Commerce Q&A supports the North Dakota Department of Commerce's mission to attract, retain, and expand wealth and talent by addressing questions on business, community services, tourism, and workforce development to foster growth and opportunity.
Commerce General Questions
Where can I find available grants to apply for?
The North Dakota Department of Commerce offers programs and services to support business, workforce and community development in partnership with local leaders. Click this link for more information: https://www.commerce.nd.gov/services-assistance/grant-programs
I am looking for Employment Verification:
State Employment Verification | Office of Management and Budget North Dakota
I would like to make a payment to Commerce but would prefer to do so electronically rather than by check. Do you have an electronic payment option?
Please call 701-328-5300 and we can take your credit card payment by phone.
Fiscal and Administration Questions
How do I update my ACH bank account information in Vendor Registry?
Existing vendors will need to submit a filled-out copy of the ACH Authorization form (can be provided upon request) and a voided check OR letter from their bank with contact details in the letterhead to our Fiscal Technician who will work with Vendor Registry to get it updated in their system.
Who do I contact if I need any assistance with completing or updating my Vendor Registry account?
Assistance can be found here. Additionally, our Fiscal Technician can provide limited access with setup.
What is needed to get set up as a state vendor through the North Dakota Department of Commerce?
We will require a recent (within the last year) W-9 form (or substitute for foreign companies) for check payments and a filled-out copy of the ACH Authorization form (can be provided upon request) and a voided check OR letter from their bank with contact details in the letterhead for ACH payments.
How do I update the address on file for my Vendor Registry account (for check payments)?
Please submit a recent (within the last year) W-9 form (or substitute for foreign companies) to update a vendor address for check payments.
How do I add an additional payment method (location) to an already existing supplier?
Please submit a recent (within the last year) W-9 form (or substitute for foreign companies) of the new “location” and a matching filled-out copy of the ACH Authorization form (can be provided upon request) and a voided check OR letter from their bank with contact details in the letterhead for ACH payments.
How do I complete my travel expense voucher as a non-employee?
Please connect with a Commerce Fiscal Administrator who can help assist you through these steps.
How do I submit my request for funds relating to a grant/federal program?
Please connect with the Community Services grant or program manager who can help assist you.
How do I update my password and/or login information for the D365 portal?
Please connect with a Commerce IT Administrator who can help assist you through these steps.
How do I attach documents to my grant application?
Please connect with a Commerce IT Administrator who can help assist you through these steps.
What does the hiring process usually entail at the North Dakota Department of Commerce?
Please connect with a Commerce HR Administrator who can provide more information on this process.
What job opportunities are currently available at the North Dakota Department of Commerce?
Please connect with a Commerce HR Administrator who can provide more information on this process.
Who can I connect with if I have questions before and/or during the interviewing process?
Please connect with a Commerce HR Administrator who can provide more information on this process.
Community Services Questions
I am looking for information on low-income programs for individuals and families in North Dakota.
The low income assistance activities within Community Services center around the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. The CSBG program is administered statewide with direct client services being provided through the state's seven Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and the North Dakota Community Action Partnership (NDCAP).
CSBG programs and services are designed to promote self-sufficiency, family stability and community revitalization. For more information or to determine service eligibility, please visit Locations : Who We Are : Community Action Partnership of North Dakota and reach out to the community action agency that serves your area.
Weatherization: Energy Efficiency – “Is there assistance with replacing windows, door, furnace, etc.”
For information regarding energy efficiency help, please visit: Weatherization Assistance (nd.gov)
How do I find a manufactured home installer or inspector?
For information regarding North Dakota’s Manufactured Home Installation Program (MHIP), including finding, licensing and renewal of installers and inspectors, please visit: Manufactured Homes (nd.gov).
How can I get more information regarding building codes?
Community Services offers information regarding building codes here: Building Codes (nd.gov).
Is there any type of assistance for low-income communities or low-income housing projects?
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides financial assistance to eligible units of local governments in the form of grants and loans for public facilities, housing rehabilitation and economic development projects. Additional information about this funding opportunity can be found at: Community Development Block Grant.
How can I tell if my community is greater than 51% LMI to be eligible for CDBG funding?
To be eligible for CDBG funding, communities our counties applying must be at least 51% LMI using HUD-approved ACS data. The current data for all communities and counties can be found by downloading this Xcel spreadsheet, or view the PDF file here.
How can I tell if my community has a Renaissance Zone?
Many communities across the state have established Renaissance Zones. Information about current communities with a Renaissance Zone and the local contact person can be found at Renaissance Zone Communities.
How can I find information about creating a Renaissance Zone?
More information about the Renaissance Zone Program and the steps to create a zone can be found on our website Renaissance Zone Program.
Are there funding opportunities for projects that are focused on energy development, conservation, and production?
There are multiple funding options for energy projects, including the State Energy Program, the Energy Conservation Grant (ECG), and the Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant (EECBG). Additional information about all of these programs can be found by visiting State Energy Programs.
What is the Office of Community Development and Rural Prosperity?
The Office of Community Development and Rural Prosperity (CDRP)’s goal is to empower North Dakota’s communities through efficient development, economic growth, and an enhanced quality of life. The office aims to foster collaboration to address unique rural challenges, promote innovation, and leverage resources to build resilient, thriving communities.
Can I get a grant for my business?
There are several financing programs the state offers in partnership with local economic development and regional development entities depending on where you locate your business. Unfortunately, if you are looking for grants, there are very few programs that can offer those types of services. The Bank of North Dakota offers Pace and Flex Pace that provide interest rate buy down in partnership with your local bank and/or development corporation https://bnd.nd.gov/loans/ Additionally, SBA has several low interest and guaranteed loans that support growth and start ups. https://www.sba.gov/district/north-dakota. If you have not contacted your local development office, please reach out to see if there are local loan and/or grant programs that will support your growth. Regional Council offices also offer support for business start up and expansion https://www.commerce.nd.gov/community-services/community-development/community-development-block-grant-cdbg/regional-councils and local offices can be found at https://ednd.org/ If you are an existing business that is using the equipment referenced to automate, you can start that process with Automate ND https://www.commerce.nd.gov/economic-development-finance/development-fund/automate-nd-grant-program.
Who do I contact to start a business on Mainstreet?
The North Dakota Small Business Development Center is the state’s comprehensive business development and support program. Their mission is to power the creation, growth, and success of small business in North Dakota. Customized services are provided by professionally credentialed business advisors at no-cost to entrepreneurs and owners, thanks to funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration, ND Department of Commerce, and local supporters across the state.
To register for ND SBDC services, complete the online registration form to get started. You will be contacted by their staff within 3 business days to set up an appointment with an advisor. Before your first appointment, feel free to take advantage of the resources and on-demand training options on their website.
For more information on the ND SBDC programs or services, call (701) 777-3700, email, visit the website, or find them on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram).
Lastly, we would like to encourage you to reach out locally to the regional council, job development authority, or economic development corporation that serves your area. If you’d like assistance identifying and connecting with these resources locally, please reach out to communitydevelopment@nd.gov.
Who do I contact if I have questions about a grant received from Commerce?
For any grant received from Community Development, please email communitydevelopment@nd.gov. All other grants from Commerce, please connect directly with your program administrator.
Are there grants for non-profits?
Commerce does not directly fund nonprofits. If we receive funds from the legislator or other funding sources, we consider how the dollars would best be delivered and at times, nonprofits are eligible applicants.
What is the Rural Food Sustainability Grant?
The purpose of the rural food sustainability grant program is to support the expansion of sustainable grocery service, access to food, and/or development and expansion of food co-ops in rural areas. Food co-ops are centralized facilities or nonprofits that play a crucial role in aggregating, storing, processing, and distributing food to consumers, retailers, institutions, or other markets. This grant program aims to address specific challenges faced by rural communities related to food access, economic development, and sustainability.
What is the Rural Workforce Housing Grant?
The Rural Workforce Housing Grant supports non-profit organizations and/or local governments in development and improvement of affordable housing options for the workforce in rural areas.
What is the Rural Facility Planning Grant?
The purpose of a Rural Facility Planning Grant is to provide funding to support the planning and development of empty or soon-to-be empty facilities or buildings in rural areas. This grant is aimed at improving the quality of life, services, and opportunities for residents in rural communities.
What is the Vibrancy Grant?
The Main Street Initiative (MSI) Vibrancy Grant Program supports local efforts to increase community vibrancy by providing seed funding for a small project that will build momentum and inspire additional projects. Community vibrancy improves quality of life, helps attract and retain workforce, and enhances community pride.
What is the Rural Slum and Blight Removal Grant?
The Rural Slum and Blight Removal Grant supports local governments and/or non-profit organizations in addressing dilapidated and blighted properties and/or facilities in rural areas.
Economic Development and Finance Questions
I am looking for information on incentives to start a business.
Business incentives, government accessibility, and workforce performance, combined with North Dakota's favorable position as one of the lowest cost states for operating a business, are driving top companies to establish operations in North Dakota. Click this link for more information: https://www.commerce.nd.gov/economic-development-finance
What kind of financial and tax incentives does North Dakota offer?
North Dakota is strategically positioned with financial packages and tax incentives to assist new and expanding businesses to enhance profitability. The state has specifically designed its business and investment programs to deliver quicker, quality service along with more capital during a company's start-up, expansion or relocation. Click this link for more information: https://www.commerce.nd.gov/economic-development-finance/finance-and-incentives