North Dakota Department of Commerce opens applications for Innovate ND grant program

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that applications are now open for the Innovate ND grant program. Entrepreneurs across the state are encouraged to apply by Feb. 26, 2026, to be considered for this round of funding and support.

Innovate ND provides North Dakota entrepreneurs with hands-on education in the lean business model canvas, value proposition development and customer identification. The program is delivered through four regional entrepreneur centers staffed with certified business coaches who provide one-on-one guidance to help participants refine their business concepts and validate their markets.

In addition to personalized coaching, Innovate ND operates as a voucher-based reimbursement program, offering up to $50,000 in reimbursable expenses. The program is divided into two phases-each providing up to $25,000 in grant dollars-with participants given six months to complete each phase for a maximum of 12 months in total.

"The one-on-one business coaching, paired with grant dollars, is designed to help entrepreneurs advance their high-growth startup in North Dakota," said Carla Valentine, program manager for Innovate ND. "We're focused on assisting participants as they validate their product or service through customer interviews and market validation."

The program anticipates offering another funding round later this spring.

For more information, application guidelines and program details, visit https://belegendary.link/InnovateND.