Small Business Grants in North Dakota
North Dakota offers over 15 active grant and financial assistance programs for small businesses, administered primarily through the North Dakota Department of Commerce.
In This Article
Which North Dakota grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 12 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
North Dakota Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to North Dakota small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Innovate ND Grant Program
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Up to $50,000 in reimbursable expenses
Deadline May 14, 2026A two-phase voucher reimbursement program offering up to $25,000 per phase. Provides hands-on coaching through four regional entrepreneur centers to help you validate your product, develop your business model, and identify customers.
Status check, Page states Application period is now closed. The most recent application deadline listed was May 14, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST with panel meeting July 8, 2026.
Last verified, Jul 13, 2026
Destination Development Grant (DDG)
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Up to $4,000,000 (current round)
March 2026Funds the development or expansion of tourism attractions that strengthen North Dakota's economy. Requires a 1-to-1 match (cash or in-kind). For-profit businesses, nonprofits, and tourism entities are eligible.
Status check, Application period is now closed. Page states funding levels and program guidelines will be confirmed following the conclusion of the 2027 spring legislative session if additional funding is received.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
Native American Small Business Support Program
North Dakota Department of Commerce
$10,000 - $600,000
ClosedProvides flexible awards to support the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of Native American-owned small businesses. Applicants must be at least 51% Native American-owned, for-profit, with fewer than 500 employees.
Status check, Page announces awards have already been made to 15 businesses. All funds must be expended by June 30, 2027. No indication of future application rounds.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
Rural Catalyst Grant
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Up to $500,000 per project
Deadline Apr 15, 2026Supports quality of life improvement and economic development projects in rural communities. Awards require a one-for-one community non-state match. All available funds under the current cycle have been distributed.
Status check, The application period closed April 15, 2026, all funds under SB 2390 have been awarded, and the Department of Commerce explicitly called the latest round the final round. No new application windows are listed.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
Technical Skills Training Grant
North Dakota Department of Commerce, Workforce Development Division
$50,000 - $200,000 (varies by track)
RollingOffsets costs for employers and training providers developing accelerated workforce training programs. Three tracks cover new training programs (Track A), internal upskilling (Track B), and workforce automation enhancement (Track C).
Status check, Online application period is now open with rolling deadline. Grant guidance updated as of June 11, 2026. Three tracks available with amounts from $50,000 to $200,000 depending on track.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Up to $7,500,000
Deadline Oct 2, 2025Competitive funding to support transformative autonomous agriculture projects, including ag-tech commercialization, workforce training, unmanned systems, and precision equipment deployment. Must have a permanent presence in North Dakota.
Status check, The 2025 RFP closed October 2, 2025 at 5 p.m. CT. Grants were awarded to Greenfield Robotics and Grand Farm, and no new application round has been announced.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Up to $1,000,000 (total appropriation)
RollingA pilot program supporting rural grocery store sustainability and food access expansion. Commerce is working to establish guidelines and award funding later in the biennium.
Status check, Page states all funds committed for the Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant program. Appropriated $1M with parenthetical note that all funds committed.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most North Dakota grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most North Dakota grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in North Dakota.
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
North Dakota actively supports tech and innovation startups through the Innovate ND program, which offers up to $50,000 in voucher reimbursements. The Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program also funds ag-tech commercialization and unmanned systems projects.
- ›Innovate ND Grant Program
- ›Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program
Rural Business Grants
Rural businesses and communities benefit from several targeted programs, including the Rural Catalyst Grant, Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant, and USDA Rural Business Development Grants. Many North Dakota programs prioritize rural economic development.
- ›Rural Catalyst Grant
- ›Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Minority-owned Business Grants
The Native American Small Business Support Program offers $10,000 to $600,000 in flexible awards for Native American-owned businesses in North Dakota. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification through NDDOT may also open additional contracting opportunities.
- ›Native American Small Business Support Program
- ›NDDOT DBE Certification
Women-owned Business Grants
The North Dakota Women's Business Center (NDWBC) curates funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The ND SBDC also provides specialized consulting for women-owned businesses on business planning and financing.
- ›North Dakota Women's Business Center
- ›ND SBDC
Veteran-owned Business Grants
The Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) of the Dakotas, hosted at UND, provides specialized business advising for veterans. The ND SBDC offers tailored guidance on financing and market dynamics for veteran entrepreneurs.
- ›VBOC of the Dakotas
- ›ND SBDC
Tips for Applying in North Dakota
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Contact your local ND SBDC office (https://und.edu/ndsbdc/) for free, confidential business advising and grant application guidance before you apply.
- 2Ensure your business is registered and in good standing with the North Dakota Secretary of State's Office, as this is a requirement for most state grant programs including Innovate ND.
- 3Review scoring criteria thoroughly. North Dakota state grants often use 100-point evaluation systems that weigh factors like workforce development, commercialization potential, and measurable economic impact.
- 4Check DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certification eligibility through NDDOT if your business qualifies. This can open additional procurement and contracting opportunities.
- 5Submit applications through the specified online portals only. Many programs (including the Destination Development Grant) do not accept email or mail submissions.
State Economic Development Agency
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Coordinates nearly 50 programs and services to support business, workforce, and community development across North Dakota.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in North Dakota can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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