North Dakota Department of Commerce

Government Economic Development Servicescommerce.nd.gov

The North Dakota Department of Commerce is a state government agency headquartered in Bismarck, ND, that administers nearly 50 economic development, workforce, community, and tourism programs. It serves businesses, communities, employers, and job seekers through grant programs, financing, site selection, and marketing initiatives.

Company typePrivate
Founded2005
HeadquartersBismarck, United States
Headcount501–1,000
GTM typeB2B
OfferingServices

What North Dakota Department of Commerce does

The North Dakota Department of Commerce is the State of North Dakota's lead economic development agency, headquartered in Bismarck and operating through five divisions: Administration, Community Services, Economic Development & Finance, Tourism & Marketing, and Workforce Development. The agency administers nearly 50 distinct programs and services supporting business attraction and expansion, workforce development, community and rural prosperity, and tourism promotion. It is governed by a Commerce Cabinet chaired by the Commissioner and coordinated across partner state agencies including the Bank of North Dakota, Department of Transportation, Job Service North Dakota, and the Department of Agriculture, with the private-sector North Dakota Economic Development Foundation providing strategic oversight.

Its service portfolio spans grant programs (Innovate ND up to $50K per recipient, Global Talent Office Grant, Regional Workforce Impact Program, Destination Development matching grants, CDRP community grants), financial products delivered through the Development Fund (Advance ND, Angel Match, Automate ND, Child Care Loan, Wonder Fund), workforce initiatives (Apprenticeship, ROOT Grant, Operation Intern, Find the Good Life talent attraction), and tourism marketing under the "Be Legendary" state brand. The agency's core technology platform is LOIS/LASSO, a site selection and business intelligence tool, supplemented by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and Vantis BVLOS network that anchor its autonomous systems vertical.

As a state government entity, Commerce does not generate commercial revenue and does not charge for core services; it is funded through state legislative appropriations and administers grants sourced from state and federal funds. Its go-to-market is a hybrid sales-led motion combining direct field engagement (business development teams, regional entrepreneur centers) with channel distribution through regional councils, Community Action Agencies, EDCs, and 12+ international recruitment partners. Customer segments span businesses (especially primary-sector exporters), communities (rural and urban), employers and job seekers, and tourism operators, with the agency coordinating deal-closing and incentive stacking across the Cabinet.

North Dakota Department of Commerce firmographics

Firmographics

Name: North Dakota Department of Commerce
Legal name: North Dakota Department of Commerce
Website: https://commerce.nd.gov
Company type: Private
Founded year: 2005
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 501–1,000 employees
Short description: The North Dakota Department of Commerce is a state government agency headquartered in Bismarck, ND, that administers nearly 50 economic development, workforce, community, and tourism programs. It serves businesses, communities, employers, and job seekers through grant programs, financing, site selection, and marketing initiatives.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

North Dakota Department of Commerce industry classification

Industry

Product category: Government Economic Development Services
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)
SIC: Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)
akta.pro primary industry: Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN)
akta.pro secondary industries: Intergovernmental Affairs & Federal Grants Administration (BPAIAAAC), Procurement, Purchasing & Vendor Management Outsourcing (EDAEALAJ)

Keywords

Economic development services
Workforce development programs
Business grant funding
Community development initiatives
Tourism marketing services

Where North Dakota Department of Commerce is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Bismarck
HQ country: United States
HQ region: North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

North Dakota Department of Commerce business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

State Government Appropriations: As a state government department, the North Dakota Department of Commerce is funded through legislative appropriations from the state budget. The agency does not generate commercial revenue but administers various grant programs funded by state and federal sources to support economic development, workforce development, and community services across North Dakota.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

North Dakota Department of Commerce product offering

Product offering

Core offering

The North Dakota Department of Commerce is the lead state government economic development agency that administers approximately 50 programs and services across business attraction and expansion, workforce development, community services, tourism marketing, and financial incentives. Core offerings include grant programs (Innovate ND up to $50,000, Global Talent Office Grant, Regional Workforce Impact Program), gap financing through the Development Fund (Advance ND, Angel Match, Child Care Loan), tourism marketing under the "Be Legendary" brand, the LOIS/LASSO site selection platform, and UAS/autonomous systems infrastructure support via Vantis and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.

Product overview

The North Dakota Department of Commerce operates as a government agency providing a portfolio of economic development programs and services rather than a unified software product. Its offerings include the LOIS/LASSO economic development platform for site selection, various grant programs (Innovate ND, Global Talent Office Grant, Regional Workforce Impact Program), workforce development initiatives (Apprenticeship, ROOT Grant, Operation Intern, Find the Good Life talent attraction), community development programs (CDRP, Renaissance Zone), financial programs (Development Fund with Advance ND, Angel Match, Child Care Loan), and tourism marketing services. The agency provides nearly 50 programs and services supporting business, workforce and community development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

Innovate ND

Quantifiable outcome

Tourism supports 6.5% of all North Dakota jobs, representing one in every 15 jobs statewide
+2 more outcomes

Companies that use North Dakota Department of Commerce

Customer profile

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

North Dakota Department of Commerce technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

North Dakota Department of Commerce partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

Northern Plains UAS Test SitecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Key component of North Dakota's UAS ecosystem, providing test facilities for unmanned aircraft systems development. Part of autonomous systems infrastructure supported by Commerce.
VantiscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026North Dakota's groundbreaking UAS network providing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) connectivity for autonomous operations. Commerce-supported infrastructure initiative.
Grand Forks EDCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2026Regional economic development organization participating in North Dakota Row at AUVSI Xponential 2026, representing autonomous systems ecosystem.
North Dakota Trade OfficecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 May 2026Partnered with Commerce at SelectUSA Investment Summit to represent North Dakota and meet with international companies. Also collaborated at AUVSI Xponential 2026 autonomous systems conference.
Minot Area Chamber EDCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 May 2026Regional economic development organization that partnered with Commerce at SelectUSA Investment Summit to highlight strategic advantages for global companies.
Williston Economic DevelopmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 May 2026Regional economic development organization that participated in SelectUSA to elevate North Dakota visibility with global companies and industry leaders.
Applied DigitalmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025High-performance computing and data infrastructure company establishing data center campus in North Dakota (Ellendale and Harwood). Commerce facilitated key conversations, connected partners, and helped clarify pathways for digital infrastructure development.
State Board for Career and Technical EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Commerce Cabinet coordinating workforce education and career technical training initiatives.
State Board of Higher EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Commerce Cabinet coordinating higher education and workforce development alignment.
Bank of North DakotacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommerce Cabinet member providing financial products including Pace and Flex Pace loan programs for business growth. BND works with Commerce on deal-closing low interest loans through Advance ND program.
Department of AgriculturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommerce Cabinet member coordinating agricultural development and value-added agriculture initiatives.
Job Service North DakotacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommerce Cabinet member providing workforce services including job matching, training opportunities, and employment resources.
Department of TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommerce Cabinet member coordinating infrastructure development for economic projects and sites.
Workforce Safety & InsurancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommerce Cabinet member addressing workplace safety and workforce protection issues.
Game & Fish DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommerce Cabinet member supporting outdoor recreation and tourism development.
ND SBDC (Small Business Development Center)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorState's comprehensive business development program providing free confidential consulting services. Funded by SBA, ND Department of Commerce, and local supporters. Connects entrepreneurs with business advisors at no cost.
Regional CouncilscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional council offices provide support for business startup and expansion across North Dakota's geographic regions.
Community Action Agencies (7 statewide)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSeven Community Action Agencies provide CSBG-funded services statewide including self-sufficiency programs, family stability initiatives, and community revitalization.
North Dakota Economic Development FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner22-member private foundation established in 2001 providing private-sector guidance and oversight of state's economic development efforts. Establishes and updates state's economic development strategic plan.
Recruitment and Staffing Agencies (12+ listed)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal talent recruitment partners including Arkansas Global Connect, Aussie Recruit, BDV Solutions, CIERTO Global, Intercare Recruitment, LaborMex, Inclusive Staffing, PhilAm Partners, Quinton's Global, Seasonal Workforce Strategies, Talent Beyond Boundaries, Talent Puerto Rico, and Workforce Hope. Provide international recruitment and staffing services to North Dakota employers.
Legal Services OrganizationsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorImmigration and legal service providers listed for employer reference including Berardi Immigration Law, Carranza Immigration Law, Fredrikson & Byron, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, Immigration Law Professionals, and others.
Resettlement Agencies (LIRS, IRC, Catholic Charities)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational resettlement organizations that can help connect employers with refugee candidates for workforce needs.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

North Dakota Department of Commerce competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

Iowa Economic Development Authority: Midwestern state economic development authority offering the same core portfolio (business incentives, workforce, community development, marketing). Highly comparable in function and target customer segments.
Montana Department of Commerce: Direct peer as another rural, low-population state agency handling economic development, workforce, housing, tourism, and community services through a similar divisional structure.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED): Minnesota's state-level economic development, workforce, and community development agency. Most comparable state peer given regional proximity, similar program portfolio (business financing, workforce development, community development), and overlapping industry focus.
Idaho Department of Commerce: Another small-population western state agency with a comparable program mix (business development, workforce, tourism, community services) and similar rural/mountain geography.
Nebraska Department of Economic Development: Neighboring plains state economic development agency handling business finance, workforce, and community development. Comparable scope, rural service delivery model, and agriculture-adjacent industry focus.
Wyoming Business Council: Wyoming's state economic development organization with comparable mandate covering business recruitment, workforce, community development, and tourism — similar size, rural orientation, and resource-based economy.
South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development: Neighboring state economic development organization offering directly comparable programs: business attraction, workforce development, community development grants, and tourism promotion. Operates with similar small-state scale and rural focus.

Broad incumbents

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT): Larger, more established state economic development office with overlapping programs in advanced industries, workforce, and international trade. Broader mandate and bigger budget, but functions as a comparable peer in category.
Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office (Office of the Governor): Significantly larger state economic development and tourism office. Functions in the same space (business attraction, tourism marketing, workforce) but at materially greater scale and budget.

Others

National Governors Association (NGA) - Economic Development: Bipartisan organization supporting governors on state policy including economic development best practices. Adjacent ecosystem actor — not a direct competitor, but shapes the policy frameworks and funding mechanisms state commerce agencies operate within.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

North Dakota Department of Commerce financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

North Dakota Department of Commerce leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

North Dakota Department of Commerce funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

North Dakota Department of Commerce M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments10 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about North Dakota Department of Commerce

What does North Dakota Department of Commerce do?

Is North Dakota Department of Commerce a public or private company?

North Dakota Department of Commerce is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.

When was North Dakota Department of Commerce founded?

North Dakota Department of Commerce was founded in 2005. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.

Where is North Dakota Department of Commerce based?

North Dakota Department of Commerce is headquartered in Bismarck, United States, in the North America region.

How does North Dakota Department of Commerce make money?

One revenue line is on record: state Government Appropriations.

Who are North Dakota Department of Commerce's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are Iowa Economic Development Authority, Montana Department of Commerce, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Idaho Department of Commerce, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Wyoming Business Council and South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development. Broad incumbents are Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office (Office of the Governor). National Governors Association (NGA) - Economic Development is listed as an others.

Does North Dakota Department of Commerce have an API?

No public API is recorded for North Dakota Department of Commerce.

What industry is North Dakota Department of Commerce in?

North Dakota Department of Commerce's product category is Government Economic Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIACAN, Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local), with a secondary code of BPAIAAAC, Intergovernmental Affairs & Federal Grants Administration. Its NAICS code is 54 and its SIC code is 8200.