Success Story: Golden Valley Veterinary Clinic

Investing in Community Care: Golden Valley Veterinary Clinic Expands to Serve Rural North Dakota

Park River, ND – When demand for both large and small animal care continued to rise across northeastern North Dakota, Golden Valley Veterinary Clinic knew it was time to expand. Owners Dr. Nathan Kjelland and Britt Jacobson had outgrown their leased space and needed a modern facility to meet growing client needs. Nathan, a veterinarian with 24 years of experience, had been an associate at the clinic before he and Britt purchased it in 2014.

After seven years in the original building, the couple began planning a new, state-of-the-art clinic within Park River city limits. Their goals were clear: expand medical capabilities, attract and retain top talent, and create a workplace where their team could thrive. The new facility officially opened on January 1, 2022.

Partnering for Growth

That’s when they connected with the ND SBDC Grand Forks Center and Center Director Nicole Evans. Working alongside their local banker, Steve Rahovsky at First United Bank, Nathan and Britt partnered with Nicole to refine their business plan and build lender-ready financial projections. Nicole guided Britt through updating the plan and creating a detailed pro forma aligned with their construction timeline and growth goals.

With a solid plan and accurate numbers, Golden Valley Veterinary Clinic secured an SBA 504 loan through Dakota Business Lending, paired with Flex PACE from the Bank of North Dakota and a matching contribution from the Red River Regional Council. Local partners also stepped up, providing an interest buy-down through the Walsh County Job Development Authority and the City of Park River. Owner investment rounded out the financing package for the new facility and essential technology upgrades.

Since moving into the new space, the clinic has experienced steady growth. Golden Valley has expanded from a modest team to 20 employees, with plans to add a fourth veterinarian and additional support staff. The larger facility and upgraded technology have allowed them to deliver progressive, high-quality medicine for both small and large animals, including emergency services, while continuing to serve farms, ranches, and pet owners across the region.

The new clinic has also helped with recruitment in an area where housing and childcare can make hiring challenging. “Building in Park River wasn’t just about more space; it was about creating the kind of clinic and team our rural community deserves,” said owners Britt Jacobson and Dr. Nathan Kjelland. “The ND SBDC helped us translate our vision into a plan and projections that lenders could get behind.”

Investing in Rural Vitality

High-quality veterinary care is a vital community asset that often influences whether families and professionals choose to relocate to rural areas. By investing locally, Golden Valley Veterinary Clinic supports jobs, animal health, and the broader agricultural and small business ecosystem across northeastern North Dakota. With the right plan, partners, and a new facility, the clinic is strengthening both animal health and rural vitality, and the ND SBDC is proud to have been part of their continued success.