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Small Business Grants in North Dakota

North Dakota offers one of the most business-friendly environments in the country, with low taxes, minimal regulation, and a strong energy-driven economy. While the state's population is small, its per-capita income is high and its small business sector is vital to the economy. Grant opportunities in North Dakota are particularly strong in agriculture, energy, and rural development.

Economic Overview

North Dakota has approximately 75,000 small businesses. The economy is driven by energy (oil from the Bakken formation), agriculture, healthcare, technology, and military installations. The state has no corporate income tax for pass-through entities, low property taxes, and one of the lowest costs of doing business in the nation.

State Grant Programs

The North Dakota Department of Commerce offers the Workforce Enhancement Grant, the North Dakota Development Fund (loans and equity), and various agricultural grants. The ND SBDC is based at the University of North Dakota. The state's Centers of Excellence program provides grants for industry-university partnerships. The Bank of North Dakota offers unique lending programs not available in other states.

How to Apply

Contact the ND SBDC and ND Department of Commerce. The Bank of North Dakota is a unique resource — it's the only state-owned bank in the US and offers favorable terms. USDA programs are widely applicable. Register at SAM.gov for federal grants.

Featured Opportunities17 Active

National Association for the Self-EmployedSmall Business

Award Amount

$4,000 - $4,000

NASE Growth Grant 2025

National, US
Closes: Rolling
WomensNetSmall Business

Award Amount

$10,000 - $25,000

Amber Grant for Women

National, US
Closes: Monthly
National Science FoundationTechnology

Award Amount

$275,000 - $275,000

America's Seed Fund (SBIR Phase I)

National, US
Closes: Rolling
FedExSmall Business

Award Amount

$10,000 - $10,000

FedEx Entrepreneur Fund (Boost Camp)

National, US
Closes: 2025-11-21
USDAAgriculture

Award Amount

$10,000 - $500,000

Rural Business Development Grants

National, US
Closes: Varies
American ExpressSmall Business

Award Amount

$5,000 - $5,000

American Express Backing Small Business

National, US
Closes: 2025-04-07
SkipSmall Business

Award Amount

$1,000 - $1,000

Skip Monthly Business Grants

National, US
Closes: Monthly
IFundWomenSmall Business

Award Amount

$5,000 - $5,000

IFundWomen Universal Grant

National, US
Closes: Rolling
VerizonSmall Business

Award Amount

$10,000 - $10,000

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready

National, US
Closes: Rolling
PayPal / VenmoSmall Business

Award Amount

$10,000 - $10,000

Venmo Small Business Grant

National, US
Closes: Varies
LegalZoom / NBASmall Business

Award Amount

$10,000 - $10,000

LegalZoom Fast Break for Small Business

National, US
Closes: 2025-09-13
CartierSmall Business

Award Amount

$30,000 - $100,000

Cartier Women's Initiative

National, US
Closes: 2025-06-30
Boundless Futures FoundationSmall Business

Award Amount

$50,000 - $50,000

EmpowHer Grant

National, US
Closes: 2026-01-30
American ExpressSmall Business

Award Amount

$20,000 - $20,000

Amex Shop Small Grants

National, US
Closes: 2026-01-23
IntuitSmall Business

Award Amount

$20,000 - $20,000

Intuit Small Business Hero

National, US
Closes: 2026-02-14
SkipSmall Business

Award Amount

$10,000 - $10,000

Skip's $10k Kickoff Grant

National, US
Closes: 2026-01-31
BrevaSmall Business

Award Amount

$5,000 - $5,000

Breva Thrive Grant

National, US
Closes: 2026-01-31

Frequently Asked Questions

What grants are available in North Dakota?

ND offers Workforce Enhancement Grants, the ND Development Fund, Centers of Excellence grants, Bank of North Dakota financing, agricultural grants, and federal SBIR/STTR and USDA programs.

Don't see a perfect match?

Most businesses rely on lines of credit rather than grants. Check your eligibility for up to $250k in fast funding.

Check Funding Eligibility
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