Join the UND Center for Innovation and Grand Forks Region EDC for the 2026 Launch of InternGF! Enjoy breakfast, learn about InternGF internship funding opportunities, hear from past participants, and celebrate successes!
InternGF is a unique partnership between the UND Center for Innovation and the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation. It is designed to introduce UND students to high-wage, in-demand careers and employers in the Grand Forks region. The goal of the program is to aid in local recruitment and retention efforts by showcasing regional companies, career opportunities, and community assets.
Event Outline
8:30 AM – Breakfast
8:45 AM – Presentation & Student Testimonials
9:05 AM – Panel of InternGF Employer Participants
9:35 AM – Ending Session: How to Get Started with Internships
The world is full of innovative ideas, but moving those ideas to an impactful solution is no easy task for any entrepreneur. One of the biggest hurdles innovators and start-ups face is having enough capital to support their product development efforts. That is where the SBIR/STTR program enters. The SBIR/STTR program is two federal initiatives that offer grant funding on a competitive basis to small businesses looking to move their Research and Development (R&D) into commercialization.
Administered by the Small Business Administration, the goal of the program is not only to stimulate technological innovation, but to bring it to life and into an impactful societal use.
Computer screen showing the NSF America’s Seed Fund webpage with the U.S. government site header.
SBIR: Small Business Innovation Research
Eleven federal agencies participate in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program by listing topics specific to research and development they wish to explore and that align with the mission of their agency. Businesses are not required to collaborate with research institutions, but partnerships are allowed and encouraged.
Labeled as “America’s Seed Fund”, SBIR/STTR is a three-phased process that moves research from concept to commercialization. Applications to the program are scored and awarded based on two things: scientific merit and the potential for commercialization. Winning an award can be a giant step forward for small businesses and academic researchers, as investors and industry partners look favorably on this process because of its progressive de-risking nature.
Stacks of coins with growing plants on top, symbolizing financial growth.
Typical Funding Ranges
Phase I: Provides the smallest award for funding. The goal of Phase I is to establish feasibility, scientific and technical merit, and proof of concept. The length of the award is approximately 6-12 months.
Phase II: Provides significantly larger awards intended to support continued R&D and creation of prototypes. The length of the award is up to 2 years.
Phase III: No funds provided by either SBIR or STTR, and companies are expected to continue their commercialization efforts either through private investment or follow-on federal contracts.
Range of SBIR/STTR Funding Awards by Phase
Program
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
SBIR
~ $50,000 – $300,000 (depending on agency)
$400,000 – $1,800,000 (depending on agency)
No direct funding. Focus is on commercialization through private or non-SBIR federal contracts.
STTR
~ $50,000 – $300,000 (depending on agency)
$400,000 – $1,800,000 (depending on agency)
No direct funding. Same as, SBIR commercialization support only.
Benefits for Small Businesses and Researchers
The benefits small businesses or academic researchers gain by participating in the SBIR/STTR program can be significant. They,
could receive non-dilutive capital to support early-stage R&D in the form of grants or contracts, without losing equity. This is ideal for high-risk, high-reward innovations that many investors shy away from.
gain access to federal agencies and their expertise. The ability to work directly with a federal agency allows their innovation to gain credibility and technical validation, both which are appealing to potential investors.
will retain the rights to their intellectual property. This ability to protect IP can be a critical factor for future commercialization.
Grand Forks, North Dakota is filled with countless amazing small businesses, and this guide highlights just a handful of them. This list is not ranked, not a “top” list, and definitely not the only great places in town; it’s simply a spotlight to help you discover some local businesses across a variety of categories. There are many more incredible spots in Grand Forks worth exploring!
Coffee Shops in Grand Forks, ND
If you’re searching for coffee in Grand Forks, here are a few local cafes to check out, listed in no particular order.
Urban Stampede – A cozy downtown coffeehouse known for local art and specialty brews.
Bully Brew Coffee – A woman-owned, locally roasted coffee brand with community-focused locations.
Happy Camper Coffee – A mobile, vintage camper serving espresso drinks and treats around town.
These are just a few stops in the vibrant Grand Forks coffee scene, with many more worth visiting.
Food & Drink in Grand Forks, ND
Looking for places to eat in Grand Forks? Here are several local dining options:
Numerous other artists and venues contribute to Grand Forks’ vibrant creative culture.
Entrepreneur & Small Business Resources in Grand Forks
If you’re looking to start or grow a business, here are a few local resource organizations—listed without any ranking or preference.
North Dakota Small Business Development Centers – Free, confidential advising and training to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start, manage, and grow their businesses across the state.
And there are additional resources available throughout the region, including us, the UND Center for Innovation!
Why This Matters
Small businesses power the Grand Forks community. By shopping, dining, and seeking entertainment locally, we help strengthen the economy and celebrate the people who make this city thrive.
When Zach Bopp founded Midwest Planning in 2019, he wasn’t simply starting a business, he was building the kind of consulting firm he wished existed throughout his career, one that combined technical strength with practical usability. After more than a decade in municipal design, master planning, and construction engineering, Zach saw a persistent gap between regulatory expectations and the practical realities of field implementation.
“I wanted to create a firm that was technically strong, but also grounded in real-world application,” he explained. “Infrastructure has to work for the people who build it and maintain it.”
Growing up in an agricultural environment shaped Zach’s values: work hard, focus on the details, and solve problems with practicality and purpose. Those principles became the foundation of Midwest Planning, LLC, a firm defined by responsiveness, clarity, and commitment from project conception to completion.
About Midwest Planning
Midwest Planning specializes in civil and environmental consulting with a focus on:
Municipal utility design
Land and site development
Stormwater and wastewater engineering
Water resources planning
Their projects span everything from parking lot layouts to hydraulic modeling, erosion control, and large-scale infrastructure planning. What makes Midwest Planning stand out is the way field experience is integrated into every phase of the design process.
“Our goal is always constructability and long-term usability,” Zach said. “Plans have to be more than compliant; they need to function.”
The firm’s modular, logic-driven design approach supports clearer communication and smoother approvals across agencies, contractors, and community partners.
Impact on the Community
From stormwater systems to wastewater treatment solutions, Midwest Planning plays a quiet but critical role in building resilient communities. Their work helps clients navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring infrastructure is practical, maintainable, and built to last.
“Our work is meant to support communities for decades,” Zach shared. “By combining technical precision with a deep understanding of local needs, we contribute to safer, more sustainable environments for the people who live and work there.”
Two engineers working on a project and discussing together looking at blueprint paperwork.
Project Highlights
Midwest Planning has built strong regional partnerships, including work with:
The Red River Valley Alliance as part of construction and maintenance oversight for the Diversion Channel and Associated Infrastructure Work Package within the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area Flood Risk Management Project
These projects highlight the firm’s commitment to technical excellence and regional resilience.
Challenges and Opportunities
One ongoing industry challenge is balancing regulatory expectations with the needs of field teams, who must implement the work in real-world conditions.
“To us, that’s an opportunity,” Zach said. “We focus on bridging that gap, so documentation satisfies agencies and still makes sense to the crews on the ground.”
Connection to the Center for Innovation
Zach’s connection to the UND Center for Innovation began through a colleague who encouraged him to explore CFI’s resources and network. One conversation led to another, and before long, the relationship became a natural fit.
“CFI opened doors to collaboration and helped us connect with other entrepreneurs and innovators,” Zach shared.
Support from CFI
Through the Center for Innovation, Midwest Planning has gained visibility within the regional business community, deepened its network, and connected with resources that support long-term business development.
“CFI has given us a platform to share our story and explore new opportunities,” Zach said. “It’s been invaluable.”
Looking Ahead
Midwest Planning is focused on steady, sustainable growth, continuing to build strong client relationships while expanding regional partnerships.
“We want to grow without ever compromising the quality of our work or the trust we’ve built,” Zach emphasized.
For Midwest Planning, the path forward is rooted in responsiveness, high standards, and a commitment to serving the communities that rely on resilient infrastructure.
To learn more about Midwest Planning, reach out to Zach at Zach@mwplanning.com
Project RuralReach, an initiative designed to use drones to dramatically improve rural life, successfully completes second use-case test
(From left) Cal Coopman, AggieAir director at Utah State University; Jeff Barta, small business innovation research specialist at the UND Center for Innovation; and Brandon Curdy, a UAS pilot from the AggieAir Service Center Team, stand by the aircraft used in the recent use-case test. Photo courtesy of Botlink.
GRAND FORKS — The UND Center for Innovation is proud to announce the successful completion of the second use-case test for Project RuralReach, regarding the use of UAS innovations and sustainable power.
The flight operations took place on Sept. 29 in collaboration with Botlink (a drone-control hardware and software company), Utah State University’s AggieAir and Dunlevy Consulting. The team carried out two flights, each covering 53 nautical miles with approximately 63 minutes of airtime — surpassing the project goals of achieving electric vehicle (EV) flights beyond 40 minutes and more than 50 miles in distance.
The aircraft used for this test was the ANGEL 1-BE, a small, fully electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) platform designed and built by extended-range, sustainable operations — including the internal electrical configuration, which was altered by AggieAir specifically for the endurance mission. The test took place in the southeast region of North Dakota, and was designed to explore sustainable power opportunities and environmental conditions to extend the operational range of autonomous vehicles.
“Botlink CEO Terri Zimmerman’s leadership in North Dakota UAS has been great to watch, and our organization was pleased to partner with Botlink and Badland Batteries as we demonstrated endurance missions with North Dakotan UAS and North Dakotan energy storage systems,” said Matt Dunlevy of Dunlevy Consulting.
“Working with Amy Whitney and Jeff Barta of the UND Center for Innovation was also fantastic, as always. The success of this mission underscores North Dakota’s growing capability to lead the nation in energy-resilient aerospace operations.
“It also validates the strength of collaboration between industry and academia in advancing homegrown innovation that can compete globally.”
A significant step forward
Powering the ANGEL 1-BE were four Badland Batteries 6S 17000-milliamp batteries, which are Packet Digital’s first off-the-shelf battery packs. Badland Batteries are designed, assembled, shipped and supported from Fargo, N.D., where Packet Digital is located. For purchase information, visit badlandbatteries.com/store.
Also onboard the ANGEL 1-BE was the Botlink XRD2, which maintained cellular connectivity over the Verizon cell network for the entire flight, streaming telemetry and video data with the ability to transmit telemetry data to UTM or Unmanned Traffic Management suppliers, such as North Dakota’s Vantis network’s API.
The Botlink XRD2 is compatible worldwide and ready to ship. For purchase information, visit botlink.com/xrd2.
“This was a great success for Badland Batteries and Botlink,” Botlink General Manager Matt Sather said. “This project showcases the impact drones can have in rural environments. Being able to use North Dakota-made batteries and cellular connectivity throughout highlights the incredible things going on in our state across the UAS industry.”
Funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s ARPA Economic Adjustment Assistance Program, Project RuralReach continues to explore innovative ways to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability in remote regions. With this successful test, the project moves another step closer to scalable, real-world applications that can serve rural industries and communities.
Media Contact
Haylee Bjork, Marketing Outreach Coordinator Organization: UND Center for Innovation
Kelly Entzel, the founder of Wildflowers of Hope with her son, Oscar. Photo by Haylee Bjork
When grief blooms into purpose, beautiful things can happen. For Kelly Entzel, a UND alum and former English teacher, that purpose took root in 2024 with the creation of Wildflowers of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting all individuals and families in the Red River Valley experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.
Kelly’s story began years earlier. Originally from Fosston, Minnesota, she came to UND in 2009 to pursue her degree in education, a decision that led not only to her career of 13 years as a teacher but also to meeting her husband. The two married in 2013 and started building their family in Grand Forks.
Their journey, however, wasn’t without heartbreak. After two miscarriages and the devastating loss of their daughter, Collette, in October 2023 due to a rare genetic condition called Triploidy, Kelly and her family experienced profound grief.
“I knew our family wasn’t complete, but I also knew that grief is isolating,” Kelly shared. “Unless you’ve been through it, it’s hard to understand. I wanted to create a space where families could find hope, community, and healing.”
On Collette’s half-birthday, April 18, 2024, Kelly and her sister Emma Preston, began dreaming up a way to support others in their grief journey. As plans for their nonprofit began to sprout, Kelly asked her friend Sarah Anderson, to come alongside them to build and launch Wildflowers of Hope, named for the resilience and renewal that wildflowers symbolize, was officially established in October 2024. “Every spring, new life and new hope come back. Flowers bring joy and the promise of something better,” Kelly said.
At home, Kelly’s life is filled with energy and love. She’s the proud mom of four energetic kids who keep her days bright and busy.
Kelly and Sarah Anderson at CFI’s Grill & Gather event, Photo by Alex Johnson
Building Community Through Compassion
As a member of UND’s Center for Innovation, Kelly found both practical and personal support to grow her nonprofit idea into reality. Through CFI, Wildflowers of Hope gained workspace and printing access, as well as valuable connections to community partners — including The Sunshine House, where the group now holds its monthly meetings.
“The Center for Innovation gave us a home base when we were just getting started,” Kelly said. “Having access to resources, a space to work, and people who believed in our mission made all the difference.”
Wildflowers of Hope offers monthly support groups for families navigating pregnancy and infant loss, hosted at the Sunshine Housein Grand Forks. Kelly explained that choosing a neutral, comforting space was important. “After loss, the last place you want to be is a hospital or funeral home. The Sunshine House has been a beautiful place for people to come, breathe, and share.”
Local businesses have also rallied around the organization, with All Seasons Garden Center donating wildflower seed packets, and The Wired Bean and Bernie’s providing coffee and pastries for meetings. “It’s been amazing to see the community come together to support something so personal,” Kelly said.
Each month, Wildflowers of Hope also sends remembrance cards and wildflower seeds to families across the region. Their newsletter and online store, featuring beautifully designed flower cards by co-founder Sarah Anderson, help spread awareness and raise funds for their outreach.
Wildflowers of Hope Flyer, Photo by Haylee Bjork.
Finding Purpose in Growth
Though it’s in its second year, Wildflowers of Hope has already touched lives throughout the Red River Valley. Kelly’s long-term vision includes expanding mental health partnerships, offering educational resources, and eventually growing into a full-scale nonprofit providing comprehensive grief and postpartum support.
“My dream is to do this full-time, to walk alongside families in their darkest times and remind them they’re not alone,” Kelly said. “Hope is necessary when you’re going through grief. Without it, it’s easy to get stuck in a dark place.”
As October marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Wildflowers of Hope will also take part in the International Wave of Light on October 15, lighting candles at 7 p.m. to honor babies gone too soon. “The idea is that a candle is lit in every time zone,” Kelly explained. “It creates a wave of light across the world as a symbol that our babies’ lives still shine.”
Get Involved
Wildflowers of Hope hosts group meetings on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Sunshine House in Grand Forks. Individuals can get involved by:
Volunteering as a local partner, sponsor, or fiber artist (to make small “lovies” for families)
Spreading the word about their mission
For Kelly, every wildflower planted represents a story of love, loss, and resilience. “Collette’s life gave us purpose,” she said. “Through her, something beautiful has grown.”
Learn more or support Wildflowers of Hope on their website, or follow them on Instagram or Facebook!
Vorbeck team at UND’s Center for Innovation, Photo by Haylee Bjork
When Tyler Sletten joined Vorbeck as the site leader for the company’s North Dakota operations, he knew he was stepping into something special. With a background as SBIR/STTR Director at the Center for Innovation and experience running his own businesses, Tyler was inspired by Vorbeck’s leadership team, Department of Defense partnerships, and potential to play a key role in North Dakota’s growing defense ecosystem.
“Vorbeck is at the right time and the right place,” Tyler said. “North Dakota—and the Red River Valley in particular—is a perfect fit for our work.”
About Vorbeck
Founded in 2006, Vorbeck has built a reputation for innovation in advanced materials for extreme environments, particularly for the Department of Defense. With more than 100 patents, much of their work is centered on printed electronics and graphene-based technologies.
Vorbeck’s new facility in Grand Forks, Photo by Haylee Bjork
Why North Dakota?
Vorbeck’s journey to Grand Forks began when Chairman William “Bill” Kilberg connected with Governor Doug Burgum. The welcome they received on their first visit sparked multiple return trips—and ultimately the decision to establish a long-term presence here.
“It quickly became clear that North Dakota could be a place where we could plant deep roots,” Tyler shared.
Building a Team, Building a Future
Like many expansions, Vorbeck faced challenges: assembling a new team, securing facilities, and operating across two locations 1,400 miles apart. Their solution? Invest in people.
One key step was hiring Amanda Odegard, now company-wide HR Director, whose leadership helped stabilize operations and set the foundation for growth.
From there, the team grew into a powerhouse of talent:
Andrew Knable and Ryan Chappell – designing and building the plant
Morgan LaRock – first to be brought on to the team directly from UND, now leading Logistics and Supply Chain
Andy Lafferty – Master Electrician, pivotal to plant construction
Chris Vondra and Zach Edwards – skilled technicians supporting expansion
“More than the milestones, it’s the people who make this work,” Tyler said.
Group photo taken while touring the Vorbeck Facility, Photo by Haylee Bjork
Support Along the Way
Vorbeck credits a strong ecosystem of partners for helping fuel their success:
As a former CFI staff member, Tyler has a unique perspective: “CFI has been instrumental in our growth. Amy Whitney introduced me to NSF I-Corps, which reshaped how we think about customer needs. Anthony Maher’s coaching sharpened our pitches, often with the tough advice only a trusted advisor can give. And Travis Fretheim guided us through every step of our tenancy—from a single office, to larger Skalicky spaces, and eventually to our graduation into a permanent home.
Establishing a scholarship for excellence in electrical engineering at UND’s College of Engineering & Mines
Developing collaborations with UND’s EERC, Aerospace, Space Studies, and CEM
“This expansion sets the stage for our next chapter,” Tyler explained. “We can now bring all production under one roof, with room to grow.”
Andrew Knable leading a tour of Vorbeck’s new facility, Photo by Haylee Bjork
Looking Ahead
Vorbeck’s near-term focus is finishing its plant buildout this fall and growing its North Dakota team from 20 to 50+ employees. Longer term, the company envisions becoming a cornerstone of advanced manufacturing in North Dakota, known for PFAS-free firefighting foams, cutting-edge graphene applications, and deep ties to UND in research and workforce development.
“In five years, we want to be at full scale—delivering mission-critical technologies for the Department of Defense and beyond, while creating jobs and opportunities right here in Grand Forks.”
Tyler Sletten giving a product demonstration, Photo by Haylee Bjork
Advice for Fellow Innovators
When asked what advice he’d give to other entrepreneurs, Tyler pointed to the wisdom of Teddy Roosevelt, paraphrasing one of his most famous ideas:
“Think boldly; dare greatly.”
Learn more about Vorbeck and their mission to pioneer advanced materials that support national defense while creating jobs and opportunities in North Dakota by following them on LinkedIn or visiting their website.
Learn how to pitch your innovation and compete for up to $2M in NSF seed funding.
Discover how to turn your innovative idea into a compelling grant proposal in this interactive session on America’s Seed Fund, powered by the U.S. National Science Foundation. Learn how to craft an effective Project Pitch—the crucial first step toward securing up to $2 million in non-dilutive funding for your startup. This session will guide you through defining a significant problem, presenting a unique solution, and highlighting the potential impact of your innovation. Come prepared to share your idea, receive practical insights, and gain the confidence to take your innovation to the next level.
We’re excited to host Elizabeth (Ela) Mirowski, NSF SBIR/STTR Program Director, who will share insights on how to:
Define the problem your innovation solves
Present your unique solution
Showcase your potential impact
📅 Date: September 10, 2025, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
📍 Location: Grand Farm Classroom (In-person & Virtual)
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM Location:Gorman Field UAS Test Range, 1209 24th St NE, Emerado, ND 58228
As part of Project RuralReach, Censys Technologies has been selected to lead a critical use case test focused on improving disaster response, real-time situational awareness, and resource mobilization through advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
This live demonstration will highlight how UAS technology can be deployed in emergency scenarios to support first responders and rural communities.
Flight Timeline:
9:00 AM – Welcome & overview of Censys Technologies and Project Rural Reach
9:15 AM – Launch #1: Search & Rescue Mission
11:00 AM – Land & open Q&A session (payload swap)
11:15 AM – Launch #2: Transmission Line Flyover (~30 min)
1:00 PM – Land & payload swap
1:30 PM – Launch #3: Data Collection (RGB & LiDAR)
3:00 PM – Final landing & event conclusion
📢 Who’s Invited: Media representatives, community members, and anyone interested in seeing cutting-edge UAS technology in action.
This is a unique opportunity to experience Project RuralReach in motion — testing real-world drone solutions designed to strengthen rural resilience and emergency response capabilities.
