Innovate ND

Innovate ND is a state-funded program administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce that supports early-stage entrepreneurs in advancing their business concepts through structured customer and market validation. The program operates as a voucher-based reimbursement initiative, meaning participants incur eligible expenses and are reimbursed upon submission of approved documentation. It is specifically designed to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, promote economic diversification, and foster the growth of scalable businesses capable of contributing to North Dakota’s primary sector economy. The program provides financial support of up to 50000 dollars per participant, divided evenly across two sequential phases. Each phase offers up to 25000 dollars in reimbursements and must be completed within a six-month period, allowing for a total program duration of up to 12 months. Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and is contingent upon meeting program requirements, submitting proper documentation, and receiving approval for expenses. Eligible expenses include professional services such as legal, accounting, and marketing support, prototype development, travel related to customer discovery, and business process improvements such as software or web development. Certain costs are explicitly excluded, including salaries, general operating expenses, rent, and capital expenditures. Eligibility for Innovate ND is restricted to North Dakota-based for-profit businesses that are registered and in good standing with the state. At least one founder must reside in North Dakota, and the business must be headquartered within the state. The program targets scalable ventures with high-growth potential and explicitly excludes retail, hospitality, local service businesses, nonprofit organizations, and any entity that has previously participated in the program. Additional restrictions apply to individuals associated with prior businesses that resulted in unresolved financial losses to state programs within the past seven years. Applicants must demonstrate a defined level of business readiness to qualify for Phase 1. This includes having a founding team with complementary skills, a clearly identified problem with market potential, a defined value proposition, evidence of customer validation, and at least a prototype or proof of concept. Applicants must also outline a go-to-market strategy, revenue model, and a 12-month business roadmap. These requirements ensure that participants enter the program with a foundational level of development and are prepared to engage in structured validation activities. The application process occurs through quarterly application windows, each with a defined opening date, submission deadline, and panel review meeting. A complete application includes a questionnaire along with supporting documents such as a pitch deck and business plan or executive summary. A business model canvas may also be included but is optional. Applications are first reviewed for completeness and eligibility, then scored based on criteria including innovation, team readiness, market opportunity, alignment with state economic goals, and the strength of the proposed work plan. Top-scoring applicants are invited to present their business to a review panel composed of representatives from Entrepreneur Centers and the Department of Commerce. Final selection for Phase 1 participation is determined by this panel, and acceptance is not guaranteed. Successful applicants are assigned a lead coach and begin structured programming that includes customer interviews, regular progress reporting, and development of a lean business model canvas. Participants who complete Phase 1 may apply for Phase 2, which requires additional validation work and a subsequent panel presentation. Program oversight and support are provided through designated Entrepreneur Centers located across North Dakota, each offering coaching and resources to participants. For additional information, applicants may contact the program representative, Carla Valentine, through the North Dakota Department of Commerce. The program operates on a recurring quarterly cycle, allowing applicants multiple opportunities to apply throughout the year if not initially selected.

Reimbursement requires proof of payment and dated expenses within the program window; complete interviews and submit regular bi-weekly updates; advancement to Phase 2 is not guaranteed.