Business Grants and Resources for Single Mothers in North Dakota
Business Startup, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Assistance and Grants for Single Mothers in North Dakota
Last updated: September 2025
Emergency help first
- If you need immediate help keeping the lights on while you build your business, call 2-1-1 for local emergency aid, rent/utility help, and referrals.
- If you’re starting a child care business or need child care to work on your venture, contact Child Care Aware of North Dakota at 800-997-8515. They can match you with grants, training, and licensing help. (ndchildcare.org)
- If you’re a veteran or military spouse, the Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Dakotas (VBOC) offers free, specialized advising. Email or call the UND-hosted VBOC at the Center for Innovation in Grand Forks: see program details and contacts on their UND pages. (und.edu)
- If you’re ready to talk funding and a launch plan this week, call the ND Small Business Development Centers (ND SBDC) at 833-463-7232 or 701-777-3700 for free one‑on‑one advising statewide. (ndsbdc.org)
Quick help box
- Who to call today: ND SBDC at 833-463-7232 to get matched with an advisor and a funding roadmap. (ndsbdc.org)
- Best first financing call: your hometown bank or credit union plus the Bank of North Dakota (BND) info line 701-328-5795 for state-backed loan options. (bnd.nd.gov)
- Women-focused advising: North Dakota Women’s Business Center (NDWBC) at 701-223-0707 for coaching, classes, and child care business resources. (commerce.nd.gov, business.bismarckmandan.com)
- Child care providers: low‑interest Child Care Loan Program up to $1,000,000 at 2.5% fixed through the North Dakota Development Fund. Program contact 701-328-7252. (commerce.nd.gov)
- Government contracting: ND APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) for free help getting your first contract. Request services on UND’s site. (und.edu)
Quick reference cheat sheet
Program | What it offers | Max amount / key numbers | Where to apply |
---|---|---|---|
BND Beginning Entrepreneur Loan Guarantee | State guarantee to help a bank say yes to your startup loan | Up to 500,000∗∗loansize;guarantee∗∗85500,000** loan size; guarantee **85%** to **50%** depending on loan amount; net worth < **500,000; possible 1‑year interest‑only start | Work through your bank; program details at BND; phone 701-328-5795. (bnd.nd.gov) |
ND Development Fund (NDDF) | Gap financing via loans/equity for primary‑sector businesses | Up to $3,000,000; target up to 25% of project; minimum 15% owner equity | ND Commerce NDDF page; contact on site. (commerce.nd.gov) |
Child Care Loan Program (NDDF) | Low‑fixed loan for licensed child care providers | Up to 1,000,000∗∗perlocationat∗∗2.51,000,000** per location at **2.5%** fixed; up to **100%** financing to **100,000; over $100,000 requires 50% match | Apply via ND Commerce; contact Samantha Mattson 701-328-7252. (commerce.nd.gov) |
PACE / Flex PACE (BND) | Interest buydown on business loans; extra support for child care | PACE buydown up to 500,000∗∗perbiennium;FlexPACEbuydownupto∗∗500,000** per biennium; Flex PACE buydown up to **200,000 business / $300,000 child care; community match required | Through your lender and local economic development org; BND pages list details. (bnd.nd.gov) |
SBA Microloan | Smaller startup loans via nonprofit intermediaries | Up to $50,000; typical 8%‑13% interest; terms up to 7 years | Find ND microlenders via SBA microlender list. (sba.gov) |
SBA 7(a) | Versatile small‑biz financing | Up to $5,000,000; typical guarantees 75%–85% | Apply via SBA lenders or Lender Match; ND SBA office 701-239-5131. (sba.gov) |
SBA 504 (via Dakota Business Lending CDC) | Fixed‑rate owner‑occupied real estate/equipment | Up to $5.5M SBA portion; long terms | Start with a CDC like Dakota Business Lending. (sba.gov, dakotabusinesslending.com) |
Innovate ND (voucher) | Reimburses early customer discovery/validation | Up to $22,500 across phases; application status varies by round | ND Commerce page and application portal; NDWBC infosheet. (commerce.nd.gov, commerceportal.nd.gov, ndwbc.com) |
Operation Intern | Wage/tool match to hire interns/apprentices | Up to 5,000∗∗perintern;∗∗5,000** per intern; **25,000 per employer per round; 1:1 match; rounds fill fast | ND Commerce program page; contact 701-328-7263. (commerce.nd.gov) |
USDA Rural Business Development Grants | Grants flow to governments/tribes/nonprofits that support your rural business | 2025 ND deadline Feb 28, 2025; see set-asides | Work with your city/county/tribe + USDA RD ND. (rd.usda.gov) |
Who to contact first in North Dakota
- ND Small Business Development Centers: free advising on business plans, financials, loan packaging, and licenses. Call 833-463-7232 or 701-777-3700; see statewide locations including Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Bowman. (ndsbdc.org)
- SBA North Dakota District Office: help connecting with SBA lenders and certifications; 701-239-5131; office at 657 2nd Ave N, Fargo (M–F, 8:00–4:30). (sba.gov)
- North Dakota Women’s Business Center (NDWBC): women‑focused training and coaching; resources for starting and buying a business; 701-223-0707. (business.bismarckmandan.com)
- ND APEX Accelerator (government contracting): free SAM, certifications, and bid help; hosted by UND. (und.edu)
- VBOC of the Dakotas: veteran, service member, and military spouse entrepreneurs; workshops like Boots to Business (Minot/Grand Forks). (und.edu)
North Dakota Startup Money You Can Actually Use
Bank of North Dakota: partner‑powered loans and buydowns
Start with your community lender and ask them to look at BND programs that can reduce your rate or add a state guarantee.
- Beginning Entrepreneur Loan Guarantee
- What it is: the state guarantees a portion of your startup loan so your bank can approve it.
- Key numbers: guarantee up to 85% on loans ≤ 150,000∗∗,∗∗75150,000**, **75%** on **150,001–300,000∗∗,∗∗50300,000**, **50%** on **300,001–500,000∗∗;borrowernetworthmustbe∗∗<500,000**; borrower net worth must be **< 500,000; lender may allow 1‑year interest‑only start.
- Eligible uses: equipment, working capital, professional fees, licensed child care startups, and more.
- Apply: through your bank; questions to 701-328-5795. (bnd.nd.gov)
- Business Development Loan Program
- What it is: BND participates in higher‑risk loans your bank can’t do alone.
- Key numbers: BND participation up to $1,000,000; can finance real estate, equipment, working capital, refinancing. Rates are tied to Prime/FHLB benchmarks; typical terms: real estate 12–20 years, equipment 5–7, working capital 1–5. (bnd.nd.gov)
- PACE / Flex PACE interest buydowns
- What it is: your community raises a match and BND buys down your rate—extra help for child care projects.
- Key numbers: PACE buydown up to 500,000∗∗perbienniumperborrower;FlexPACEbuydownupto∗∗500,000** per biennium per borrower; Flex PACE buydown up to **200,000 for general business and $300,000 for child care per project; final rate can be as low as Prime – 5% with a 1% floor; community match required. (bnd.nd.gov)
- Venture Capital Fund / Value‑Added Guarantee / Match Program
- If you’re scaling a primary‑sector company or value‑added ag/energy, ask your SBDC/NDDF contact to explore these BND options as part of your stack. (bnd.nd.gov)
Reality check: BND does not lend directly to you—it partners with your bank. Expect to provide tax returns, a lean business plan, personal guarantee, and collateral. Underwriting can take 2–8 weeks depending on deal complexity.
What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your banker about pairing a smaller bank loan with an SBA Microloan for working capital, or apply for a NDDF gap‑financing piece described below. (sba.gov)
North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF): gap loans and equity
- What it is: flexible gap financing for new or expanding primary‑sector businesses—debt, subordinated debt, or equity.
- Key numbers: up to $3,000,000 per company; target ≤ 25% of project; 15% minimum owner equity. Terms 1–10 years depending on risk. (commerce.nd.gov)
- Angel Match Program: NDDF can match private angel checks into ND startups (recent quarter total $345,000 matched). Ask your NDDF contact if your round qualifies. (nd.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: talk to Dakota Business Lending about Community Impact Loans (1,000–1,000–250,000) or the SBA 504 if you’re buying owner‑occupied property. (vaultnd.com, dakotabusinesslending.com)
For licensed child care businesses
- Child Care Loan Program (NDDF): up to 1,000,000∗∗perlocationat∗∗2.51,000,000** per location at **2.5%** fixed; the program can fund **100% up to 100,000; projects over 100,000∗∗needa∗∗50100,000** need a **50%** match from equity/grants/private credit. Terms up to **10 years**; credit score target **640+** or qualified guarantor; **250 fee. Contact 701-328-7252. (commerce.nd.gov)
- Flex PACE—Child Care: interest buydown up to $300,000 on the permanent financing; community match required. Use alongside the loan above. (bnd.nd.gov)
- NDWBC Childcare Accelerator: NDWBC is one of seven national hubs; 2025 cohort supports ten providers with $10,000 each upon completion plus business training. (ndwbc.com)
- HHS Child Care Program Grants: state grants for growth and inclusive care; check active opportunities and work with a Child Care Aware start‑up coordinator via 800-997-8515. (hhs.nd.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: explore local bank financing + Flex PACE plus a smaller Community Impact Loan to cover the gap; ask your county JDA about storefront/building improvement grants, and call Child Care Aware to find city/utility “Operation Round Up” microgrants. (vaultnd.com)
Innovate ND: reimbursed early‑stage research
- What it is: a voucher reimbursement program that pays for customer discovery, market validation, and early product work through approved phases.
- Key numbers: up to $22,500 in reimbursable costs across two phases; program cycles open/close by round—ND Commerce notes were “closed until July 2025”; check the application portal for current status or contact Commerce. (commerce.nd.gov, commerceportal.nd.gov)
- Where to get coaching: four Entrepreneur Centers deliver the program, including NDWBC, NDSU Research & Technology Park, UND Center for Innovation, and Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center. (commerce.nd.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: ask ND SBDC to build a 90‑day validation plan and pair it with a small SBA Microloan for minimal budget milestones. (sba.gov)
Hiring help and skills grants
- Operation Intern: 1:1 match up to 5,000∗∗perintern,max∗∗5,000** per intern, max **25,000 per employer per round; funds can cover wages, tools, and necessary training. Rounds fill—waitlist if funds are fully obligated. Contact 701-328-7263 or opintern@nd.gov. (commerce.nd.gov)
- Technical Skills Training Grant: supports new/expanded short‑term training for in‑demand jobs; Track A awards up to $200,000 with 1:1 match; current guidance updated January 2025. Good fit if your business partners with a college or training provider to upskill workers. (commerce.nd.gov)
- ND New Jobs Training (Job Service ND): for expanding primary‑sector employers—state income tax withholding from new hires can reimburse training costs for up to 10 years; minimum wage condition $10/hour + benefits within first 12 months; call 701-328-1976. (jobsnd.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your city/county economic development office about local training grants or Renaissance Zone incentives for build‑outs (see tax section). (fargond.gov)
Federal options that work in North Dakota
- SBA 7(a): up to $5,000,000; SBA guarantees 75%–85% of most loans; usable for working capital, equipment, real estate, and buying a business. Start with your bank or use SBA Lender Match; ND SBA office 701-239-5131 can help. (sba.gov)
- SBA Microloan: up to 50,000∗∗;average∗∗50,000**; average **13,000; typical interest 8%–13%; 7‑year max term; good for inventory and equipment (not real estate/refi). Use SBA microlender finder to identify ND intermediaries. (sba.gov)
- SBA 504: long‑term, fixed‑rate financing for owner‑occupied real estate/equipment; SBA max $5.5M; commonly 10% down from you, ~40% SBA via CDC, ~50% bank. Contact a CDC such as Dakota Business Lending. (sba.gov, dakotabusinesslending.com)
- Government contracting: get free help with SAM, WOSB certification, and bids through ND APEX Accelerator at UND; pair with SCORE mentors in Fargo/Bismarck/Grand Forks for proposal reviews. (und.edu, score.org)
Reality check: SBA underwriting takes time. A microloan can often close in 3–6 weeks; 7(a) and 504 deals can take longer depending on collateral and appraisal queues.
What to do if this doesn’t work: talk to your bank about BND‑backed options (guarantee or PACE buydown) to lower risk/cost. (bnd.nd.gov)
Taxes, incentives, and registration basics in North Dakota
Register your business the right way
- LLC fees: 135∗∗toform;∗∗135** to form; **50 annual report due November 15 each year. File through the FirstStop Portal; Business Services help line 701-328-2900. (sos.nd.gov)
- Trade name (DBA): $25 registration; renewal every 5 years; do this if you want to operate as “Prairie Cupcakes” instead of your personal name. (sos.nd.gov)
- FirstStop/NDLogin help: ND IT Service Desk 877-328-4470 for login issues; SOS office 701-328-2900 for form questions. (sos.nd.gov)
Plan B: if paperwork stalls, book a quick virtual with the SOS Business Services team from their site—they offer scheduled support. (sos.nd.gov)
Corporate Transparency Act update
- Beneficial Ownership Information reporting: as of March 26, 2025, FinCEN’s interim final rule exempts entities formed in the U.S. (domestic companies) from BOI reporting; foreign‑formed entities registered to do business in the U.S. may still have deadlines. Always double‑check FinCEN’s BOI page for current status. (fincen.gov)
North Dakota tax incentives worth knowing
- Renaissance Zone (city‑administered): up to 5 years of property tax exemption on the building value, plus up to $500,000 per year in state income tax exemption for qualified business/investment projects in designated downtown blocks. Check your city’s RZ map and rules (e.g., Fargo/West Fargo). (fargond.gov, westfargond.gov)
- Angel Investor Investment Credit (for investors in your round): 35% credit for investments in certified in‑state qualified businesses (25% for approved out‑of‑state businesses with ND presence); annual cap $45,000 per investor. This can help your angel close. (tax.nd.gov)
- Research Expense Credit: 25% of first $100,000 of excess QRE and 8% above that (or simplified method 17.5%/5.6%); can be transferred if certified as a qualified R&D company. (tax.nd.gov)
Child care assistance to free up time to build your business
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): helps cover a portion of child care while you work or train. 2024–2025 monthly income limits include, for example, a family of 3 up to 6,462∗∗,afamilyof∗∗4∗∗upto∗∗6,462**, a family of **4** up to **7,694 before taxes; copays are on a sliding scale. Apply online or through your local Human Service Zone; Customer Support Center 866-614-6005. (hhs.nd.gov)
- State provider rate caps (monthly, full‑time, effective July 1, 2024): Centers up to 1,278∗∗(infants),∗∗1,278** (infants), **1,243 (toddlers), 1,040∗∗(preschool),∗∗1,040** (preschool), **855 (school‑age); licensed family/group up to $980. These caps determine how much CCAP can pay your provider. (hhs.nd.gov)
- Child Care Workforce Benefit: if you work for a licensed provider 25+ hours/week, you may get your child care paid up to the state max rate with your copay waived. (hhs.nd.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: call Child Care Aware at 800-997-8515 for one‑on‑one help finding openings, sliding‑scale programs, and start‑up grants if you want to open your own program. (ndchildcare.org)
Home‑based food and craft businesses: new rules make selling easier
- Cottage Food: North Dakota updated the law in March 2025 to allow cottage foods to be sold online, by phone, by mail, by consignment, and shipped out of state. The change took effect with SB 2386—check the enrolled bill and ND HHS guidance for labeling and safety. (ndlegis.gov, legiscan.com, hhs.nd.gov)
Tip: use this to test the market for baked goods or shelf‑stable products before you invest in a commercial kitchen.
What to do if this doesn’t work: ask ND SBDC about shared kitchens or incubators near you and consider a low‑cost trade name registration ($25) to brand your sales. (sos.nd.gov)
Tables you can use
Startup filings and fees
Item | Amount | Where/How |
---|---|---|
LLC formation | $135 | File on FirstStop; SOS help 701-328-2900. (sos.nd.gov) |
LLC annual report | $50 due Nov 15 | File online; mark your calendar. (sos.nd.gov) |
Trade name (DBA) registration | $25 (5‑year term) | File on FirstStop. (sos.nd.gov) |
Registered agent change | $10 | File on FirstStop. (sos.nd.gov) |
BND highlights at a glance
Program | Max amount | Signature benefit | Contact |
---|---|---|---|
Beginning Entrepreneur Loan Guarantee | $500,000 loan; 50–85% guarantee | Helps your bank approve startup financing; 1‑year interest‑only possible | Your lender + BND 701-328-5795. (bnd.nd.gov) |
Business Development Loan | $1,000,000 BND participation | Funds equipment, real estate, WC, refi | Same as above. (bnd.nd.gov) |
PACE / Flex PACE | Up to 500,000∗∗/∗∗500,000** / **300,000 buydown | Cuts interest rate dramatically; community match | Through your lender. (bnd.nd.gov) |
Child care CCAP monthly maximums (full‑time)
Provider type | Infant | Toddler | Preschool | School‑Age |
---|---|---|---|---|
Center | $1,278 | $1,243 | $1,040 | $855 |
Licensed family/group | $980 | $980 | $823 | $812 |
Self‑declared/tribal registered | $646 | $600 | $588 | $569 |
Federal loans cheat sheet
Program | Max amount | Typical use | Key notes |
---|---|---|---|
SBA 7(a) | $5,000,000 | Working capital, equipment, real estate, buy a business | Guarantees 75–85%; rates/terms vary. (sba.gov) |
SBA Microloan | $50,000 | Inventory, equipment, working capital | Typical 8–13%, up to 7 years; via nonprofit intermediaries. (sba.gov) |
SBA 504 | $5.5M SBA portion | Owner‑occupied real estate/equipment | Fixed rate; pair with bank + CDC. (sba.gov) |
Tribal and Native‑specific resources
- Native American Development Center (Bismarck): Micro‑Enterprise Business Loans 5,000–5,000–20,000 for startups/expansion; $100 application fee; must be ND resident and enrolled member (or spouse/partner). Also offers credit builder loans and business counseling. (ndnativecenter.org)
- Oyate CDFI (Standing Rock): nonprofit Native CDFI offering lending and training for residents on the reservation; contact Oyate CDFI for current small‑business loan options. (oyatecdfi.com)
- Turtle Mountain Entrepreneurial Development Center: coaching and workshops for Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa entrepreneurs; reach out for current programming. (turtlemountainedc.com)
- SSBCI Tribal capital: Treasury approved the Turtle Mountain Band for up to $7.2 million for a loan participation program—check with the tribe or partner bank for availability. (indianz.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: apply for an SBA Microloan and ask ND SBDC to help with projections; pair a small NADC loan with a local bank line to build credit.
Local and sector‑specific grant windows to watch
- Destination Development Grant (tourism/experience): 25,000–25,000–5,000,000, 1:1 non‑state match; 2025 window July 1–July 31 (check Commerce for future rounds). Great for attractions, tours, and lodging upgrades. (nd.gov)
- USDA Rural Business Development Grants: nonprofits or local governments can apply for funds that benefit rural small businesses (training, technical assistance, small equipment). ND 2025 deadline was Feb 28, 2025—ask your city/county/tribe to sponsor your need in the next cycle. (rd.usda.gov)
- Operation Intern and Technical Skills Training: if you’re hiring or upskilling, these are recurring programs—watch Commerce updates for reopenings. (commerce.nd.gov)
Real‑world examples
- Licensed family child care in Dickinson
- Stack: Child Care Loan Program at 2.5% for playground and remodel (85,000∗∗,fundedat∗∗10085,000**, funded at **100%** since it’s under **100,000), plus Flex PACE Child Care buydown to lower the bank’s permanent loan rate, and Operation Intern funds for a summer assistant ($5,000 match). (commerce.nd.gov, bnd.nd.gov)
- Timeline: 2–4 weeks for NDDF loan review, 30–60 days for bank and Flex PACE escrow; intern grant upon approval and reimbursement schedule.
- Home bakery in Minot scaling online
- Stack: Trade name “Prairie Sweets” (25∗∗),∗∗CottageFood∗∗salesnowallowed∗∗online/phone/mail/consignment∗∗per∗∗SB2386∗∗,∗∗NDWBC∗∗coachingforpricing,and∗∗InnovateND∗∗Phase1reimbursement(∗∗25**), **Cottage Food** sales now allowed **online/phone/mail/consignment** per **SB 2386**, **NDWBC** coaching for pricing, and **Innovate ND** Phase 1 reimbursement (**7,500) to test new product lines (when applications are open). (sos.nd.gov, ndlegis.gov, commerce.nd.gov)
- Veteran single mom mobile detailing in Bismarck
- Stack: VBOC business plan review, SBA Microloan ($18,000) for van/equipment, PACE buydown through local lender when adding a shop later, and SCORE mentor check‑ins. (sba.gov, bnd.nd.gov, score.org)
Application checklist
- Personal: photo ID, last 2–3 years of tax returns, recent pay stubs (if any), and a simple monthly budget.
- Business: lean business plan, 12‑month cash‑flow, startup costs list, quotes for equipment/leasehold, and required licenses/permits.
- Child care: license or pending application; floor plan; staffing plan; quotes for equipment and safety items; Child Care Aware start‑up plan.
- If seeking a bank loan: collateral list, personal financial statement, and copies of contracts/commitments if you have them.
- If applying to a grant: a one‑page narrative of what you’ll do, dollar‑by‑dollar budget, timeline, and letters of support from partners.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overlooking state programs: assuming only federal loans exist and missing BND guarantees or Flex PACE buydowns that can drop your interest cost substantially. (bnd.nd.gov)
- Waiting to call your lender: talk to your bank early so they can build a BND + SBA stack if needed.
- Mixing personal and business cash: open a business account on day one.
- Under‑insuring: lenders will require specific coverages—budget for this.
- Missing filings: ND LLC annual report is due Nov 15—missing it risks “Not Good Standing.” (sos.nd.gov)
- Ignoring BOI updates: FinCEN rules changed in March 2025—domestic entities currently exempt from BOI reporting, but always check for updates. (fincen.gov)
Diverse Communities
- LGBTQ+ single mothers: ND SBDC and NDWBC provide confidential advising; ask for mentors with relevant experience. ND APEX can also help you navigate federal certifications if contracting is a goal. (ndsbdc.org, business.bismarckmandan.com, und.edu)
- Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: ND Health and Human Services—Vocational Rehabilitation offers self‑employment assistance and may provide technical and limited financial support toward your plan. (hhs.nd.gov)
- Veteran single mothers: VBOC of the Dakotas provides free advising and Boots to Business training; check class dates at Grand Forks and Minot Air Force Bases. (und.edu)
- Immigrant/refugee single moms: ND SBDC offers language assistance on request; bring any immigration‑related work authorization documents to your advising session. (ndsbdc.org)
- Tribal‑specific resources: If you are an enrolled member, contact NADC for microloans 5,000–5,000–20,000, and check Oyate CDFI or your tribe’s economic development office. Turtle Mountain entrepreneurs can connect with the Entrepreneurial Development Center for training. (ndnativecenter.org, oyatecdfi.com, turtlemountainedc.com)
- Rural single moms: ask USDA RD about RBDG projects your county can sponsor; also lean on Vault ND to find local financing and resource providers in your county. (rd.usda.gov, vaultnd.com)
- Single fathers: all programs above are gender‑inclusive; NDWBC trainings are open to all entrepreneurs.
- Language access: when calling ND SBDC or Child Care Aware, request interpreter support; both offer accommodations. (ndsbdc.org, ndchildcare.org)
Resources by region (statewide hotlines you can call now)
- ND SBDC: 833-463-7232 or 701-777-3700; online intake connects you to the closest center. (ndsbdc.org)
- SBA North Dakota District Office: 701-239-5131; Fargo. (sba.gov)
- NDWBC: 701-223-0707; statewide programs with offices/events across ND. (business.bismarckmandan.com)
- ND APEX Accelerator: request counseling through UND portal. (und.edu)
- VBOC of the Dakotas: see contacts at UND Center for Innovation site. (und.edu)
- Child Care Aware of ND: 800-997-8515; press options for referrals, training, start‑up, health/safety. (ndchildcare.org)
Ten North Dakota‑specific FAQs
- Q: Where do I find the easiest startup loan for a very small amount?
A: SBA Microloan up to $50,000 is designed for startups; interest 8–13%; term up to 7 years; ND SBDC will help you prepare. (sba.gov)
- Q: Can I get a grant to open a salon/home bakery today?
A: True cash‑to‑owner grants are rare. Use Innovate ND (when open) for validation costs, Operation Intern to offset wages, and local city programs. If you bake, North Dakota now allows online and out‑of‑state cottage food sales under SB 2386. (commerce.nd.gov, ndlegis.gov)
- Q: What if my bank says no?
A: Ask them to reconsider using the BND Beginning Entrepreneur Loan Guarantee or PACE/Flex PACE buydown; or pair a smaller bank note with an SBA Microloan. (bnd.nd.gov)
- Q: I’m opening a child care—what low‑rate options exist?
A: The Child Care Loan Program offers 2.5% fixed loans up to $1,000,000; Flex PACE can add a rate buydown; CCAP families bring predictable revenue. (commerce.nd.gov, bnd.nd.gov, hhs.nd.gov)
- Q: How much does it cost to form an LLC in ND?
A: 135∗∗toform;∗∗135** to form; **50 annual report due Nov 15. (sos.nd.gov)
- Q: Do I have to file BOI with the federal government?
A: As of March 26, 2025, domestic entities are exempt under FinCEN’s interim rule; always check the latest BOI guidance before deciding. (fincen.gov)
- Q: Can I use Renaissance Zone incentives?
A: If your building or lease is inside a city’s RZ, you may qualify for up to 5 years of property tax and income tax exemptions; check your city’s RZ map/rules. (fargond.gov)
- Q: Where can I find every ND program in one place?
A: Try Vault ND, a state‑wide hub listing financing programs and resource providers. (vaultnd.com)
- Q: I’m a veteran—any special training nearby?
A: Boots to Business runs at Minot AFB and Grand Forks AFB multiple times a year via VBOC. (und.edu)
- Q: Can my city/county apply for a rural grant that helps my business?
A: Yes—ask about USDA RBDG projects; ND’s 2025 application deadline was Feb 28 for state‑level submissions. (rd.usda.gov)
What to do if a program says no
- Call ND SBDC and ask for a “funding stack review”—they’ll map 2–3 alternative paths with timelines.
- Try a smaller first step: launch under Cottage Food or as a mobile service, then refinance into a bigger loan with PACE once revenue proves out. (ndlegis.gov, bnd.nd.gov)
- Build credit with a microloan: consider NADC or an SBA Microloan and keep pristine payment history for 12 months. (ndnativecenter.org, sba.gov)
Quick reference cheat sheet (printable)
Need | Best first step |
---|---|
Plan & funding roadmap | ND SBDC advising: 833-463-7232. (ndsbdc.org) |
Women‑focused coaching | NDWBC: 701-223-0707. (business.bismarckmandan.com) |
Startup loan with low rate | Ask your bank for BND + PACE/Flex PACE. (bnd.nd.gov) |
Child care capital | Child Care Loan Program 2.5%; consider Flex PACE. (commerce.nd.gov, bnd.nd.gov) |
Small working‑capital loan | SBA Microloan up to $50,000. (sba.gov) |
Government contracting | ND APEX Accelerator at UND. (und.edu) |
Veteran/military spouse | VBOC of the Dakotas; Boots to Business. (und.edu) |
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
This guide uses official sources from North Dakota Department of Commerce, Bank of North Dakota, ND Health and Human Services, ND Secretary of State, USDA, and SBA, plus established nonprofits. It is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Last verified: September 2025, next review: April 2026.
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur—email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
Information accuracy: Program rules, amounts, and deadlines can change without notice. Always verify with the agency or lender before applying.
Security: For your privacy, never send full SSNs or bank info over email; use official portals (e.g., SOS FirstStop, SBA, ND Commerce) and secure connections only.
Not legal or tax advice: This guide provides general information. Consult an attorney or CPA for advice specific to your situation.
Sources used in this guide
- ND Commerce—Innovate ND; NDDF; Child Care Loan Program; Operation Intern; Technical Skills Training; Destination Development Grant; program pages and newsletters. (commerce.nd.gov, nd.gov)
- Bank of North Dakota—Beginning Entrepreneur Loan Guarantee; Business Development Loan; PACE/Flex PACE. (bnd.nd.gov)
- SBA—North Dakota District Office contact; 7(a), Microloan, 504 program details. (sba.gov)
- ND SBDC—statewide locations and phones. (ndsbdc.org)
- ND HHS—CCAP income limits and provider caps; Cottage Food information. (hhs.nd.gov)
- ND Legislative Branch—SB 2386 2025 update to Cottage Food. (ndlegis.gov)
- ND APEX Accelerator—contracting assistance. (und.edu)
- VBOC of the Dakotas—services and Boots to Business dates. (und.edu)
- FinCEN—BOI reporting update (March 26, 2025 interim rule). (fincen.gov)
- Renaissance Zone—city incentives (Fargo/West Fargo examples). (fargond.gov, westfargond.gov)
- NADC—Native micro‑enterprise loans. (ndnativecenter.org)
- USDA Rural Development ND—RBDG deadline and application guidance. (rd.usda.gov)
Final tip
- Your first three calls: ND SBDC for the roadmap, your local banker to ask about BND + SBA, and NDWBC for coaching. From there, pick one funding path and move step‑by‑step.
🏛️More North Dakota Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in North Dakota
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- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
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- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery