Business Assistance Programs Support Growth Opportunities for Local Businesses

Here at the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber and Economic Development Corporation, we’re dedicated to community growth and moving our businesses forward. We also know that economic and community development rely on the ability of businesses to expand and adapt to numerous factors.

Available financing is a major factor for businesses looking to relocate or set up shop in a particular region. Our job is to foster business success, supporting you every step of the way as you look for financing opportunities to help offset the costs of starting or expanding your business.

Bismarck Vision Fund 

The Bismarck Vision Fund provides assistance to businesses looking to expand or locate in the region, generally in private enterprise. The primary purpose is to encourage and assist in the development of employment opportunities and expand the financial base of the region.

Funds can be used to provide temporary or permanent financing of any cost that may come with relocation or establishment of the new business. Established businesses with a proven financial record, an acceptable financial projection, and plans to create new full-time jobs may apply for the Vision Fund to help them expand into new products, services, or markets.

Bismarck Vision Fund Recipient: Bismarck Aero Center

The Bismarck Aero Center, founded in 1990 as Aircraft Management Services, specializes in aviation consulting, specialized flight training, aircraft storage, and pilot services. Over the last four decades, the company has grown into a one-stop destination for aviation needs. It offers a full-service fixed base operator (FBO), the region’s largest maintenance and avionics shop, heated and cold hangar space, flight instruction, aircraft rental, and pilot services. In February 2022, it purchased Bismarck Air Medical and Bismarck Air Charter to provide vital medical and private charter transportation to the community.

With dollars from the Vision Fund, Bismarck Aero Center will build a 23,000 sq. ft. hangar complex. All current hangar space at the Bismarck Airport is at capacity and this new project would double the current amount of space available for private aircraft.

The initial project has doubled in size because of the support from the City of Bismarck’s Vision Fund and the State of North Dakota’s financial programs and funding. “The program has been really instrumental in helping our organization grow,” said Jon Simmers of Bismarck Aero Center. “The new facility will be the single-largest hangar expansion project in the history of the airport.”

Mandan Growth Fund

The Mandan Growth Fund is available to provide assistance and incentives with a focus on developing employment, expanding the local tax base, increasing capital investment and improving the entrepreneurial climate within Mandan. Programs within the Mandan Growth Fund include the Downtown Storefront Improvement Program, the Retail Incentive Program, and the Fire Sprinkler Assistance Program.

Morton County Development Fund

The Morton County Development Fund offers funding to help support business startups and expansion projects to the rural areas and communities of Morton County. It aims to finance projects that create and retain jobs in communities like Almont, Flasher, Glen Ullin, Hebron, and New Salem. 

Morton County Development Fund: Revive Equine

Founded in 2023 by Austin and Courtney Maier, Revive Equine provides rehabilitation and conditioning for horses. The facility, just two miles south of Almont, ND, is equipped with the only equine treadmill in the state. Their treadmill offers a water treadmill and a wet or dry incline workout. This sets them apart from other equine facilities in North Dakota and neighboring states. And the purchase of this treadmill is all because of the Morton County Development Fund.

“The funding went toward the building stages of this business,” said Austin Maier. “We had to purchase a horse treadmill and it also helped with the startup costs of the barn.” 

“We want to thank everyone for standing beside us as we start this new journey,” said Courtney Maier.  

Even More Funding Opportunities With Bismarck-Mandan Chamber and Economic Development Corporation

From the nation’s only state-owned bank to unique funds and opportunities to financially support the development of your business, we’re here to help you every step of the way. We’re proud to be a source of knowledge and support for businesses looking to relocate or launch in the Bismarck-Mandan Region. For more information, reach out to us today!