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Commerce recently completed a key step in pursuing national accreditation through the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) program. During a June site visit, peer reviewers met with Commerce leadership, staff and partners from across the state to evaluate the department’s strategy, operations, partnerships and performance against rigorous national standards. For North Dakota, pursuing accreditation helps validate the state’s approach to economic development, strengthen credibility with businesses and investors, and reinforce a commitment to accountability, transparency, continuous improvement and long-term growth for communities across the state.
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Communities, employers and workforce partners have until June 30, 2026 to apply for funding through the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP), an initiative designed to address workforce challenges through innovative, locally driven solutions. The program supports projects that strengthen talent attraction, retention and workforce development efforts, helping regions respond to workforce needs in ways that make sense for their communities. By investing in collaborative approaches and strategic partnerships, RWIP helps build stronger talent pipelines and supports long-term economic growth across North Dakota. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to submit their proposals before the deadline.
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The Tribal Tourism Grants Program aim to help North Dakota’s tribal nations strengthen and grow tourism by supporting projects that enhance cultural experiences, improve visitor amenities and expand authentic Indigenous experiences. The grants will provide $20,000 per tribe to boost visibility, attract more visitors and support tourism-driven economic activity that encourage longer stays throughout the State.
The following projects have been awarded funding:
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa - The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa will enhance the inaugural International Peace Powwow by supporting cultural experience, event logistics and enhancing the overall experience of the powwow for visitors.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe - The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe will develop the Akicita Hanska Riverfront Shelter and Picnic Area, adding a new public shelter, picnic amenities, interpretive signage and food‑sovereignty features to strengthen recreation, cultural tourism, and riverfront access.
Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation (MHA Nation) - MHA Nation will renovate the Earthlodge Village by safely removing an aging earthlodge and rebuilding it with traditional materials to preserve cultural heritage and maintain a premier cultural tourism destination.
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate (SWO) - Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate will use the funds to attract participants for the 2026 Annual Wacipi and invest in event promotion and visitor data collection to grow attendance and boost tourism during the celebration.
Spirit Lake Tribe - The Spirit Lake Tribe will enhance its Annual Powwow through the expansion of promotional efforts, vendor improvements and added cultural demonstrations to attract more visitors and strengthen cultural tourism.
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The city of Hebron has reinstated its Renaissance Zone designation, signaling renewed interest in a program designed to support redevelopment and investment in designated areas of the community. Hebron originally established a Renaissance Zone in 2010 but allowed the designation to lapse in 2025 after no projects moved forward. With the designation now back in place, city leaders are taking another look at how the program can help encourage future growth. Administered through the Commerce, the Renaissance Zone Program provides communities with a tool to promote revitalization through tax incentives tied to residential and commercial development projects.
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Economic Development & Finance Director Rich Garman joined the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation Annual Meeting to discuss the importance of readiness in today’s competitive economic development environment. Garman highlighted Jamestown’s longstanding leadership in strategic planning, infrastructure investment and partnerships, noting that Spiritwood Energy Park has become a statewide model for preparing communities for future opportunities. He also shared updates on Commerce’s broader readiness initiatives, including statewide site readiness efforts and the implementation of LOIS/LASSO, emphasizing that communities willing to prepare, collaborate and do the work are best positioned to compete for future investment.
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Commerce Economic Development & Finance Director Rich Garman recently addressed the Mandan Marathon Community Advisory Panel, highlighting the strategic intersection of energy and agriculture in North Dakota's economic future. The presentation offered key insights into state development priorities while further strengthening the partnership between the local refinery and the community.
The 2026 North Dakota Statewide Community Needs Assessment is officially underway, with survey collection continuing through June 30, 2026.
Conducted in partnership with North Dakota State University, the assessment gathers input from low-income households across the state to help guide strategic planning, program development and funding priorities. Community Action agencies and partners are working together to ensure communities across North Dakota are represented and heard.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library was recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning, highlighting the immersive new destination taking shape in the North Dakota Badlands. The segment explores Roosevelt’s deep connection to the state, the natural landscape that helped shape his conservation legacy and how the library will bring his story to life for visitors from around the world.
The Native American Small Business Support Program is helping Native entrepreneurs across North Dakota grow and strengthen their businesses through investments in operations, expansion and long-term sustainability.
Awarded projects support a variety of business needs, including equipment, workforce development, marketing and other strategic improvements.
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North Dakota is preparing to showcase its scenery, recreation, culture, lifestyle and innovation at the Great American State Fair, a national event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
Tourism partners were recently invited to submit sunflower-themed attractions, products, dining experiences and events that help showcase the many ways communities across the state celebrate one of North Dakota's most iconic crops.
The effort will help inspire travelers to explore even more sunflower-related experiences while supporting local businesses and attractions.
North Dakota is preparing to showcase its tourism assets, culture and innovation at the Great American State Fair, a national event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
The immersive exhibit, developed by Commerce's Tourism and Marketing Division in partnership with the Office of the Governor and key statewide partners, will highlight the state's landscapes, wildlife, agriculture, premier travel experiences and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, while introducing visitors to North Dakota's strong economy, quality of life and leading industries.
Commerce's Communications Manager Kim Schmidt recently presented at the Midwest Travel Network Conference in IL, where she spoke on the value of strong partnerships between media and destinations.
The event brought together travel writers, influencers, bloggers, content creators and tourism professionals from across the Midwest. Throughout the week, attendees participated in educational sessions, professional development and networking opportunities.
Governors are investing state dollars to strengthen workforce pipelines, with North Dakota’s Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) showing how flexible, regional grants can quickly address local needs. RWIP funds solutions in areas like child care, training, and talent attraction to accelerate workforce growth. Across states, these initiatives are reshaping coordination and building stronger workforce systems.
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Now Accepting Applications
The Fly-In Grant Program provides up to $25,000 in matching funds for communities to host fly‑in events that connect job seekers with employers and showcase local quality of life. The program will help strengthen statewide workforce efforts by helping communities build meaningful connections with prospective workers and by giving candidates a firsthand look at the opportunities North Dakota offers.
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Community Chats Webinar: Strengthening Communities Through Girls’ Mental Health Programs
June 30, 2026 | 1 P.M. - 2 P.M.
Discover how communities across North Dakota can support the mental wellness and development of adolescent girls during this Community Chats webinar featuring BIO Girls Founder and CEO Missy Heilman. Participants will learn how mentorship, physical activity and strong community connections can help girls build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.
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September 3, 2026 | Bismarck, ND
Bismarck State College | NECE Building
SAVE THE DATE! At the Global Talent Summit, attendees will gain valuable insights from national and international experts on key aspects of global talent and immigration as a workforce solution. Topics include updates on the U.S. immigration landscape, strategies for recruiting entry-level and skilled trade workers, recruiting advanced degree holders, and effective integration and retention practices.
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SAVE THE DATE | September 23, 2026
Bismarck, ND
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SAVE THE DATE | October 15, 2026
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
Medora, ND
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What started as one grandson’s concern for his grandmothers has grown into a life-changing innovation for seniors and caregivers across the country. North Dakota entrepreneur Peter Chamberlain created WalkWise after realizing the people he loved most wouldn’t wear a smartwatch — but they always used their walkers. The result was a smart device that attaches to mobility aids and tracks usage in real time, helping detect falls, inactivity and other warning signs while encouraging safer, more consistent use.
With support from the North Dakota Development Fund, WalkWise has expanded into 20 states and is helping older adults maintain independence while giving families greater peace of mind. Read the full story to learn how a personal challenge sparked a nationwide solution.
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The Office of Community Development and Rural Prosperity (CDRP) works with local leaders, regional organizations and statewide partners to help communities address challenges and pursue new opportunities. Through community visits, webinars, collaborative forums and partnerships with state, federal and nonprofit organizations, CDRP helps connect communities to resources, funding, leadership training and technical support related to priorities like workforce, childcare, placemaking and community vitality.
Partners interested in collaborating with CDRP can engage through local and regional planning efforts, shared problem-solving conversations and cross-sector initiatives that support stronger communities across North Dakota.
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