Storefront Improvement Grants provide matching funds up to $5,000 to incentivize business and property owners to improve storefront appearances and assist in reducing the cost of capital improvements. Eligible improvements include external doors, windows, awnings, canopies, permanent outdoor lighting, reconfiguration of entrances and permanent landscaping.   

Program Guidelines

Grant Application

Flex PACE and PACE Loans

Pembina County JDA is a source of local match for Bank of North Dakota Flex PACE and PACE loans in partnership with a lead local bank. The JDA Director will work with the client and bank to identify the optimal financial package.

Direct Loans 

Direct loans from the JDA are limited as there are multiple other organizations that may serve this need. Loan terms to be determined by the Board on a case-by-case basis. 

The JDA provides grants on a limited basis as defined below.

Grants can be provided in these circumstances: 

• Non-profit and public organizations with projects that enhance community and meeting the JDA’s mission; or 
• Feasibility studies with the business investing at least 25% of the cost. If the business is developed outside the county, the feasibility study dollars become a loan with terms like other JDA loans.  The JDA requires a copy of the final study.
• For any project at the board’s discretion that fits with the JDA’s mission.

The PCJDA provides technical assistance to businesses, organizations and communities:

• Assist communities, organizations, and businesses in identifying development opportunities and securing resources.
• Develop, administer, and oversee economic and community development projects.
• Prepare or assist with grant applications and administer awarded grants.
• Foster collaborative relationships among local governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and regional partners.
• Promote economic development tools, financing programs, and business assistance resources.
• Provide technical assistance related to business plans, financing applications, and project feasibility.
• Support initiatives related to housing, childcare, workforce attraction, downtown revitalization, and community development.

Incentives

Strategic Tax Incentives for Local Growth 
Economic development incentives are powerful tools, but should be used strategically and with purpose. This quick guide provides a high-level overview of commonly used incentives used in North Dakota – and how to apply them responsibly. This guide helps think beyond “what’s available” and focus instead on choosing the right tool for the right opportunity, while keeping public interest top of mind. 

Business Development

North Dakota Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

ND SBDC provide business advising services to pre-venture and start-ups as well as existing businesses. 

Northeast ND Contact:
Nicole Evans
Office: 701.738.4851
Cell: 701.740.6786
Email: nicole@ndsbdc.org

SCORE

SCORE provides free, expert small business mentoring and workshops to entrepreneurs in communities across North Dakota. Small business owners can connect with experienced mentors for practical guidance at every stage of business.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) establishes annual goals for DBE participation on NDDOT projects, ensuring that DBE’s can compete fairly for state-funded transportation-related projects. DBE’s are businesses owned by women, minorities or other socially/economically disadvantaged persons meeting the NDDOT DBE program guidelines. To participate in the program, a potential DBE firm must be certified by NDDOT. The application for certification can be obtained from the DBE website.

Entrepreneurship Centers of North Dakota
The Entrepreneur Centers provide access to more than 20 financing programs and a network of organizations providing counseling, training and assistance to start-up and existing entrepreneurs.

CTB
CTB, formerly Center for Technology & Business, is a 501(c)(3) founded in 1999. Statewide services to emerging and experienced entrepreneurs include no-cost and confidential 1-on-1 business advising sessions, innovative and in-demand training opportunities, shared business services and hands-on technical support. Call (701) 223-0707 for assistance.

Women’s Business Center
A community of entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and economic development thought leaders with a shared goal of small business support. We are dedicated to amplifying the economic impact of our clients.

Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA provides loan and business counseling resources to help make your small business dreams become reality. It has added a new Small Business Classroom as a guide for business planning and entrepreneurial activities. There you will find 60 actual business plans and financial information and online classes.

North Dakota APEX Accelerator (ND APEX)
APEX Accelerator professionals advise businesses on how to obtain, manage, and comply with government contract requirements for the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local governments and government prime contractors. Services include one-on-one counseling, government market identification, capability statements, solicitation reviews, training webinars, in-person and online matchmaking opportunities, and development and activation of a bid match search profile unique to your business.

Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
VBOC of the Dakotas is a one-stop-shop for service members, veterans and military spouses looking to start, purchase or grow a business. VBOCs provide training workshops, including Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot, as well as business development assistance through training, advising and mentoring, and resource referrals.

NADC
Native American Development Center is advancing Native American communities in North Dakota through financial education and affordable lending services.