Commerce News | Sep. 6
Josh had an exciting trip to Alberta for the CEEA Energy Business Forum, featuring politicians, business leaders, and renowned speakers. Energy executives from across Canada gathered to discuss industry issues, forge partnerships, and enhance cross-border collaborations. This trip highlighted the importance of global energy security and economic prosperity through strengthened partnerships between North Dakota and Alberta energy providers.
Commerce will provide $25 million in funding for the Tourism Destination Development Program through program grants or grants for interest rate buy-downs, and each project can be awarded up to $5,000,000 under this program for the 2023-2025 biennium.
The Destination Marketing Association of North Dakota (DMAND) and North
Dakota Travel Alliance Partnership (TAP) is inviting travel and hospitality professionals to participate in a survey that aims to determine the value of a new statewide travel industry association for North Dakota. Thoughts and ideas shared by respondents will contribute to the development of initiatives that promote responsible and inclusive tourism practices, enhance visitor experiences, and support the local communities that are the backbone of our industry.
As Commerce has started to receive public comment on the Regional Workforce Impact Program’s (RWIP) website and grant guidelines, we have decided to extend the public comment period to Sep. 8, 2023. Please take some time and visit the website and review the overall updates of the website and the grant guidelines, which can be found at the bottom of the webpage. What will also be found at the bottom of the webpage will be a link to a public comment survey. Please review the grant guidance and leave your comments within the survey which will then be reviewed and taken into consideration while we finalize the grant guidance.
Commerce has launched the Creamery Assistance Grant, offering $250,000 to support creamery businesses in advancing economic and agricultural goals within the state. All registered creameries in North Dakota are eligible, with priority given to those with clear business plans aligned with state objectives. Applications are due by Sep. 25, 2023.
Commerce's Legacy Investment for Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee proudly announces the allocation of a significant $1.25 million in funding to two companies this August.
The August LIFT grant beneficiaries are as follows:
- MAC Company - $1,000,000 awarded to this company in West Fargo to develop an innovative SwingSteer loader.
- Protosthetics - $250,000 awarded to this Fargo company offering hardware and software solutions for orthotic and prosthetic clinics.
The program aims to strengthen local food systems, improve grocery supply quality, encourage local partnerships, support innovative solutions, foster rural community development, and promote economic collaboration. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local entities, economic development organizations, and tribal entities.
Join Professor Grace Karikari for a free chat on grant writing and administration on Sep. 7 at 11p.m. CDT. Grace will walk through the grant writing process, determining the best grant for your situation and delve into how to share your needs in a compelling and factual manner. She will briefly touch on how to keep records and accountability in the grant administration process.
There will be a 15-minute segment for Q&A as well, so we ask that you please submit your questions to communitydevelopment@nd.gov.
 Gain valuable insights to help you build and enhance your community for the future. This year's Summit offers a range of valuable add-ons. Explore various tours, covering topics from art, culture, development, to energy, designed to provide you with practical knowledge and valuable experiences. Some of these include:
- Artists on Main Street Cohort Meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 24, 12:30 – 3:30 pm
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park Guided Bus Tour – Oct. 24, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
- Ag & Energy Tour – Oct. 24, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
- Arts and Culture Walking Tour – Oct. 24, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Main Street Development Tour – Oct. 24, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Art Class – Oct. 24, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- End of the Rope Movie Showing – Oct. 24, 7:00 – 9:30 pm
- Watford City High School Ambassadors Cultural Fair – Wednesday, Oct. 25, 4:00 pm
- Post-Summit Watford City Community Tour – Thursday, Oct. 26, 8:30 – 11:30 am
**The event will feature a Spanish translator and an ASL interpreter to ensure all guests are accommodated.
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