. Secure additional funding from other sources (10 points)
5. Consider geographical implications (5 points)
6. Make a compelling overall case for your project’s potential success (10 points)

APUC Application Process

The deadlines for submitting applications are: January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. 

The Commission holds funding review meetings one month after the submission deadline. Each quarter, the first 15 qualifying applicants are invited to present their proposals in person. Once your proposal is submitted, an agenda will be sent to you if you’re selected. Presentations are limited to 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session.

To be considered, your application must be complete and include all required information and supplemental attachments. It must also feature original signatures from the applicant, project advisor (if applicable), and fiscal agent.

Submit your completed application by the deadline to mbodine@nd.gov. For more information, refer to the APUC Grant Guidelines.

2. Innovate ND 

While the APUC grant is fantastic for agricultural innovations, we know that not every small business in North Dakota is focused on agriculture.

Innovate North Dakota is another great financial opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a North Dakota small business grant!

Innovate ND is a voucher reimbursement program designed to help North Dakota entrepreneurs further their business by supporting customer and market research. 

Through expert guidance from business coaches at Entrepreneurial Centers, Innovate ND provides the resources needed to help turn an innovative idea into a profitable business.

Quick Notes about the Innovate ND Grant:

• Each participant is eligible for up to $22,500 in reimbursable expenses
• The program is divided into two phases offering $7,500 and $15,000
• Participants have up to three months per phase, for a total of six months, to complete all requirements
• Applicants must demonstrate they’ve reached specific levels in areas such as founding team, problem identification, value proposition, customer validation, product development, go-to-market strategy, business model, and business roadmap

Application Process:

1. The Department of Commerce determines if the applicant meets the program parameters.
2. If so, the applicant will pitch their idea to a panel of industry experts who determine eligibility for Phase 1.

Innovate ND is administered through four Entrepreneur Centers across the state, providing local support and expertise. Innovate ND is administered through four Entrepreneur Centers:

For more information on Innovate ND, contact Carla Valentine.

3. North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF)

The North Dakota Development Fund is a gap financing program that provides flexible funding for new or expanding businesses in North Dakota.

Quick Notes about the North Dakota Development Fund:

• Offers loans, equity investments, and loan guarantees
• Can provide up to $1,000,000 in funding
• Interest rates are typically below market rate
• Focuses on primary sector businesses (those that create new wealth in the state)

In 2024, The NDDF awarded five companies a total of $37,105,700. Uses included, building a daycare facility, building gas capture units to reduce emissions, and the construction of the first natural gas-fed GTL facility in North America. 

Applications are reviewed on a first come, first-serve basis. Applications and supporting information should be submitted via email to Brian Opp.

4. North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund

If your idea involves conservation, this North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund might be for you. It’s designed to enhance outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities in the state.

Quick Notes about the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund:

• It was established in 2013 to provide grants to state agencies, tribal governments, political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations 
• The funding is generated from oil and gas production tax revenue
• The advisory board consists of 12 voting and 4 ex-officio members, who make recommendations to the Commission on the funding of grants.

In 2024, the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund provided $4 million for projects including a windbreak renovation initiative, a Belfield dam improvement, and more. 

Application deadlines will be posted on the Outdoor Heritage Fund Website. Applications can be submitted to ndicgrants@nd.gov.

5. Bank of North Dakota PACE Program

The Partnership in Assisting Community Expansion (PACE) program is a business development program that provides interest buy-down to lending institutions that provide loans to qualifying businesses.

Quick Notes about the Bank of North Dakota PACE Program:

• Can be used for the purchase of real property, equipment, and working capital
• Prioritizes primary sector businesses
• The interest buy-down can significantly reduce the cost of borrowing for businesses

The Bank of North Dakota offers this loan by partnering with local lenders. To apply, contact your local lender.

Securing Funding For Branding Efforts

If you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of successful North Dakota companies like Pride Dairy or Dot’s Pretzels, this might be the perfect time to utilize branding to scale your company to hit your goals. 

While you can secure a variety of funding through the North Dakota small business grants, it’s a great opportunity to utilize the funds to bolster your marketing efforts whether that be a fresh brand refresh, a professional website design, creating attention grabbing packaging, you name it!

But why branding?

It might be time for a brand refresh if you’re tired of a DIY logo that doesn’t reflect the growth of the company, a package design on the shelf that you’re not proud of, or you’re spending countless hours trying to convince investors in your business plan.

By investing the grant into branding, you will be able to:

• Show investors that you’re committed to your vision and serious about bringing your innovation to the market
• Stand out in the marketplace on a regional or national level
• Expand your audience with attention grabbing packaging design
• Turn your loyal customers into raving advocates
• Increase revenue by 33%

So when should I get started?

There’s no time like the present to get started on building your empire.

You can expect the grant application process to take 2-4 weeks, 4-8 weeks for the review and approval process (pending the grant you choose to apply for), and then 8-10+ weeks on the brand refresh process itself. After that, you’ll want to account for additional time for the creation of any collateral like a website, packaging, etc. Overall, safely plan for 6-9 months in total.

But don’t fret!

From defining your strategy to developing a distinct logo, we’ll guide you each step of the way. We’re also available to assist with the grant application process or make an introduction to the various grant teams so you feel confident presenting.

Ready to take your business to the next level with a North Dakota small business grant?

Let’s chat to see which one is right for you.