Grants can help North Dakota businesses pay for training, exporting and new technology without taking on debt. Most programs are competitive and have specific eligibility rules, and many fund organizations rather than individual businesses, so read the requirements before you apply. North Dakota has 78,219 small businesses, according to the SBA’s 2025 state profile.
Grants are one way to cover the early costs of starting a business. Our guide to grants to aid small businesses also covers programs available nationwide.
What are small business grants?
Government agencies, companies, and foundations sometimes offer grants to businesses. Grants come in different sizes and shapes, and some have specific conditions. Grants don’t need to be repaid as long as you use the money as agreed.
That’s the main difference from a loan, which you repay with interest. Grant money can also help with startup expenses, such as the cost of forming a North Dakota LLC.
North Dakota state-specific grants for 2026
- Technical Skills Training Grant: The Technical Skills Training Grant helps North Dakota businesses offset the cost of training employees in highly skilled technical roles. Businesses can receive up to $200,000 for new-job training (Track A) or up to $100,000 for upskilling current staff (Track B), with a 1:1 match. The application period is open. Visit the North Dakota Department of Commerce website at commerce.nd.gov/services-assistance/grant-programs for current funding availability and application details.
State Energy Program
Any organization may apply to the State Energy Program (SEP), but public entities get priority: schools, local governments, state agencies and nonprofits come before for-profit businesses. Grants range from $7,500 to $75,000 and fund activities like energy audits, efficiency upgrades, and educational programs.
Apply by March 1 to be considered for the next program year (July 1 to June 30).
Applications and procedures
- Applicants must be registered at SAM.gov
- Applicants must be for future projects (cannot have a project already underway)
- Purchase of goods exceeding $10,000 require three bids. If less, an explanation letter must be sent to the program manager
- Additional information can be found on the website
Industry-specific and niche grants
These programs focus on specific industries, such as technology, agriculture and energy. Each has its own requirements.
1. Innovate ND
The Innovate grant helps entrepreneurs grow their business by supporting customer and market research. Innovate ND is closed for the 2025 to 2027 biennium. It reimbursed up to $25,000 per phase (up to $50,000 total) over two six-month phases. Applicants are scored, and top applicants pitch to a panel. Check with the Department of Commerce for the next round.
The program is delivered through four regional entrepreneur centers staffed with certified business coaches who provide one-on-one guidance throughout the process.
2. Native American Small Business Support Program
The North Dakota Department of Commerce offers funding to support Native American-owned small businesses across the state. Unlike several of the other programs on this page, this funding goes directly to individual businesses. The $600,000 for the 2025 to 2027 biennium has been awarded to 15 businesses. Contact the Department of Commerce (701-328-5300) about future rounds.
3. Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program
The North Dakota Department of Commerce has offered grant funding of up to $7.5 million, awarded as a single grant or divided among multiple recipients, to support initiatives that advance autonomous agriculture in the state. In 2025 the program awarded $7.5 million to Greenfield Robotics and Grand Farm. No new round is open.
Federal grants available to North Dakota businesses
Federal programs such as SBIR, STTR and STEP fund research and exporting, and the SBA can point you to other resources.
1. SBIR Small Business Innovation Research
SBIR Small Business Innovation Research and STTR Small Business Technology Transfer let federal agencies award competitive research and development funding to small businesses.
2. STTR Small Business Technology Transfer
STTR is similar to SBIR, but the small business must partner with a university or nonprofit research institution.
Application and conditions for eligibility
There are grants sponsored by the Department of Defense (DOD) that can be found here.
Note: The SBIR and STTR programs lapsed on September 30, 2025, after Congress missed the reauthorization deadline. Both programs were reauthorized on April 13, 2026, and are now active through September 30, 2031.
3. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA mostly funds organizations that help small businesses, such as business development centers. Its North Dakota District Office can point you to local resources.
4. STEP State Trade Expansion Program
The State Trade Expansion Program helps small businesses sell goods in international markets. In North Dakota, STEP is run by the North Dakota Trade Office. It reimburses 75% of eligible export costs, up to $5,000 per activity and up to $10,000 across a company’s first two applications, for activities completed by September 29, 2027.
Corporate and private foundation grants for 2026
Some companies and organizations offer grants open to North Dakota businesses:
- National Association of Self Employed: Awards Growth Grants of up to $4,000 to members each quarter.
- Verizon: Awards $10,000 grants after completing two free courses on Verizon’s Digital Ready platform.
Conclusion
Grants are essential to helping small businesses in North Dakota thrive. They provide vital financial support that eases operational strain and fosters innovation, growth, and resilience. From state initiatives like the Technical Skills Training Grant to national opportunities through the SBA, SBIR, and STTR, there are many ways to secure funding that strengthens both your business and the local economy.
Private organizations such as NASE and Verizon continue to play an important role in fueling entrepreneurship, offering grant money and resources to small businesses nationwide. By researching, planning carefully, and applying strategically, you can position your business for lasting success, and perhaps one day, pay it forward by helping other entrepreneurs do the same.