Innovate ND Entrepreneurship Grant
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Up to $50,000 (2 phases)
ND validates your business idea with $50K
Innovate ND is a North Dakota state grant of up to $50,000 reimbursing entrepreneurs for business validation activities — customer discovery, market research, prototype development, and lean business model work. Delivered through four regional entrepreneur centers, the program provides both cash reimbursement and one-on-one certified business coaching over two 6-month phases.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $50,000
- Realistic amount
- Most participants receive $10,000–$25,000 per phase based on validated expenditures. Total reimbursements of $25,000–$40…
- Deadline
- Multiple rounds per year. Spring 2026 deadline was May 14, 2026; next round expected fall 2026.
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- ND
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Entrepreneur or early-stage business in North Dakota
- Engaged in business concept validation or early commercialization activities
- Must participate in program activities through one of four regional entrepreneur centers
- No specific minimum revenue or employee count stated
Hard requirements
- Location restriction: North Dakota
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Customer discovery and market research costs (travel, survey tools, interview expenses)
- Prototype development and testing
- Business model validation activities
- Market analysis and feasibility study costs
- Coaching and consulting fees through regional entrepreneur center activities
Ineligible expenses
- Ongoing operational expenses (rent, utilities, payroll for existing employees)
- Equipment purchases not directly tied to validation activities
- Personal expenses
- Expenses incurred before program acceptance
How to apply
-
1
Submit application through program portal
Apply at belegendary.link/InnovateND before the round deadline. Describe your business concept, validation goals, and planned activities for the first 6-month phase.
-
2
Engage with a regional entrepreneur center
Upon acceptance, work with one of ND's four certified regional entrepreneur centers. Receive one-on-one coaching in lean business model canvas methodology, value proposition development, and customer identification.
-
3
Conduct validation activities and document expenses
Execute customer discovery interviews, market validation research, and prototype development. Keep detailed records of all eligible expenses with receipts — reimbursement is based on documented spend.
-
4
Submit Phase 1 reimbursement request
After completing Phase 1 (up to 6 months), submit documented expenses for reimbursement up to $25,000. Funds are disbursed after expense verification.
-
5
Continue to Phase 2 (if applicable)
Businesses demonstrating validation progress may continue to Phase 2 for up to an additional $25,000 over the second 6-month period. Total maximum across both phases is $50,000.
Connect with your regional entrepreneur center before the application deadline — centers can clarify eligible activities and help you structure a stronger application.
Deadline & timing
Program runs multiple rounds per year. The most recent announced deadline was February 26, 2026 with a spring 2026 round anticipated. Check the ND Department of Commerce website for current cycle dates.
Programs that stack well
Related programs
Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.