About the ND SBDC
For over 35 years, the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers (ND SBDC) has supported and empowered small businesses across the state. With a mission statement of “powering the creation, growth, and success of small business in North Dakota”, the SBDC aims to provide direction and resources to small business owners and entrepreneurs.
The ND SBDC has “a very large number of business support services,” says Nicole Evans, Grand Forks Center Director for ND SBDC. Ranging from start-up logistics and feasibility to growth planning, turn-around work, and succession planning, the SBDC is designed to meet the needs of businesses at every phase in their journey. All services are provided at no cost to business owners, ensuring attainable assistance regardless of business size or stage.
Partnership with the Center for Innovation
The UND Center for Innovation partners with the ND SBDC to expand the network of resources available to entrepreneurs and business owners. Nicole Evans attends and participates in CFI programs, such as the Runway program to offer mentorship and support for students. This support is also extended through collaboration and strategic networking opportunities with innovation and technology businesses.
Opportunities for funding, including the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), and the InnovateND programs, are other support opportunities that the CFI and ND SBDC partner with and offer referrals to help strengthen and support innovators.
Strengthening North Dakota’s Innovation Ecosystem
Partnership between the CFI and ND SBDC creates a strong network of resources that benefits the community and the state as a whole. It allows support to be provided to entrepreneurs at many different occasions and functions, ensuring a nurturing entrepreneurial environment. With a large business community available, the CFI and SBDC are able to assist innovators in continuing to grow, widening their network, and forming valuable relationships.
Community Impact
Through expert advising, training, and resources, the ND SBDC helps turn ideas into businesses, supports growing companies, and fuels innovators across North Dakota. In 2025, the ND SBDC assisted more than 1,600 clients, helped launch 161 businesses, and aided clients in securing $144,848,558 in capital infusion. These efforts strengthened North Dakota’s local economies and empowered entrepreneurs within our communities. By supplying these services, the SBDC continues to play a vital role in fostering business development and providing hope, which Nicole Evans says is the most rewarding part of her work with the SBDC.
“It is the hope that feels the best because they feel like they have a chance,” Nicole shared. “I learned in my technology career that anything is possible. It’s just how you get there, but you do get there.”
Get Involved
Alongside the CFI, the ND SBDC offers a wide range of resources available to business owners, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Credentialed business advisors, programs tailored to business growth and development, and guidance on accessing funding are included in these resources. Empowering the growth of and offering access to resources for North Dakota small businesses is the primary goal of the SBDC.
“The network is wide, and there are many that are no-cost services, so what do you have to lose?” Nicole urges.
Learn More
To learn more about the services provided by the ND SBDC, visit ndsbdc.org and connect with the SBDC team.