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 Discovering the potential of crypto currency in El Salvador
While on vacation in El Salvador, Commerce Commissioner James Leiman met with leadership from the Ministries of Economy, Trade and Foreign Affairs to discuss mining crypto currency. El Salvador is the only nation on earth where bitcoin is a legal tender. With billions in crypto projects, North Dakota has the potential to power the world and mine crypto.
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Last week Gov. Doug Burgum shared with us the many advancements our state has achieved and is anticipated to reach within the next decade.
One of the main points addressed is that our state is truly a land of opportunity. North Dakota possesses an abundance of natural resources that are fundamental in meeting the world’s production needs in a volatile global environment.
Our two main industries, agriculture and energy, are at the forefront of this trend. Both have been instrumental for society and humanity but, now we must be innovative and bolder than ever given the world’s evolution toward new uses of our products.
The abundance of natural gas our state produces in conjunction with our oil production provides a path to several economic advancement opportunities. In fact, North Dakota is working diligently to add value to our most precious assets as economic multipliers will create opportunities for generations to come.
Achieving carbon neutrality is an avenue we must take to ensure our state does not lose sight of the position it holds in the current and future global market. We will increase energy production, meet global demand for new and innovative products, work with communities across the state to realize their full potential and ensure that North Dakota has the highest GDP per capita in the country. Hard work, merit, and innovation will accelerate the pathways for both energy and agricultural producers.
Just within this last year, plans were announced for a $350 million soybean crushing facility in Spiritwood, a large corn mill in Grand Forks, a $2.8 billion gas-to-liquids complex in Williams County, a hydrogen hub near Beulah, a $1.9 billion data center near Williston and a $4.5 billion carbon capture pipeline and storage project. This is just a sampling of the projects that the state has worked hard to recruit.
Economic development is aggressive, branding our state and its contribution to the global economy takes tenacity and grit, but rest assured, optimizing the use of our natural resources will result in economic growth and diversification that is unparalleled in our region.
Additionally, the North Dakota Department of Commerce is engaged in more than $30 billion of projects that are currently underway. This is the foundation for growth that just a few years ago seemed out of reach. These projects touch every part of the state and will improve workforce opportunities and quality of life. Come with us on this journey!
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2022 influencer co-op update
 The 2021 influencer co-op program was very successful capturing partnerships with 15 influential social media creators from nine states. To date this has resulted in more than 1,461,157 impressions and 160,699 social media engagements.
We are gearing up for the 2022 influencer co-op and still have a few remaining opportunities for partners. If you are interested in being part of the program, please contact Kim Schmidt at ksschmidt@nd.gov.
Keep up with the latest travel and tourism trends!
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LIFT Committee awards $750,000 to two companies in February
The Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee awarded a total of $750,000 to two companies for the month of February.
“The LIFT Committee continues to meet monthly to review applications and award funding,” Commerce Head of Investments and Innovation Shayden Akason said. “The innovation loan fund currently has $8.1 million remaining to be awarded this biennium. Eligible companies may apply at business.nd.gov/lift/.”
February LIFT recipients include:
- Airial Robotics, an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) company based in Germany, was awarded $500,000 to design and manufacture equipment to fly faster, longer, further and carry more payload. The total amount awarded is contingent. Funds will be incrementally released as the company hires North Dakota-based employees.
- Tailorie, Inc., a Grand Forks company that developed a social discovery platform connecting consumers with brands relevant to what’s important to the consumer, was awarded $250,000. The company will use funds to increase team size and onboard customers to the app.
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Commerce suspends new applications for Innovate ND
Commerce announced today that new applications for Innovate ND are suspended until further notice.
The suspension comes from the high demand for program offerings and a limited budget capacity for this biennium.
“The high interest we have seen in the program reflects the strong entrepreneurial ecosystem we have in North Dakota,” Commerce Head of Investments and Innovation Shayden Akason said. “The suspension is temporary, and the team at Commerce is working diligently to continue assisting our state’s entrepreneurs.”
Innovate ND is a voucher and grant program available to entrepreneurs in North Dakota. The program provides resources to assist with turning an innovative idea into a profitable business.
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 Do you have an idea for a small community project? If so, the Main Street Vibrancy Grant may be a great fit to bring your vision to fruition!
Applications for the Main Street Initiative 2022 Vibrancy Grant are currently being accepted through March 31.
The Vibrancy Grant Program supports local efforts to increase community vibrancy by providing seed funding for a small project that will build momentum and inspire additional projects.
“Community vibrancy improves quality of life, helps attract and retain workforce, and enhances community pride, Commerce Community Services Director Maria Effertz Hanson said. “This program is designed to meet the needs of every community in North Dakota. Whether your community wants to add public art, activate underutilized space, or promote walking and biking, funding from this grant will inspire others in your community to engage and contribute to the community vibrancy that improves quality of life for both visitors and residents.”
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 AmeriCorps Grant is open for applications
The AmeriCorps Grant provides assistance for programs to recruit, train, and supervise AmeriCorps members meeting critical community needs in the areas of education, disaster services, health, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and service to veterans and military families. Grant applicants design service activities for a team of members serving full- or part-time for one year or during the summer.
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