News Archive
News Articles
North Dakota Global Talent Summit Advances Workforce Solutions Through Legal Immigration
Aug 14 2025The North Dakota Department of Commerce Global Talent Office (GTO) hosted the 2025 North Dakota Global Talent Summit on Thursday, Aug. 14, at Bismarck State College’s NECE building, convening national and international experts to explore legal immigration as a strategic solution to workforce challenges.More than 100 attendees participated in sessions...
The North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Global Talent Office (GTO) today announced the launch of a new statewide initiative to support English language learners through a strategic partnership with EnGen, a virtual, career-aligned English upskilling solution. This initiative provides no-cost access to English instruction for local employers and community organizations...
Armstrong to Energy Secretary Wright: North Dakota can play an outsized role in U.S. energy dominance
Aug 13 2025Gov. Kelly Armstrong today welcomed U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to North Dakota, highlighting the state’s key contributions to American energy security and shared goal with the Trump administration of U.S. energy dominance.“As a Top 10 energy-producing state and the nation’s No. 3 oil producer, North Dakota stands ready...
North Dakota Development Fund Approves $2.16M in Loans for Child Care, Tech and Ag Projects in Q2
Jul 31 2025The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that six companies were approved for a total of $2.16 million in loan funds through the North Dakota Development Fund, Inc. (NDDF) during the second quarter of 2025."These investments reflect our commitment to economic growth and meeting community needs across North Dakota,"...
The Mandan Business Pitch Challenge is returning in 2025, and applications are officially open. Entrepreneurs can apply to pitch their business ideas to a panel of local judges for a chance to gain valuable business development experiences and a forgivable loan as a prize. Applications will close on August 22,...
Access to a quality workforce is frequently ranked as the top concern for site selection decisions. Companies need to pull from a qualified talent pool to staff their operations, and hiring delays could hinder growth. The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC has prioritized workforce development as a key initiative for several...
Reentering society after incarceration presents a host of challenges, from securing stable housing and employment to accessing health care and recovery resources. In North Dakota, a robust partnership between multiple state agencies and community organizations is making a tangible difference in the lives of justice-involved individuals. Through collaboration between the...
North Dakota is taking a significant step forward in leveraging the power of data with the launch of the official North Dakota “State Data Hub”. This initiative, spearheaded by North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), aims to enhance the use and impact of North Dakota data to support better citizen and...
North Dakota is a powerhouse of agriculture production. It is the top producer of cattle in the United States and leads the nation in the production of 13 commodities. While Bismarck-Mandan is one of the most populated regions of the state, it still plays a key role in agriculture. The...
The North Dakota Department of Commerce is helping communities across the state improve energy efficiency in public buildings through the Energy Conservation Grant (ECG) program, with a total of $1,168,199 awarded over the past biennium. This initiative provides funding to local governments for projects that reduce energy costs and promote...
Business owners, community leaders, and elected officials came together on Friday, March 14, for the Bismarck-Mandan Economic Development Corporation’s annual dinner. This event provides an invaluable opportunity for the EDC’s stakeholders to review the past year's efforts while aligning our goals for the future.“We are successful because of our community...
Companies across the United States are struggling to hire qualified employees, and businesses in Bismarck Mandan are no exception. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that workforce participation is still below pre-pandemic levels, with a decrease of two million people.The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC has prioritized talent attraction and recruitment...
The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that a total of $420,176 of the State Energy Program grant funds were awarded to Lake Region State College’s (LRSC) Devils Lake Solar/Renewable Energy Initiative. The initiative is a collaboration between LRSC and NextEra Energy, expanding the college’s existing renewable energy program.“Lake...
The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that four companies were approved for a total of $3 million in funding in Q4 through the North Dakota Development Fund Inc. (NDDF).“The NDDF continues to play a pivotal role in advancing North Dakota’s economy by backing innovative projects and community-focused initiatives,”...
Armstrong supports legislation creating incentive program to attract value-added agriculture projects
Jan 23 2025Gov. Kelly Armstrong today announced his support for legislation creating an incentive program to attract value-added agriculture projects to North Dakota.House Bill 1332, which had its hearing before the House Agriculture Committee today, authorizes a “value-added agriculture production facility incentive program” and provides up to $30 million for projects. Armstrong’s...
Statement from the Department of CommerceRecently, there have been questions posed about the mission, practices, and impact of the North Dakota Development Fund, Inc. (NDDF) and overall Department of Commerce related to economic development activity. We want to clarify the role of the NDDF and underscore its dedication to serving...
Financial Partners in Bismarck-Mandan Help Organizations Receive the New Markets Tax Credit
Nov 13 2024Bismarck-Mandan is experiencing rapid growth, but the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) program can help all communities benefit from the increased interest in North Dakota. This financial tool is designed to support low-income, distressed, or under-resourced communities so they can receive sustainable support.“Our focus is on jobs and impact,” says...
Burgum, Advisory Committee unveil recommendations to address housing needs in North Dakota
Nov 12 2024Gov. Doug Burgum, state legislators and other members of the North Dakota Housing Initiative Advisory Committee today released the committee’s recommendations for addressing housing needs in North Dakota, with a three-pronged approach that focuses on improving housing availability, affordability and stability.Burgum appointed the committee to lead the development of a...
A community conversation forum on fair and affordable housing is scheduled to be hosted Thursday evening by the city of Bismarck's Human Relations Committee. The event is from 6-8-pm at the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library in meeting room A.Participants will get the opportunity to talk about topics surrounding fair and...
Manufacturing is an essential industry in North Dakota. More than 24,000 residents work in some form of manufacturing, accounting for 5.87% of the total workforce. In Bismarck-Mandan, manufacturing firms support several different sectors, including agriculture, food and beverage, energy, and equipment.“Several American industries wouldn’t be where they are today without...
Bismarck-Mandan and Greater North Dakota are served by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, which connects local businesses to 28 states, three Canadian provinces, and 40 different ports. With 32,500 miles of track, BNSF’s freight rail access is nearly endless and Bismarck-Mandan is located in the heart of its network.“BNSF...
Residents of Burleigh County and southern Sheridan County receive electricity from a leading cooperative in the region. Capital Electric Cooperative has supported rural North Dakota residents since 1948 and has expanded to provide electricity to 18,863 member-owners across 22,567 meters. Capital Electric boasts low utility rates, diverse power supplies, and...
Gov. Doug Burgum today joined local, state and federal officials and community members for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new North Dakota Soybean Processors plant near Casselton, lauding the project as part of an ongoing shift toward processing more of North Dakota’s raw farm commodities in the state.Construction on...
Burgum welcomes $700M to boost regional power grid capacity, reliability with North Plains Connector
Aug 6 2024North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum today welcomed the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) announcement that it has awarded Montana up to $700 million to enhance power grid capacity and reliability in Montana and North Dakota.The funds from the DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program will support development of...
