NEW or meaningfully updated items since our prior briefing are included. Focus: impacts in the next 30–45 days. Each item lists what happened, why it matters, who is affected, dates/deadlines, and a source link.
Economic Development / Grants & Financing
1) LIFT Fund low‑interest loans – applications open (ND Dept. of Commerce)
What happened: Commerce opened applications for the Legacy Investment for Technology (LIFT) program—debt financing for R&D and commercialization.
Why it matters: Non‑dilutive capital for startups and scale‑ups; can bridge private rounds.
Who is affected: Tech, ag‑tech, energy‑tech, med‑tech, advanced manufacturing, commercialization‑stage startups.
Dates/Deadlines: Rolling—apply ASAP for Q4 review.
Source: ND Commerce news.
2) InnovateND – startup grant window
What happened: Current application window for InnovateND offers up to $50k in reimbursable support + coaching.
Why it matters: Early‑stage boost for small/solo founders and home‑based innovators.
Who is affected: Solo entrepreneurs, e‑commerce product startups, tech and maker founders.
Dates/Deadlines: Applications open now; check program page for close date.
Source: ND Commerce news.
Transportation / Logistics / Construction & Real Estate
3) NDDOT construction lettings + DBE update (state)
What happened: NDDOT posted bid openings (Nov 21, Dec 12) and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) industry update meeting (Dec 8).
Why it matters: Lets contractors/subs schedule crews, materials, bonding; DBEs can prep pipeline.
Who is affected: Highway/heavy contractors, engineering firms, truckers, materials suppliers, DBEs.
Dates/Deadlines: Bids Nov 21 & Dec 12; DBE update Dec 8.
Source: NDDOT News & Events.
4) FAA pauses deeper national flight cuts (national → ND impact)
What happened: FAA is holding systemwide flight reductions around ~6% at major hubs instead of expanding to 8–10% during the holiday surge.
Why it matters: More predictable connections for ND travelers and air‑cargo routings via MSP/DEN/ORD hubs.
Who is affected: Any ND employer moving people or time‑sensitive parcels by air.
Dates/Deadlines: Applies through Thanksgiving travel period; reassessment to follow.
Source: USDOT/FAA updates.
Retail / E‑Commerce / Hospitality / Makers
5) Pride of Dakota Showcase – Grand Forks (TODAY & Sat.)
What happened: Alerus Center hosts showcase Nov 14–15 with ~150 ND companies.
Why it matters: Immediate sales + email list growth; retailers can source local makers; hotels/STRs can package stays.
Who is affected: Cottage‑food producers, artisans, specialty food/bev, apparel, gift retailers, venues, hotels/STRs.
Dates/Deadlines: Nov 14–15.
Source: ND Dept. of Agriculture.
6) USPS peak‑season surcharges + holiday ship‑by dates (national → ND impact)
What happened: USPS seasonal surcharges are active; Postal Service posted recommended send‑by dates for Christmas.
Why it matters: Update checkout rates, free‑shipping thresholds, and “last‑day‑to‑order” banners to protect margin and customer expectations.
Who is affected: Online shops, Etsy/Shopify sellers, makers, 3PLs, nonprofits mailing year‑end appeals.
Dates/Deadlines: Surcharges now through mid‑January; watch class‑specific cutoffs through mid‑December.
Source: USPS Postal Bulletin.
7) Card‑processing: Visa/Mastercard settlement proposal (national → ND impact)
What happened: New court proposal would trim interchange modestly for five years, cap some fees longer, and let merchants decline certain premium cards—pending approval.
Why it matters: Could slightly lower fees and offer acceptance flexibility; review checkout signage/scripts for the holidays.
Who is affected: Main‑street retailers, restaurants, venues, STRs, online sellers.
Dates/Deadlines: Proposed this week; court review pending.
Source: Court filings and national business press.
Government / Nonprofit Service Providers
8) ND250 Community Initiatives grants – still open
What happened: ND250 Commission announced new awards; program remains open through year‑end with rolling reviews.
Why it matters: Flexible funds for community‑facing projects and events—useful for chambers, museums, fairs.
Who is affected: Nonprofits; city/county/tribal governments; business associations.
Dates/Deadlines: Open now; through Dec 31, 2025.
Source: ND250 Commission release.
9) SNAP waiver request (state → possible national approval)
What happened: ND HHS formally requested USDA approval to prohibit SNAP purchases of candy, soda, and energy drinks.
Why it matters: If approved, ~600 EBT retailers will need POS changes, staff training, and shelf‑tag updates; inventory mix may shift.
Who is affected: Grocery/C‑stores, online grocers, nonprofits running EBT transactions.
Dates/Deadlines: Submitted Nov; implementation would follow ~8 months after USDA approval.
Source: ND HHS notice.
Energy / Utilities & Environment
10) Coal‑ash (CCR) program: state primacy approved (national/state)
What happened: EPA approved North Dakota’s CCR permitting program, shifting coal‑ash oversight to the state.
Why it matters: Power plants and disposal contractors will work directly with ND on permits, inspections, and timelines; watch for state guidance.
Who is affected: Utilities, ash‑landfill operators, environmental engineers, nearby communities.
Dates/Deadlines: Effective with EPA approval; state process now governs.
Source: EPA/State announcements.
11) Above‑ground storage tanks (AST) – compliance now in effect (state)
What happened: DEQ’s AST rules (registration, monthly inspections, leak detection) took effect Oct 1; existing tanks face phased deadlines.
Why it matters: Non‑compliance risks penalties and cleanup‑fund ineligibility.
Who is affected: Fuel retailers, farm/industrial depots, fleets, heating‑oil providers, contractors servicing tanks.
Dates/Deadlines: Effective now; leak‑detection and piping timelines staged into 2026/2030.
Source: DEQ rule notice/industry summary.
Education / Higher Ed & Training
12) NDUS Board committees – Nov 18 agendas posted
What happened: ND University System committees will consider items that can affect research partnerships, fees, and vendor approvals.
Why it matters: Training vendors and employers partnering with campuses should track decisions that shape 2026 programs and purchasing.
Who is affected: Training providers, ed‑tech vendors, R&D collaborators, employers using NDUS workforce programs.
Dates/Deadlines: Tues, Nov 18, 2025.
Source: NDUS agendas.
13) HHS IT governance – special meeting held (today)
What happened: ND HHS Technical Debt Program Executive Steering Committee met briefly today; IT governance updates can drive procurement timelines.
Why it matters: Health‑IT vendors and nonprofits integrating with HHS systems should monitor for RFPs or schedule changes.
Who is affected: Health IT integrators, analytics vendors, BH providers tied to state systems.
Dates/Deadlines: Nov 14 meeting; watch for follow‑on notices.
Source: ND HHS events.
~ Hope it’s been a good week. Make it a great weekend.