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Holiday Greetings from Commerce
December 18, 2025
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 🎄Happy Holidays from Team Commerce🎄
As the year comes to a close, the North Dakota Department of Commerce sends our warmest wishes to the communities and partners who make our state extraordinary.
This season is a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made together. From showcasing the unique spirit of our towns and cities to advancing initiatives that strengthen our economy, workforce, and quality of life, your dedication has helped shape a brighter future for North Dakota.
We are especially thankful for the partnerships that brought our state’s beauty, resilience, and opportunity to the forefront. Whether through destination development, community celebrations, or the many ways you’ve helped us share North Dakota’s story, your efforts have made a lasting impact.
Thank you for your continued support, creativity, and commitment to our shared mission. We look forward to building on this momentum in the new year.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, connection, and celebration.
Warm regards,
The Commerce Team
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 EnGen helps employers support English language learning at no cost
EnGen is available to employers at no cost to help support employees who are non-English or limited English speakers. This resource provides flexible, accessible English Language Learning (ELL) tailored to the needs of diverse workplaces.
By offering EnGen, employers can improve communication, boost employee confidence, and strengthen workforce development—all without impacting their budget. Whether you're onboarding new team members or supporting long-term staff, EnGen is a valuable tool for building a more inclusive and effective workplace.
To learn more, go to https://getengen.com/north-dakota.
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Make your brochures a road trip staple
Join the North Dakota Rest Area Brochure Program
Looking for a smart way to reach road-trippers, families, and first-time visitors? The North Dakota Rest Area Brochure Program offers cost-effective, high-impact visibility at 14 Department of Transportation rest areas and two State Historical Society visitor centers.
Why participate:
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Prime exposure at high-traffic travel stops
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Flexible options—select one or multiple locations
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Affordable marketing—just $300 if you enroll by Jan. 15 ($325 after)
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Streamlined logistics—deliver once to Presort Plus by April 3, and we’ll take it from there
Enrollment deadline: March 1, 2026
Questions? Contact Mike Jensen, Tourism Outdoor Recreation Manager
📞 701-328-2509 | ✉️ mjjensen@nd.gov
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 Warming homes and strengthening communities
As we close out the 2024 DOE/LIHEAP grant year, we’re proud to share the impact of our weatherization efforts across North Dakota. Thanks to the dedication of our teams and partners, we were able to make meaningful improvements in the lives of many residents:
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724 homes were successfully weatherized, helping families reduce energy costs and improve comfort.
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1,242 households received critical furnace assistance, ensuring safe and reliable heating during the harsh winter months.
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48 homes benefited from Readiness funds, which helped address structural or safety issues that previously prevented weatherization services.
These numbers reflect more than just completed projects. They represent families supported, homes made safer, and communities strengthened. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important work.
If you need assistance, please go to https://ndgov.link/NDWeatherization or contact your local Community Action Agency.
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 New opportunities for rural EDOs at the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit
Rural and tribal Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) can now apply to participate in the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit through two new programs:
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Invest in Rural America: First-time attendees may receive free registration, hotel accommodations, and access to exclusive investor engagement tools.
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Rural EDO Designation: Returning EDOs gain access to targeted programming, data resources, and networking with vetted international investors.
Up to 50 EDOs will be selected, with priority given to first-time participants.
Deadline to apply: Dec. 29, 2025
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Grant Opportunity |
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Rural Catalyst Grant
Deadline: Jan. 7, 2026
Supports rural and tribal communities in North Dakota to implement projects that improve quality of life and drive economic development.
Focus Areas:
- Community and economic development
- Health and wellness
- Education
- Transportation
- Preserving or reopening rural grocery stores
- Placemaking and downtown improvements
Eligibility:
- Municipalities, counties, tribes, job development authorities, regional councils, or other political subdivisions in North Dakota
- Communities with populations of 4,500 or fewer
- At least 50% of funds must go to communities with 1,500 or fewer residents
Requirements:
- Must provide a 1:1 local match (can include in-kind contributions such as donated labor, services, or materials)
- Projects must address a critical community need and demonstrate local collaboration
Native American Small Business Support Program
Deadline: Jan. 13, 2026
Supports Native American–owned small businesses in North Dakota.
Funding:
Up to $600,000 total available
Awards range from $10,000 to $600,000 per business
Eligibility:
Native American–owned (51%+ ownership)
For-profit entities with fewer than 500 employees
Located and operating in North Dakota
In good standing with state and federal requirements
Requirements:
Proposal letter with business details and impact
Must support business growth, sustainability, or competitiveness
Include outcomes, timeline, and budget
📩 Submit proposals to Shayden Akason at sakason@nd.gov
Base Enhancement Grant Program
Deadline: Jan. 21, 2026
Supports communities with Air Force and Air National Guard installations in North Dakota.
Funding:
- $600K – Minot
- $250K – Grand Forks
- $150K – Fargo
Eligibility:
Nonprofits, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and political subdivisions supporting Minot AFB, Grand Forks AFB, or Fargo ANG.
Requirements:
- Proposal letter with project details and impact
- Must support military mission enhancement
- Must include outcomes, timeline, and partnerships (if applicable)
📩 Submit proposals to Shayden Akason at sakason@nd.gov
Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP)
Deadline: Jan. 22, 2026
Empowers regional workforce entities to develop and implement locally led solutions to workforce challenges.
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Tracks:
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Track A: Sector strategy planning
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Track B: Implementation of sector strategies developed within the past five years
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Eligibility: Economic development orgs, cities, chambers of commerce, job development authorities, tribal entities, and regional councils
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Requirements:
- Must include at least one industry partner
- Must demonstrate a 25% match commitment
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Upcoming Events |
Join tourism professionals, marketers, and community leaders from across the state for the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference — a premier event packed with inspiring keynotes, hands-on sessions, and unmatched networking.
Whether you're building tourism infrastructure or promoting ND’s legendary experiences, this is the must-attend event of the year.
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Mark your calendars for IRU 2026, which will be held in Medora, ND, from April 27 to May 1. Stay tuned for further details regarding registration and sponsorship opportunities.
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In The News |
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Did You Know
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Commerce's Community Services team is powering progress in North Dakota communities?
Commerce's Community Services Division and the Office of Community Development and Rural Prosperity work together to strengthen communities statewide.
Their programs support housing, energy assistance, rural development, and workforce initiatives—tailored to meet local needs through collaboration and flexibility. These efforts help communities grow and adapt by connecting people, resources, and opportunities.
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