Today’s ND Business Briefing

Oct 23, 2025

Here’s the daily briefing for new or updated developments affecting North Dakota businesses (in the next 30–45 days):

1. Healthcare / Public Health / Insurance

  • What happened: North Dakota Medicaid filed a state‑plan amendment effective October 1, 2025, to cover services by community health workers (CHWs) and community paramedics for dates of service on or after that date. Also, the end‑date for coverage of medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) services has been removed. Health and Human Services North Dakota

  • Why it matters: Clinics, rural health providers and insurers need to update their billing, staffing and service‑delivery plans to include CHWs/paramedics and ensure MAT remains covered.

  • Who is affected: Hospitals, clinics, behavioral health providers, rural emergency hospitals, Medicaid providers, payers.

  • Dates / deadlines: Coverage effective for services on/after Oct 1, 2025. Health and Human Services North Dakota

  • Source: [Public Notice – ND Medicaid State Plan Changes] Health and Human Services North Dakota

2. Tourism / Hospitality / Economic Development

  • What happened: North Dakota Department of Commerce awarded $15 million in its 2025 Destination Development Grants to 23 projects across the state. Commerce | North Dakota

  • Why it matters: Businesses in tourism, hospitality, lodging and visitor services can anticipate increased local investment and community infrastructure improvements that may drive foot traffic and visitor spending.

  • Who is affected: Counties and cities with projects, tourism operators, hotels/motels, event venues, restaurants, local small businesses.

  • Dates / deadlines: The awards were announced October 15 2025. Project timelines vary; communities should review their specific award terms. Commerce | North Dakota

  • Source: [Commerce News Release] Commerce | North Dakota

3. Small / Solo / Entrepreneurial Firms

  • What happened: The “Innovate ND” voucher‑based program to support entrepreneurial firms (up to $50,000 reimbursement) has been relaunched by the Department of Commerce. Commerce | North Dakota

  • Why it matters: Early‑stage firms looking to validate product/market fit can compete for state funding now; retail, hospitality and local service‑based ventures not eligible (so check eligibility).

  • Who is affected: Entrepreneurs, high‑growth startups based in ND, innovation‑oriented companies seeking market research / scaling.

  • Dates / deadlines: Relaunch announced September 12 2025; businesses should check the program page for current application window. Commerce | North Dakota

  • Source: [Commerce News Release] Commerce | North Dakota

4. Tax / Local Taxes

  • What happened: Several cities in North Dakota (Casselton, Colfax, Rugby, Wahpeton) had sales/use/gross‑receipts tax rate changes effective October 1, 2025. tax.nd.gov

  • Why it matters: Businesses operating in or shipping to those jurisdictions need to update tax‑calculation systems, check whether their sales tax pass‑through or collection obligations change. Home‑based, e‑commerce, retail operations should particularly review.

  • Who is affected: Retailers, online sellers, businesses with nexus or physical presence in those cities, service providers.

  • Dates / deadlines: Effective date Oct 1 2025. Implementation or reporting changes should be made immediately. tax.nd.gov

  • Source: [ND Tax Commissioner website – local tax rate changes] tax.nd.gov

 

Business Brief Archives