Ongoing items = still active/relevant; watch dates & actions below.
Agriculture / Energy Markets (Ongoing)
What happened: California’s LCFS review is weighing updated corn-ethanol land-use numbers after industry challenge.
Why it matters: More accurate modeling helps ND corn and any ND-linked ethanol/DDGs remain competitive in low-carbon markets.
Who’s affected: ND corn growers, grain merchandisers, ethanol/bioprocessors, rail/truck shippers.
Dates/deadlines: Post-forum rule work continues; watch for CARB follow-ups this month.
Finance / State-Backed Development (Ongoing)
What happened: ND Commerce posted Q3 North Dakota Development Fund awards (~$3.46M) for tech, ag-adjacent, childcare, community projects.
Why it matters: Signals capital availability; solo/small firms can prep materials for upcoming rounds.
Who’s affected: Startups, home-based firms formalizing, childcare operators, rural projects.
Dates/deadlines: Next intake window expected soon; assemble financials now.
Energy / Utilities / Large-Load Users (Ongoing)
What happened: Xcel Energy’s ND rate case targets about $44.6M in ND revenue recovery tied to system/coal-exit costs.
Why it matters: Potential power-cost increases; plan budgets and consider load-management or contract reviews.
Who’s affected: Xcel-served small businesses, manufacturers, data/AI prospects, hospitality, landlords.
Dates/deadlines: PSC public-input opportunities continue through November.
Construction / Tourism / Nonprofit (Ongoing)
What happened: Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library financing draws on $53M of its $70M BND line to stay on schedule.
Why it matters: Confirms steady workstream for trades; future demand for Medora-area hospitality/vendors.
Who’s affected: Construction trades, suppliers, lodging/food/event services.
Dates/deadlines: LOC expected fully used by year-end 2025; opening slated Jul 4, 2026.
Transportation / Supply Chain (Ongoing)
What happened: FAA-directed flight capacity reductions at major hubs are causing ripple delays even for ND-origin trips/cargo that connect via MSP/Denver/Chicago.
Why it matters: Build slack into inbound parts/medical shipments and time-sensitive travel; line up alternate routings.
Who’s affected: Retailers, e-commerce shippers, medical providers, manufacturers with air-cargo legs.
Dates/deadlines: Cuts rolling this week; monitor carrier alerts daily.
Small Business / Entrepreneurs (Deadline)
What happened: Innovate ND application window remains open.
Why it matters: Grants (reimbursable) + coaching can accelerate validation and growth for ND founders.
Who’s affected: Startups, solo/home-based entrepreneurs, primary-sector prospects.
Dates/deadlines: Apply by Nov 26, 2025.
Rural Communities / Contractors (Deadline)
What happened: Rural Catalyst grants open for towns ≤4,500 population (quality-of-life, workforce, essential business infrastructure).
Why it matters: New local projects = contract and vendor opportunities; businesses can partner with city/county leads.
Who’s affected: Local governments, nonprofits, contractors, small-town businesses.
Dates/deadlines: Apply by Jan 7, 2026.