ND Small Business Development Centers

Powering the creation, growth, and success of small business in North Dakota.

a group of 2 women and 3 men sitting around a table in the office for a work meeting

Strong Partnerships, Stronger Small Businesses

Categories: Stakeholders

a group of 2 women and 3 men sitting around a table in the office for a work meeting

Supporting North Dakota’s small business owners and entrepreneurs has always been a collaborative effort. At the ND SBDC, we are fortunate to work with partners and stakeholders across the state who share a commitment to helping businesses succeed and communities grow. Those relationships matter because no single organization can meet every need of every business. […]

Lady at her desk with 5 bubbles over her head signifying each of the the 5 things

Five Things Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Categories: Advisor Knowledge Base

Lady at her desk with 5 bubbles over her head signifying each of the the 5 things

Written by Alan Gohary, Minot Center Director   Running a small business today comes with real challenges. The environment is more competitive, more unpredictable, and moving faster than ever. Here are five of the biggest issues small businesses are facing right now, along with practical steps to address them. Keep Your Good Employees Larger companies […]

Office of the Secretary of State Registration: File Your Annual Report to Stay in Good Standing

Categories: Secretary of State

Written by the Secretary of State staff Corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and cooperatives are required to file an annual report to keep their business registration in good standing under state law. Sole proprietorships transacting business under a Trade Name and general partnerships transacting business under a Fictitious Partnership Name do not file annual reports. […]

owner, Bondon standing in front of a wall in their shop in front of their logo

Success Story: Two Tired Garage

Categories: ND SBDC Success Stories

owner, Bondon standing in front of a wall in their shop in front of their logo

From Lifelong Passion to Powersports Business: Two Tired Garage Builds for Growth Bowman – For Bondon Scott, working on engines has been part of life for as long as he can remember. Growing up, his family had dirt bikes and other equipment that was not always new, so learning how to fix things himself came […]

2026 Progress Across North Dakota

Categories: Stakeholders

More Than the Numbers As we move into August, it is a meaningful time to reflect on the progress being made by small business owners and entrepreneurs across North Dakota. Every day, our advisors have the privilege of working alongside clients as they explore new ideas, start businesses, navigate challenges, pursue growth opportunities, and plan […]

Understanding Cost of Goods Sold: What It Is, How to Calculate It, and Why It Matters

Categories: Advisor Knowledge Base

Written by Nicole Evans, Grand Forks Center Director Running a small business means keeping a close eye on your numbers. One of the most important figures to understand is Cost of Goods Sold, commonly referred to as COGS. Whether you sell physical products, food, or certain services, COGS plays a key role in determining profitability […]

Every Business Has a Story to Tell

Categories: Stakeholders

Every small business has a story. Some begin with an idea that has been years in the making. Others grow from an unexpected opportunity, a community need, or a moment when someone decides it is time to take the next step. No matter how they begin, these stories are a powerful reminder that behind every […]

Employee Recognition Doesn’t Always Require a Pay Raise

Categories: Advisor Knowledge Base

Written by Ashley Louw, Devils Lake Center Advisor Employee retention continues to be a challenge for businesses across North Dakota. Finding qualified employees is difficult enough, but keeping great employees can be even harder. While competitive wages remain important, small business owners do not always have the financial flexibility to offer raises, bonuses, or other […]

picture of a main street in a rural town with several businesses side by side.

The Importance of Rural Small Businesses

Categories: Stakeholders

picture of a main street in a rural town with several businesses side by side.

Greetings, Across North Dakota, rural businesses continue to play an essential role in the communities they serve. While economic development conversations often focus on attracting new industries and investment, the long-term strength of many communities also depends on something much closer to home: locally owned small businesses. According to the United Health Foundation’s America’s Health […]

Office of the Secretary of State Registration: Appointing a Registered Agent

Categories: Secretary of State, Small Business Resources

Written by the Secretary of State staff A registered agent is an individual or professional company designated to receive official mail, tax documents, and legal notices (like lawsuits) on behalf of your business. North Dakota law requires LLCs, corporations, and partnerships to appoint a registered agent to ensure a reliable point of contact at all […]