Today’s Business Briefing

Jan 7, 2026

Economic Development & Small Business

Native American Small Business Support Program — Funding still available with Jan 13 deadline

What happened: The North Dakota Department of Commerce continues to accept proposals for the $600,000 Native American Small Business Support Program supporting growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of Native American–owned small businesses.
Why it matters: Eligible businesses can secure working capital, technology, expansion resources, workforce training, and marketing investment before the deadline.
Who’s affected: Native American–owned for‑profit small businesses statewide (≥51% ownership).
Dates/Deadlines: Jan 13, 2026 proposal due; funds must be expended by June 30, 2027.
Source: ND Dept. of Commerce announcement. ND Portal+1

Regional Workforce Impact Program — Deadline extended to Jan 22

What happened: The Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) grant portal remains open with an extended application deadline of Jan 22, 2026 (5 PM CST) to address workforce challenges via regional plans.
Why it matters: Workforce grants can fund innovative training, career pathways, and employer partnerships to address local labor demands ahead of Q1 recruiting.
Who’s affected: Regional workforce entities, employers, training providers, nonprofits.
Dates/Deadlines: Jan 22, 2026 deadline.
Source: ND Dept. of Commerce workforce page. Commerce | North Dakota

36‑Inch Natural Gas Pipeline Project Advancing (NEW)

What happened: Intensity Infrastructure Partners and Rainbow Energy Center confirmed progress on the 36‑inch natural gas pipeline in North Dakota to support power growth, underpinned by firm transportation commitments.
Why it matters: Expansion of major gas infrastructure will support power generation capacity, industrial demand, and attract related construction/equipment supply work in coming months.
Who’s affected: Energy producers, midstream contractors, utilities, large energy‑intensive industrial customers.
Dates/Deadlines: Project advancing with open season likely forthcoming; stakeholders should monitor commercial/land owner schedules.
Source: Business Wire coverage. Business Wire+1

Bismarck‑Mandan Chamber Shifts Focus to Economic Development (NEW)

What happened: The Bismarck Mandan Chamber of Commerce announced a strategic shift in 2026 toward broader economic development — aiming to attract manufacturing, tech, and ag facilities to boost local growth.
Why it matters: Increased focus on attracting business anchors could lead to new job creation and increased demand for services (housing, logistics, workforce training).
Who’s affected: Local employers, workforce, small business support organizations, commercial real estate.
Dates/Deadlines: Strategic plan ongoing; Chamber will unveil initiatives early Q1.
Source: KFYR coverage. https://www.kfyrtv.com+1

Dickinson El Sombrero Renovation Celebrated (NEW)

What happened: El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant in Dickinson celebrated a 20‑year anniversary and completed a façade renovation through the Stark Development Corporation Façade Improvement Program.
Why it matters: Façade and main‑street improvements support customer traffic, downtown vitality, and neighborhood aesthetics — important for hospitality and retail recovery this winter/spring.
Who’s affected: Local retailers/restaurants, property owners, contractors.
Dates/Deadlines: Project completed by early Jan 2026.
Source: Dickinson Press report. Dickinson Press

Why People Are Looking to North Dakota (NEW)

What happened: ND Dept. of Commerce published “New Year, New Priorities” highlighting rising interest in ND due to affordability, safety, quality of life, short commutes, education rankings, and kid‑friendly communities.
Why it matters: This narrative supports talent attraction campaigns (remote workers, families), potentially increasing demand for housing, services, childcare, and education providers.
Who’s affected: K–12 and higher education recruiting, employers targeting skilled labor, housing/real estate stakeholders.
Dates/Deadlines: Ongoing narrative for 2026 marketing and recruitment.
Source: ND Dept. of Commerce news. Commerce | North Dakota

(No new labor/workforce law notices or unemployment data updates since prior briefing.)

ND 2024 Crime Stats Reviewed by AG (UPDATED)

What happened: ND Attorney General highlighted 2024 crime statistics, showing overall crime rates fell ~8.5% from 2023, but DUI arrests rose nearly 7% and violent crime remains high by long‑term trends.
Why it matters: DUI and violent crime trends influence business risk assessments, insurance premiums, nighttime operations, staffing safety protocols, and customer perceptions; employers should factor safety into operations/insurance planning.
Who’s affected: Hospitality, retail, logistics/drivers, corporate risk managers, insurers.
Dates/Deadlines: 2024 report released late Dec 2025; 2025 data expected mid‑2026.
Source: ND AG news summaries. InForum+1