About this programme
The Legacy Investment for Technology (LIFT) Loan Fund is a low-interest debt financing program from the North Dakota Department of Commerce, aimed at businesses commercializing technology that diversifies North Dakota's economy. Target industries include advanced computing and data management, agriculture technology, autonomous and uncrewed vehicles, energy, health care, value-added agriculture and energy, and other industries the LIFT Committee identifies as economically diversifying.
The application period is currently closed; the next cycle opens July 1, 2026.
How it works
LIFT loans carry 0% interest with no required payments for the first three years. In years 4 and 5, the rate rises to 2% with monthly interest payments. After year 5, the outstanding principal is due at maturity, though loans may extend beyond year 5 at standard Bank of North Dakota rates.
Funds are disbursed against approved milestones, and the draw period ends 18 months after the loan originates.
Eligible uses are limited to working capital for applied research, experimentation, and operational testing. The loan cannot cover capital or building investments, equipment, inventory, consulting fees, academic research, workforce training, or administrative costs.
Applications go through initial screening for completeness and eligibility, then a scoring committee evaluation. Top applicants present to the LIFT Committee, which forwards recommendations to the Bank of North Dakota for final credit approval.
Who can apply
The business must be commercializing intellectual property in North Dakota, or otherwise investing significantly in the state in a way that provides meaningful economic benefit. Out-of-state applicants must demonstrate substantial North Dakota economic benefit to qualify.
The applicant must demonstrate feasibility and a reasonable likelihood of success.
How to apply
- Watch for the quarterly application window (each about one month long); the next opens July 1, 2026 and runs through July 30, 2026.
- Complete the LIFT Application Form (SFN 61662).
- Prepare a business plan, three years of historical financials, five-year projections, and a pitch deck covering your IP description, commercialization path, market viability, competition, leadership, and planned use of funds.
- Email the complete application package to LIFT@nd.gov.
- Go through initial screening, then scoring committee evaluation; top applicants present to the LIFT Committee.
- If the LIFT Committee recommends approval, the Bank of North Dakota makes the final credit decision.
Documents you’ll typically need
- LIFT Application Form (SFN 61662)
- Business plan
- Three-year historical financials
- Five-year financial projections
- Pitch deck (IP description, commercialization path, market viability, competition, leadership, use of funds)
Frequently asked
What interest rate does LIFT charge?
0% interest with no required payments for years 1 through 3, then 2% interest with monthly payments in years 4 and 5. Principal is due at maturity after year 5, though loans can extend at standard Bank of North Dakota rates.
What can the loan be used for?
Working capital for applied research, experimentation, and operational testing. It cannot be used for capital or building investments, equipment, inventory, consulting fees, academic research, workforce training, or administrative costs.
Can an out-of-state company apply?
Yes, but it must show that its activity provides substantial economic benefit to North Dakota.
When is the next application window?
The next cycle opens July 1, 2026 and the window runs about one month, through July 30, 2026. The program uses quarterly deadlines.
Who makes the final loan decision?
The LIFT Committee reviews and scores applications and forwards recommendations, but the Bank of North Dakota makes the final credit approval.
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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.