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North Dakota's tourism industry received a major boost during the 68th Legislative Assembly, which appropriated $25 million of the $50 million proposed in Gov Burgum’s budget, for tourism development under HB1018. The Destination Development Grant Program, which will be open for applications on July 3, will provide grants of up to $5 million (per project) for the 2023-2025 biennium. The program will focus on infrastructure construction and expansion, which will create unique anchor destinations that drive future secondary attractions, enhance residents' quality of life, and attract talent workforce. This represents a significant opportunity for North Dakota's tourism industry.
For more information on all the new Commerce grant programs appropriated in the 2023 legislation, visit https://www.commerce.nd.gov/services-assistance/grant-programs.
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 Join in June 13 for this free online chat with the North Dakota Department of Commerce and Benjamin Winchester, a rural sociologist from the University of Minnesota Extension’s Center for Community Vitality, on discussions around resident recruitment in rural America. Bringing in new residents is vital to ensure the future of our rural communities. Studies of the motivations and factors related to rural workforce document a “brain gain” whereby people age 30-60 are moving to small towns and rural places since the 1970s, providing a re-invigoration of social, economic and demographic life. This model incorporates research on community development, economic development and tourism. Recruitment of residents is especially important in a tight labor market as it’s no longer sufficient to only show new potential residents the job; they must envision their life there. See how we live in the "middle of everywhere" across rural spaces such as Park River, Beach, Carrington and more.
 You're invited to attend this Main Street Visit, for more information contact Emma Cook at ecook@nd.gov, 701-226-6091, or visit MainStreetND.com.
Small business training opportunity
Join small business owners across North Dakota at the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses training team provides free training in business financials, marketing, operations, and more to help grow your business. Participants for this best-in-class program are compensated for food and lodging for the duration of the course. Application deadline is June 29, 2023.
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Thales and North Dakota Department of Commerce sign MOU for Drone Integration
Thales, a global leader in air traffic management, and the North Dakota Department of Commerce have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further expand the Nation’s First Statewide Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Network.
"The partnership between Thales and North Dakota in the BVLOS development is a significant step towards advancing autonomous technologies,” Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen said. "This collaboration will further enhance the safe, secure, and efficient integration of UAS into the U.S. and national airspace. Perhaps most importantly, this agreement allows the state of North Dakota and Thales to work collaboratively to monetize the investments made by both parties over the several years leading up to this monumental agreement.”
A Refreshed, Refocused ND Development Fund
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The North Dakota Development Fund, Inc. (NDDF) CEO Jessica Tooke announces an updated mission statement and a refreshed, more user-friendly NDDF website for businesses across the state. The fund’s principal mission is to provide flexible financing to catalyze the development and expansion of businesses in the state of North Dakota.
“Our mission and vision statement, along with our organizational values, are meant to inspire our team members and the communities we serve while also helping guide us in the short and long term," said Tooke. "These will influence our priorities, activities, and responsibilities for the years ahead.”
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Burgum announces development of 14th state park at Pembina Gorge with funding approved during session
The Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area (PGSRA) will be developed into North Dakota’s 14th state park with funding secured by the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department (NDPRD) during the 2023 legislative session, Gov. Doug Burgum recently announced.
Development of the park will include underground utilities, roads, an approximately 35-site campground, six all-season, full-service cabins, a comfort station, shop and seasonal staff accommodations at a cost of approximately $8 million. Future development of the park may include a visitor center with indoor and outdoor learning areas and retail and office space. The 2023 Legislature approved $6 million dollars for the new park facilities. The additional $2 million for the initial development will come from a matching federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant.
IPW 2023 recap
Last month, the Commerce Tourism and Marketing team, along with tourism representatives from Bismarck, Fargo, Minot (representing highway 2) and Standing Rock (representing North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance), journeyed to San Antonio. Their purpose was to establish connections with international travel leaders at the 2023 U.S. Travel Association’s IPW event. This prestigious international marketplace attracts over 5,000 individuals from 60 countries and serves as the foremost catalyst for travel to the United States.
 The Workforce Development Council (WDC) met at the Microsoft Campus in Fargo on June 1 to celebrate workforce successes during the legislative session and to start discussing strategy for the next biennium. The WDC’s 2022 report of recommendations influenced appropriations and policy in more than ten bills that passed. Governor Burgum thanked the WDC for its leadership and encouraged the board to build on this momentum.
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 The NDTO is excited to announce the ExportND program as an exclusive member benefit
The ExportND program seeks to assist North Dakota Trade Office (NDTO) member companies in expanding internationally and supporting their expansion into new markets. This reimbursement program intends to supplement state and federal funding for companies seeking additional export opportunities. Each company can apply for up to $5000 with multiple projects all under one application. The activities must take place between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
Don’t delay. The application window is open from June 1 through June 16, 2023. For more information on how to apply and program guidelines, read more here. Questions can be sent to amanda@ndto.com or call 701-929-6703
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