ND SBDC

Forty years ago, business financing often meant bank loans or personal savings. Today, crowdfunding and online lenders offer more options. Supporting North Dakota small business owners and entrepreneurs for 40 years.

The ND SBDC connected with students at several events this fall, including our first involvement with DECA. Our team participated in high school and collegiate DECA events and the Northern Valley Career Expo, sharing entrepreneurship resources and introducing students to ND SBDC.

A visit for gloves led Heather Herzig to business ownership! With guidance from Minot Center Director Alan Gohary, Heather developed a business plan, prepared financial projections, and organized the materials needed to secure financing. Read her story: bit.ly/4A1qi9H

North Dakota LLC and PLLC owners: annual reports are due Nov. 16, 2026. Filing fee: $50. Late filings may result in fees and a “Not Good Standing” status. File through the official ND FirstStop portal bit.ly/3JKfOH6

Five small businesses will share their stories, ideas, and plans for growth in the Million Dollar Pitch Competition as they compete for a share of a $1 million prize pool. Watch at no cost on YouTube: bit.ly/47CKxhJ

Shannon Duerr, Executive Director of the Cavalier County Job Development Authority, brings valuable rural economic development experience to the ND SBDC Advisory Board. Her perspective helps inform our work with small business owners and entrepreneurs across North Dakota.

Lenny and Miranda Johnson opened their first clothing store in Williston in 2014 and later established the Genesis brand. From 2019 through 2025, Lenny connected with the ND SBDC for business advising. Today, Genesis remains a family-owned clothing store in Williston.

Have a business idea? Make sure there’s demand before making a major investment. Join us Nov. 10 at 3:30 PM CT for Validate Demand Before Building with Michael Danielson, Program Director of VBOC of the Dakotas. Register: bit.ly/4gMwf21

Alexis Bauer of Bauer Properties worked with ND SBDC Bismarck Center Director Tyler Demars to review financial projections as she explored plans for opening a gym in McClusky. Understanding the numbers can help small business owners compare options and make informed decisions.

Forty years ago, paying by phone sounded like science fiction. Today, digital wallets and contactless payments are common. Supporting North Dakota small business owners and entrepreneurs for 40 years.

Congratulations to Marnie Schuschke, our Associate State Director, on her re-election to the @ASBDC Board of Directors! She’ll continue representing North Dakota and collaborating with SBDC leaders nationwide to strengthen the network and support small businesses.

Our October newsletter includes cybersecurity resources, AI productivity tips, upcoming workshops, client stories, and more. Stay connected with practical insights and ND SBDC updates for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Subscribe today: bit.ly/4mmjaP6

Congratulations to ND SBDC Communications Manager Danielle Jones, our 2026 State Star! Danielle was recognized at the @ASBDC training event in Atlanta for her contributions to communications, outreach, and collaboration across the ND SBDC network: bit.ly/4BkLPeN

Talking through your business goals can help bring clarity to what comes next. ND SBDC advisors help small business owners and entrepreneurs answer questions, explore options, and identify practical next steps.

Suddenly, everyone remembers how long you’ve been friends. Supporting a small business can be as simple as paying full price, leaving a review, sharing their posts, or sending a new customer their way. Small actions can make a meaningful difference!

October is National Women’s Small Business Month! After 14 years at @MSBooksMinot in Minot, Lindsey Bertsch stepped into ownership with guidance from ND SBDC Minot Center Director Alan Gohary on business planning and financial projections.

Golden Valley Veterinary Clinic worked with Nicole Evans, ND SBDC Grand Forks Center Director, on business planning and financial projections for expansion. Today, the Park River clinic has 20 employees and serves farms, ranches, and pet owners across the region.

Just Tiffany Ford and GNDC’s Amanda Remynse casually solving all the world’s problems. We assume they’ll be done by lunch. Today, we’re giving a shoutout to Greater North Dakota Chamber and chambers across the state for their collaboration and support of North Dakota businesses!

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Take a closer look at how prepared your business is with the ND SBDC cybersecurity assessment, tools, and training resources. Explore resources: bit.ly/3SZH5Vl More tips from CISA: bit.ly/2VwdM4d

Meet Danielle Jones, ND SBDC Communications Manager and our 2026 State Star! Danielle supports communications, outreach, and client engagement across our statewide network. We recently celebrated her recognition at America’s SBDC training event in Atlanta.