COVID-19 Response
The North Dakota Department of Commerce wants to understand how the Coronavirus pandemic is impacting businesses, individuals and communities across our state. Our hope is that tracking this information will help our agency and partner organizations identify additional resources we may be able to leverage to support North Dakotans during this challenging time.
Our business survey is currently open until May 29th. Thank you to all the businesses that responded to the first round of this survey. We received lots of important input, and will be sharing some of the survey findings soon!
Our Community Impact Survey is currently closed. Thank you to all the North Dakota communities for responding to how the Coronavirus pandemic is impacting you, your household, and your community.
LOCALLY POWERED, MEANINGFULLY TRANSFORMED
Every community has a story, and many happen in the heart of the downtown district. Look around and you’ll find treasures you never expected along the thriving main streets of villages and cities all across our state. From charming small-town offerings like New Rockford’s Opera House or Watford City’s Outlaws Bar & Grill to our larger communities’ vibrant shopping, entertainment and diverse dining, a lot is happening on main street North Dakota.
Vibrant community centers are a fundamental element of workforce development. North Dakota’s Main Street initiative provides community leaders with direct access to tools and resources to capitalize on their community’s strengths and make sound planning decisions. These efforts help create vibrant communities that attract and retain the 21st-century workforce North Dakota needs to compete and succeed in a global economy.
Main Street Summit is an annual gathering of local and national community experts and advocates and is taking place October 6-7, 2020 in Bismarck.
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2020 Main Street Initiative Grant Programs
Please note: 2020 deadlines for these Main Street grant programs has been updated; please check the program guidance for updated information
2020 PARTNERS IN PLANNING GRANT PROGRAM
The Main Street Initiative (MSI) Partners in Planning (PiP) grant program supports non-profit organizations and/or local governments in completing a comprehensive plan or economic development/diversification strategic plan. This grant program is intended to empower communities to proactively plan their futures, seek smart, efficient infrastructure development and offer a healthy, vibrant environment for residents and visitors. Click here for complete details.
2020 MAIN STREET INITIATIVE VIBRANCY GRANT PROGRAM
The Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant Program supports local efforts to increase community vibrancy by providing seed funding for a small project that will build momentum and inspire additional projects. Community vibrancy improves quality of life, helps attract and retain workforce, and enhances community pride. Any community in North Dakota could benefit from adding a spark of activity and energy to a part of your community. Whether your community wants to add public art, activate underutilized space, or promote walking and biking, this program may interest you. By starting small and supporting an initial community vibrancy project, this grant program can inspire others in your community to engage and contribute to community vibrancy, improving quality of life for visitors and residents. Click here for complete details. *Please note there is no application cover sheet for the Vibrancy Grant, you will just submit the narrative as outlined in the guidance.
MAIN STREET COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
To be considered a Main Street Champion Community and qualify for favorable terms on some state grant applications, your Main Street community point of contact will need to fill out and submit this form. If you have questions about this process please contact Brett Gurholt or Emily Brown.