Announcing Innovate ND: Fueling Innovation & Entrepreneurial Growth in North Dakota

The State of North Dakota’s Department of Commerce is proud to offer Innovate ND, a forward-looking voucher-and-reimbursement program crafted to help entrepreneurs across the state validate, launch, and scale new, innovative businesses. Through financial assistance, coaching, and structured phases, Innovate ND provides critical support for market research, customer validation, and business model development.

What Is Innovate ND?

Innovate ND is tailored for entrepreneurs who are building businesses with the potential for growth and scalable impact, especially those that can qualify for primary sector certification. Key features of the program include: 

Voucher-based reimbursements: Entrepreneurs can receive up to $50,000 in reimbursable expenses split across two phases — up to $25,000 per phase. 

Timeline: Each phase allows up to six months for completion, and the total program duration is up to 12 months. 

Support from Entrepreneur Centers: The program is administered through four Entrepreneur Centers around the state:

• ND Women’s Business Center 
• Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center 
• NDSU Research & Technology Park
• UND Center for Innovation 

Who Qualifies?

Applicants must meet criteria that underscore readiness, innovation, and scalability:

• Residency & Registration: Business must be headquartered in North Dakota, founder(s) residing in the state, and in good standing with ND Secretary of State.
• Business Type: Must be scalable and oriented toward growth in sectors aligned with primary certification. Traditional Main Street businesses (retail, hospitality, simple service-based models) are not eligible.
• Business Readiness: Applicants must show a strong founding team (with varied skills), a problem worth solving with sufficient market potential, and an initial value proposition. They also need a prototype or proof of concept, business roadmap (12-month milestones), customer validation, and an understanding of their market and business model. 

What Entrepreneurs Will Gain

By participating in Innovate ND, entrepreneurs can expect:

• Financial support to cover costs associated with market or customer research, prototype development, and go-to-market strategies. 
• Coaching and guidance via the Entrepreneur Centers to refine business models and value propositions. 
• A structured pathway to validate ideas, measure progress via metrics like customer interviews, sales, or investment.

Important Dates & Application Process

The current application window is open September 9 through October 2, 2025.

Applicants will be evaluated on their submission, with a panel deciding which ones move on. Key components required include a pitch deck, business plan (or at least an executive summary), optional business model canvas, and other supporting documentation. 

Why Innovate ND Matters for Jamestown & Stutsman County

For local entrepreneurs, Innovate ND represents a critical opportunity:

• It lowers one of the major barriers to innovation — upfront costs for research and validation — enabling local startups to build stronger foundations.
• It helps drive economic diversity and primary sector growth here in our region, supporting businesses that can export or scale beyond just local markets.
• With local administration via the Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center, entrepreneurs in Stutsman County have easier access to guidance, resources, and the network needed to succeed.

If you’re an aspiring or early-stage entrepreneur in our community, Innovate ND is a chance to take your idea to the next level. JSDC encourages you to explore the program, prepare your application, and tap into the support available. For more information, contact the Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center or visit the North Dakota Department of Commerce website.