Powering the creation, growth, and success of small business in North Dakota.
March 18 marks the 10th annual National SBDC Day, a nationwide recognition of the impact Small Business Development Centers have on entrepreneurs and communities across the country. Here in North Dakota, this celebration carries added meaning. In 2026, the ND SBDC marks 40 years of service to small business owners across our state. Since 1986, […]
By: Keith Olson, Williston Center Director When business owners start thinking about selling, one number often takes center stage: EBITDA, or Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. It is widely viewed as a shortcut to determining what a business is worth. But relying too heavily on EBITDA can leave business owners surprised when buyers […]
Categories: Stakeholders
Our 2025 Annual Report is now available, and we are pleased to share the progress, momentum, and impact the ND SBDC achieved over the past year. This work was made possible because of the continued support of partners like you. Inside the report, you will find key impact figures for the network and for each […]
Growing Stronger with Every Step: Steady ND SBDC Support on Barnabas Gbeintor’s Entrepreneurial Journey Fargo – When Barnabas Gbeintor launched a faith-based childcare center during the pandemic, it was more than a business decision. It was a response to a pressing need in his community and across North Dakota. Demand for dependable childcare continued to […]
Categories: Stakeholders
As we begin a new year, our team is reflecting on the impact made possible through the continued support and collaboration of partners across North Dakota. The start of the year offers an opportunity to look ahead with purpose, and it reinforces how essential strong partnerships are to advancing small business development, entrepreneurship, and long-term […]
By: Ashley Louw, Devils Lake Business Advisor According to a blog at UpMetrics.com, 20 percent of business start-ups fail within the first year. That number increases to 50 percent by year five. Setting up a solid plan along with realistic goals can help deter this trend and keep a business owner accountable, rather than becoming […]
Rustic Orchid Floral Brings Beauty Close to Home HETTINGER – When longtime resident and small business owner Cheryl Dix noticed her community no longer had a flower shop, she decided to change that. Drawing on her lifelong love of gardening, she opened Rustic Orchid Floral in the summer of 2025 in a vacant space beside […]
A Career of Helping Others Goes Out on Its Own DICKINSON – What began as a handful of side projects soon grew into steady requests, and Julie Obrigewitsch recognized an opportunity to turn the work she most enjoyed into a business of her own. That steady demand sparked Impact Marketing & Consulting, which she launched […]
Cody and Kayce Schlittenhard Find Success with Schlittzen Liquor LANGDON – In February 2024, Cody and Kayce Schlittenhard embarked on a new venture that would soon become a mainstay in their community of Langdon, North Dakota. By July of 2024, they proudly opened the doors of Schlittzen Liquor, a store that quickly became a go-to […]
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 […]