Guest: SBA Supports Small Business in N.D.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently awarded over $500,000 in investments to support small businesses in North Dakota through grants awarded to Grand Farm and the ND Trade Office.

Grand Farm is a network of growers, government, corporations, startups, educators, researchers and investors all working together to solve challenges in agriculture with applied technology. Grand Farm is part of SBA’s 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) and received funds under the ‘Domestic Manufacturing and Production’ initiative to help provide training, capital and commercialization support for AgTech entrepreneurs, many from underrepresented segments, including rural areas.

The ND Trade Office received one of SBA’s 43 State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grants awarded to organizations that help small businesses expand their exports. This grant helps amplify the ND Trade Office’s expertise to educate, research, engage, and advocate on behalf of North Dakota companies so they can develop more export business.

The accelerator fund and STEP grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Grand Farm and ND Trade Office had to apply for these opportunities, pass a vigorous vetting process, and then be selected as one of the top applicants. SBA chose Grand Farm and the ND Trade Office because we see the value these organizations provide to the small businesses across North Dakota.

I’m extremely proud that SBA is supporting these organizations and, most importantly, the rural business that benefit from their combined efforts.

(Alan Haut is the SBA’s North Dakota district director based in Fargo. He oversees the agency’s programs and services across the entire state.)

Alan Haut

District Director

North Dakota District Office

U.S. Small Business Administration