North Dakota may be one of the smaller states by population, but its women entrepreneurs have access to a range of programs designed to support business growth. From agriculture and child care to technology, exporting, and local business development, funding is available through state agencies, local programs, nonprofit organizations, and national grant providers. Some programs offer direct grants, while others provide valuable business support, tax incentives, or help with government contracting. Here’s a look at the business grants and resources for women in North Dakota worth exploring in 2026.
1. Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund Grant
Award: Up to $500,000
Focus: Value-added agriculture and agricultural business expansion
North Dakota women working in agriculture have access to one of the state’s larger business grant programs through the Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund (ADD). The program supports new or expanding value-added agriculture businesses that can create new income, jobs, and economic activity in the state.
Eligible projects can include food and commodity processing, feed or pet food processing, agricultural manufacturing, and certain animal production facilities. Businesses must be registered with the North Dakota Secretary of State, while North Dakota-owned businesses receive priority.
How to apply: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis ahead of quarterly meetings. The first 10 eligible applicants received are invited to present their proposals to the committee.
2. Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) Grants
Award: No fixed grant cap; amount varies by project
Focus: Agricultural product development, marketing, research, diversification, and technology
The Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) offers several grants for businesses and individuals developing new or expanded uses for North Dakota agricultural products.
Funding categories include farm diversification, marketing and utilization, technical assistance, nature-based agritourism, basic and applied research, and prototype development and technology.
Businesses can use the program for projects such as market research, product development, feasibility studies, marketing, prototyping, and agricultural technology.
There is no standard dollar cap across all APUC grants. The current guidelines generally require applicants to provide a 25% match of the amount requested, although the specific rules depend on the grant category.
Applications are reviewed quarterly, with the next listed deadline being October 1, 2026.
How to apply: Choose the APUC category that fits your project and submit the application and any required attachments to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.
3. Innovate ND
Award: Up to $50,000 in reimbursable expenses
Focus: Market research, customer validation, and high-growth startups
For women building a scalable startup, Innovate ND provides both funding and hands-on business support. The program can provide up to $50,000 in reimbursement over two phases, with up to $25,000 available in each phase.
This is aimed at businesses that have more than an idea but still need to answer important questions about their customers, product, pricing, and market. Participants work with an entrepreneur center and receive coaching while using the funding for approved activities that help test and develop the business.
To qualify, the company must be headquartered in North Dakota, have at least one founder living in the state, and be registered and in good standing with the North Dakota Secretary of State. Retail, hospitality, and local service businesses are not eligible because the program is intended for businesses with the potential to become scalable primary-sector companies.
How to apply: Applications are submitted through the Innovate ND program when a funding round is available.
4. Grow Child Care Grant
Award: Up to $100,000 for eligible new child care centers
Focus: Opening or expanding child care programs
If you are a woman running or planning to open a child care business, the Grow Child Care Grant deserves can provide financial backing to your operations.
The program helps newly licensed and expanding child care programs in designated desert and high-needs counties. Funding can also support programs anywhere in North Dakota that add dedicated infant or toddler slots.
The amount depends on the type and location of the program. New child care centers in eligible desert and high-needs counties can receive up to $100,000, while smaller awards are available to family and group child care programs and businesses expanding their capacity. A separate infant and toddler expansion option offers up to $20,000.
Applicants need a viable business plan and startup budget, and newly licensed or expanding providers must meet the program’s specific timing requirements.
How to apply: Start with the Grow Child Care pre-application and, if invited to continue, complete the full application through the ND Early Childhood Hub.
5. Non-Traditional Hour Child Care Grant
Award: Up to $500,000
Focus: Evening, overnight, and weekend child care
Child care businesses that can serve families outside the usual daytime schedule may qualify for North Dakota’s Non-Traditional Hour Child Care Grant.
The program supports licensed child care providers that want to offer care during evenings, nights, weekends, or other hours outside the typical 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule. Funding can cover operating costs, supplies and equipment, and building or space improvements.
Applicants can request up to $500,000, but the program is competitive and has limited funding. Businesses must show demand from working parents, have support from employers or community organizations, and be ready to begin offering the expanded service within three months.
How to apply: Complete the required application and submit at least three letters of support from potential business partners, working parents, or community groups.
6. Amber Grant
Award: $10,000 monthly
Focus: Women-owned businesses and startups
The Amber Grant, one of the most well-known business grants for women, is open to eligible women entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada, so North Dakota business owners can apply.
WomensNet awards a $10,000 monthly Amber Grant, a separate $10,000 Startup Grant, and a $10,000 Business-Specific Grant. The Startup Grant is aimed at businesses still in the idea stage or those with less than $10,000 in sales.
Monthly winners can also become eligible for three $50,000 year-end awards.
How to apply: Complete one online application through WomensNet. You can read our Amber Grant for women guide for more details before applying.
Related post: Amber Grant Application Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
7. Hey Helen Grant
Award: $10,000 monthly
Focus: Mission-driven, women-owned businesses
The Hey Helen Grant provides $10,000 each month to women founders running for-profit businesses in the U.S. The grant is unrestricted, so the money can go toward whatever business need is most important, including marketing, operations, hiring, technology, or growth.
The business must be at least 50% women-owned, legally registered in the U.S., and have less than $1 million in annual revenue. Pre-revenue businesses are also welcome to apply. Applications stay on file for 12 months, giving eligible applicants consideration across multiple monthly rounds. There is a $15 administrative fee.
How to apply: Submit the online application through Visionaries by the monthly deadline.
8. HerRise MicroGrant
Award: $1,000 monthly
Focus: Under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color
The HerRise MicroGrant provides $1,000 each month to women-owned businesses, with a focus on under-resourced women, including women of color.
Your business must be at least 51% women-owned, registered in the U.S., and have less than $1 million in gross revenue. The application allows applicants to indicate that their business is pre-revenue, making the program relevant to some newer businesses as well. There is a $15 nonrefundable administrative fee.
How to apply: Complete the online HerRise application by the last day of the month.
9. Renaissance Zone Tax Incentives
Award: Tax savings vary by project
Focus: Business investment and property development in designated areas
Not every funding opportunity comes as a check. North Dakota’s Renaissance Zone Program provides state and local tax incentives to encourage businesses and property owners to invest in designated areas.
Qualifying projects can include buying, leasing, or improving property in a Renaissance Zone. Businesses may be eligible for certain income and property tax exemptions or credits for up to 5 years, depending on the project and how the property is used.
This can be particularly useful for a woman planning to open a storefront, renovate a commercial property, or make another qualifying investment in a participating community.
How to apply: Renaissance Zone projects are developed through the participating city. Check whether your city has an approved zone and discuss the proposed project with the local Renaissance Zone administrator before making the investment.
10. North Dakota Women’s Business Center
Cost: Free and low-cost services available
Focus: Business coaching, training, networking, and women-owned business support
The North Dakota Women’s Business Center (NDWBC) is one of the most useful resources for women entrepreneurs in the state, particularly if you’re not sure where to begin.
The center offers business coaching, training, networking, on-demand learning, and other programs designed specifically for women business owners. Its coaching is available at no cost and is confidential, making it a useful place to discuss your business plans, funding needs, or challenges without having to figure everything out alone.
NDWBC also helps women pursue state and federal women-owned business certifications and connects entrepreneurs with other resources that can support business growth.
How to access it: Visit the North Dakota Women’s Business Center to see current coaching, training, and networking opportunities.
11. North Dakota Small Business Development Center
Cost: Free
Focus: Business planning, financials, growth, and one-on-one advising
The North Dakota Small Business Development Center (ND SBDC) provides free, confidential business advising to entrepreneurs and existing for-profit businesses in the state. Advisors can help with starting a business, business planning, financial projections, marketing, growth decisions, and other issues that come up as a company develops. The center also maintains The Vault, a directory of organizations that provide help with areas such as sales, marketing, workforce training, financial management, and business growth.
For a woman who has found a grant but isn’t sure whether her business meets the requirements, this can be a useful first stop. You can also review our guide to small business grant eligibility to understand the common requirements funders use.
How to access it: Request business advising through the ND SBDC website.
12. North Dakota APEX Accelerator
Cost: Free
Focus: Government contracts and women-owned business opportunities
If government contracts could become an important source of revenue for your company, the North Dakota APEX Accelerator can help you get started.
The program provides no-cost, confidential assistance with government contracting. Advisors can help with SAM registration, government certifications, finding contract opportunities, market research, bid matching, proposal support, and contract requirements.
Women-owned businesses can also get help understanding the Woman-Owned Small Business certification and other programs that can give eligible businesses access to contracting opportunities.
This isn’t grant funding, but winning a government contract can give a small business a much larger source of ongoing revenue than a one-time grant.
How to access it: Register for no-cost assistance through the North Dakota APEX Accelerator.
13. North Dakota Women-Owned Business Certification
Cost: $250 for first-time certification; $225 for annual renewal
Focus: State-level certification and contracting opportunities
The North Dakota Women’s Business Center offers state certification for women-owned businesses that meet the ownership and control requirements.
To qualify, a woman or women must own at least 51% of the business, have control over its operations and decision-making, and conduct business in North Dakota. Certified businesses receive a listing in the NDWBC directory, a certificate and logo, and greater visibility for government and private contracting opportunities.
The certification is valid for one year. There is a $250 application fee for first-time applicants and a $225 renewal fee.
How to apply: Complete the certification application, provide the required supporting documents and letter of support, and pay the applicable fee.
