Unlocking the Future of Businesses in Grand Forks, ND:

A Comprehensive Guide to the Center for Innovation

Attention businesses in Grand Forks!

Have you ever wondered where you can find an all-in-one resource for all your startup needs? Businesses in Grand Forks need not look further than the Center for Innovation which is located right on UND’s campus at 4200 James Ray Drive, Grand Forks, ND! CFI (Center For Innovation) is not just a local business office space provider; it’s a laboratory for groundbreaking ideas, innovation, personal and business growth. So, let’s dive in and explore what makes UND’s Center for Innovation a cornerstone for business development in Grand Forks, ND.

kitchen view in center for innovation in grand forks north dakota which is a business and innovation center with business office spaces available

What’s Cooking For Businesses in Grand Forks at the Center for Innovation?

UND Center for Innovation offers a variety of office spaces that cater to your specific needs. Whether you’re a digital nomad looking for a virtual office or a startup in need of a physical space, CFI has you covered. We even have a food incubator so you can test your food products and get them ready to commercialize and distribute. So, whether you’re looking for office space or need help from one of the many businesses that are already tenants including law firms or the best SEO & advertising company in Grand Forks, the Center For Innovation has you covered!

Are you interested in a tour or getting a quote on office spaces? How about what is included and what it means to have an office at CFI? We are always open to answering your questions. We take pride in being a safe environment for fostering business in their early stages and helping through all their challenges on the path to success.

Our versatile office spaces are perfect for:

1. Budding startups

2. Small businesses new to the area

3. Visionaries with actionable ideas

4. Organizations ready to scale

5. Businesses exploring North Dakota’s markets

6. Companies eager to collaborate with UND students or faculty

We believe in a friendly, supportive atmosphere that’s here to help you thrive.

entrance to center for innovation in grand forks north dakota which is an entrepreneurial center for start ups and established businesses in gf

CFI Highlight! CFI also has what we call “Ecosystem Partnerships.” Imagine collaborating with other businesses and experts right within your workspace as a student or community member in Grand Forks. The networking possibilities are endless!

Business Coaching and Funding: The Lifelines

Launching a business can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. CFI provides top-notch business coaching to guide you through the maze of entrepreneurship. Along with coaching by S.C.O.R.E members and others, we also offer startup funding options through various channels. This can give your business the financial support it needs to start, grow and thrive in our community and around the world.

Did You Know? The Center has helped raise over $4 million in capital. That’s not just a number; it’s a testament to the Center’s commitment to fostering business growth and community growth in Grand Forks and our beautiful state of North Dakota as a whole.

Community and Student Involvement: Grow Your Entrepreneurial Skill-Set

The Center for Innovation is not just about businesses; it’s about building a community. We offer internships for students from the University of North Dakota, giving them real-world business experience. This helps students to develop their skills and knowledge in a professional setting, and it also gives them the opportunity to network with potential employers. UND CFI also hosts events and workshops that are open to the public, such as business lectures, networking events, and educational workshops. These events help to build a strong community of businesses and individuals who are working to support the local economy.

What’s CFI’s Runway Accelerator?

CFI’s Runway Accelerator is an initiative to help UND students, faculty, and alumni turn their business ideas into reality. It’s all about fostering innovation and giving your business the runway it needs to soar. Runway also gives business founders the opportunity to pitch their ideas in front of industry leaders and business CEO’s. Runway is a program designed to help entrepreneurship soar directly from the UND community. The winning ‘pitch’ also gets startup funding of up to $10,000 to help grow their business.

staff picture with university of north dakota students in grand forks north dakota standing in front of the main desk at the center for innovation in 2023
2023 Runway Summer Cohort

Tenants & Business Member Services: More Than Just an Office Space

UND Center For Innovation is home to several tenants like the Small Business Administration, VOBC, and S.C.O.R.E mentorship. These organizations are not just members of CFI; they’re partners in your business journey and along with being a member, you receive 4 hours per month to speak with and schedule meetings with these agencies and businesses in order to get information, strategize and learn the ropes of business development and all that it entails.

CFI Highlight! These members offer a range of services from mentorship to business planning, making the Center a holistic business ecosystem unlike any other place in Grand Forks.

We invite you to come visit our facility and get a personal tour – being a student or community member – so you can see, first-hand, all that we have to offer you and your business goals.

The Final Word: Your Invitation Business Hub in Grand Forks, ND

The Center for Innovation is more than just a workspace; it’s a community of like-minded individuals committed to driving business forward in Grand Forks, ND. Why not come down for a tour? Whether you’re a student, a startup, or an established business, there’s a place for you at the Center for Innovation and again, we invite everyone in our community to explore our facility and our resources so that we, the Grand Forks, ND community, can build the future together.

When businesses in Grand Forks follow this comprehensive guide, you’re not just reading an article; you’re taking the first step in your journey toward entrepreneurial and business success in Grand Forks, ND.

Quick links to contact us or get directions to the Center:

-Click here to contact us and schedule your tour of our facility

-Click here to get directions to the Center For Innovation

See you at the Center!


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What Types of Businesses Can Benefit from the Center for Innovation?
    1. From digital marketing or SEO agencies to law firms, innovative new products, tech startups & retail stores, the Center is equipped to support businesses across various sectors.
  1. How Can Students at the University of North Dakota Get Involved?
    1. Students can apply for internships and even get paid opportunities with tenants at the Center.
    2. Business owning residents of Grand Forks, ND can also use these resources and we invite you as well to tour our facility and get your business dream started locally.
  1. What Are the Funding Options Available for Startups?
    1. The Center offers multiple funding avenues, including grants and venture capital partnerships.
    2. You can also speak with Sona, a professional in the field of navigating federal, state and regional funding and contract opportunities!