About this programme
Innovate ND is a voucher-based reimbursement program from the North Dakota Department of Commerce that helps entrepreneurs advance their ventures through market and customer research support. It is delivered jointly through three Entrepreneur Centers: the ND Women's Business Center, NDeavor, and the UND Center for Innovation.
The program runs on a biennial cycle. The application period for the 2025-2027 biennium is now closed.
How it works
Innovate ND runs in two phases, each offering up to $25,000 in reimbursable expenses, for a total maximum of $50,000 per participant. Participants get six months per phase, with a maximum of 12 months total across both phases.
Applicants who score well are invited to pitch a review panel, which determines Phase 1 approval. Approved participants are assigned a lead coach to work with through the program.
Who can apply
The business must be based in North Dakota with at least one founder in-state, and registered in good standing with the ND Secretary of State. It must be scalable and have potential for Primary Sector Certification. Retail, hospitality, and local service-based ventures are excluded.
The business should already have an established founding team with diverse skillsets, an identified market problem with significant potential, a defined value proposition backed by customer validation evidence, a working prototype or proof-of-concept, a go-to-market strategy with identified target customers, a revenue model with market comparables, and a 12-month roadmap with milestones.
How to apply
- Prepare the required application materials: a completed questionnaire, a pitch deck, and a business plan or executive summary (a business model canvas is optional).
- Submit the application during the open window (the 2025-2027 biennium's window is currently closed).
- Top-scoring applicants pitch a review panel for Phase 1 approval.
- Approved participants are assigned a lead coach and begin Phase 1, with up to six months and $25,000 in reimbursable expenses.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Completed questionnaire
- Pitch deck
- Business plan or executive summary
- Business model canvas (optional)
Frequently asked
How much can I get through Innovate ND?
Up to $25,000 in reimbursable expenses per phase, across two phases, for a total maximum of $50,000.
How long does the program take?
Up to six months per phase, with a maximum of 12 months total for both phases.
Is my business type eligible?
Retail, hospitality, and local service-based ventures are excluded. The program targets scalable North Dakota businesses with potential for Primary Sector Certification.
Is the application open right now?
No. The application period for the 2025-2027 biennium is currently closed; the program runs on a biennial cycle.
How are applications evaluated?
On business innovation and planning, team qualifications and readiness, market opportunity and customer validation, alignment with North Dakota's economic impact goals, and the feasibility of the proposed milestones and work plan.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.