University Letter

UND's faculty and staff newsletter

North Dakota SBDC promotes Demars to Bismarck Center director

BISMARCK, N.D. – The ND Small Business Development Center is pleased to announce the promotion of Tyler Demars to Bismarck Center director. Demars will be offering his assistance to the 10 counties within State Planning Region Seven.

Demars, a long-time Bismarck resident, has worked in business and economic development for the last 10 years. He most recently held the title of Specialty Services Director within the ND SBDC network. In this role, Demars worked to enhance the services of the ND SBDC to target underserved, new and emerging markets across the state. This included working directly with minority and tribal communities as well as supplementing training, workshops and events that aided small businesses across the state with topics ranging from start-up logistics and financing your venture to supply chain assistance and contracting opportunities.

Prior to joining the team a year ago, Demars had most recently worked at the Center for Technology & Business with the InnovateND program, a program of the North Department of Commerce. He received his master’s degree in strategic leadership from the University of Mary.

Demar’s past experiences with the SBDC network and his wide-reaching existing relationships with partners in the Bismarck region have set him up for success, and the organization looks forward to what is yet to come for the region and Bismarck Center. With a focus on minority and historically underserved populations gaining momentum, ND SBDC is pleased that Demars will continue serving these clients in this new role. It is an important priority for the network, and Demars strives to see all of his clients succeed.

ND SBDC Center directors provide business advising and training to small business owners and entrepreneurs in all facets of starting, managing, and growing a small business. In addition, they oversee administration and operations of their regional center, market the program, and represent the program at various functions and events. They also build relationships with regional stakeholders that provide referrals and advocate for the program.

“For the past 10+ years I’ve worked on business development and education in Bismarck/Mandan and the surrounding areas.Demars said. “I am excited and grateful to continue my work in this new role as the ND SBDC Bismarck Center director, alongside the entrepreneurs, economic development folks, ecosystem builders and other resource partners helping small businesses thrive in BisMan.”

ND SBDC is a statewide outreach program of the Center for Business Engagement & Development within the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration at the University of North Dakota. Since its inception in 1986, the ND SBDC network has helped business owners and entrepreneurs start, manage, and grow their small businesses through confidential, individualized, professional business advising and training workshops. Services are provided at no-cost to clients thanks to funding from U.S. Small Business Administration, ND Department of Commerce, and local supporters across the state.

For more information on the ND SBDC programs or services, call 701.777.3700, email leadcenter@ndsbdc.org, visit our website, ndsbdc.org or find on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram).