Entrepreneurial
Resources
Supporting Our Local Entrepreneurs
At Lake Agassiz Development Group, we recognize that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in North Dakota, and we’ve seen the positive impact that small businesses have on rural communities. Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding an existing one, we provide all the resources you need to turn ambition into business.
Regional Small Business Center
Located in the heart of downtown Fargo, the Regional Small Business Center is an environment where like-minded entrepreneurs can share their experiences and ingenuity. In addition to affordable office space, the center provides entrepreneurs with a range of business services including telephone answering, word processing, desktop publishing, mailing and shipping, copying, faxing and access to conference rooms.
LADG also provides business and financial planning services backed by more than 40 years of experience. We host a variety of seminars at the center with topics ranging from legal structure to business development to personal and professional growth.
With space for approximately 23 businesses, the Regional Small Business Center generally serves as an incubator for new businesses. We also consider accepting established businesses that are expanding their operations into the Fargo area.
Other Services
Lake Agassiz Development Group leverages the talents of our staff to fill in gaps wherever possible in our economic development and entrepreneurial services.
We provide grant writing, administrative and fiscal agent services on a fee-for-service basis. Don’t hesitate to contact us if there’s something you think we may be able to assist you with.
Office Without an Office
The Regional Small Business Center also provides great options for entrepreneurs who want all the benefits of having an office but do not require office space.
Our “Office Without an Office” services provide a business phone number and mailing address, as well as telephone answering with 24-hour voicemail access and message notification, word processing, desktop publishing, conference rooms, copying, faxing and mailing and shipping services. You can choose any or all of the services and only pay for the ones you need.
Resources
We’ve compiled a list of resources to help city leaders, county representatives and entrepreneurs discover programs available to aid small business growth and economic development.
SCORE offers business tools, templates and tips as well as free, confidential business counseling and mentorship.
The ND SBDC is a catalyst for business development and growth. Their team of credentialed advisors serves small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state, providing expertise, insights, and connecting and leveraging resources to ensure client success, resulting in economic impacts that strengthen local communities.
Learn More: North Dakota Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Located in Fargo, the NDSU Research and Technology Park is a place where university researchers and private industry can combine their talents to develop new technologies, methods and systems. The office is also a ND certified Entrepreneurial Center helping small businesses gain access to the Innovate ND program.
The IDEA Center in Bismarck offers services that cater to early-stage start-ups as well as businesses looking to expand. The center is also a ND certified Entrepreneurial Center helping small businesses gain access to the Innovate ND program.
The Center for Innovation in Grand Forks provides assistance to innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers to launch new ventures, commercialize new technologies, and secure access to capital from private and public sources. The center is also a ND certified Entrepreneurial Center helping small businesses gain access to the Innovate ND program.
Learn More: University of North Dakota Center for Innovation
Located in Dickinson, the Strom Center provides confidential, professional services to entrepreneurs and community groups. The center is also a ND certified Entrepreneurial Center helping small businesses gain access to the Innovate ND program.
Located on the Minot State University campus this ND certified Entrepreneurial Center helps small businesses gain access to the Innovate ND program and start-up business ventures.
Learn More: MiSU Severson Entrepreneurship Academy
The GFMEDC is building Greater Fargo Moorhead by developing the workforce, retaining and expanding existing businesses and industries, attracting new businesses and industries and initiating, facilitating and supporting traditional and high-tech infrastructure enhancement initiatives.
Emerging Prairie is committed to informing, connecting and activating the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Fargo, ND, and the upper Great Plains.
RCJDA’s mission is to assist in developing the economy of Richland County, ND, through lending to new and expanding business, supporting business research and development, providing technical assistance and participating in development of needed infrastructure.
Learn More: Richland County JDA
The Steele County JDA is committed to the growth and development of the communities within Steele County. The JDA provides technical and professional services to assist in improving community infrastructure and entrepreneurial growth.
TCEDC is focused on business and community development in Traill County through promotion, encouragement, and assistance. TCEDC helps businesses with financing, employee recruitment, and land and building acquisition.
Learn More: Traill County EDC
As the only state-owned bank in the nation, BND acts as a funding resource in partnership with other financial institutions, economic development groups and guaranty agencies.
Learn More: Bank of North Dakota
The ND Department of Commerce leads efforts to attract, retain and expand wealth in North Dakota.
Learn More: North Dakota Department of Commerce
The Office of the Secretary of State provides information on doing business in the state. And collects and preserves records of the state.
Learn More: ND Secretary of State
Rural Development Provides consultations, assistance and funding opportunities for, individuals and businesses located in rural communities.
Learn More: USDA Rural Development
SBA provides a number of learning tools and financial assistance programs for small businesses that have been specifically designed to meet key financing needs, including debt financing, surety bonds, and equity financing.
Learn More: U.S. Small Business Administration
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
Learn More: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
EDA’s mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
Learn More: U.S. Economic Development Administration