Pride of Dakota and SBA Fueling the ND Entrepreneurial Engine
By Wendy Klug Deputy District Director, North Dakota SBA
North Dakota’s economic vitality is not merely a product of its natural resources or its vast geography; it is powered by a resilient spirit and a deeply ingrained culture of innovation. This spirit currently supports more than 78,000 small businesses across the state! These enterprises account for over 98% of all North Dakota businesses and employ nearly 60% of our private-sector workforce. While our state is home to a diverse array of support systems, two influential entities—the Pride of Dakota (POD) program and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)—are joining forces to ensure these entrepreneurs don’t just survive but thrive.
While their individual missions and daily operations are distinct, their alignment creates a unified support network focused on a single goal: the success of North Dakota’s entrepreneurs. This partnership moves beyond simple programming to showcase a team of dedicated experts and advocates. It is a collaborative ecosystem designed to ensure no business owner has to navigate the complexities of business startup, scaling, or market entry in isolation.
Who is Pride Of Dakota: The Voice of The Maker
Managed by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture under the leadership of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, the Pride of Dakota program has become a household name and a badge of honor for local producers. Since its inception in 1985 with just 20 original companies, the program has grown into a powerhouse representing over 500 member companies. These members range from gourmet food producers and local artisans to technical manufacturers and specialized service providers.
Membership in Pride of Dakota offers far more than just the right to use the iconic logo on a label. It provides a comprehensive suite of business development tools designed to launch local products into the regional and national spotlight. While the popular Holiday Showcases are the most visible benefit — drawing tens of thousands of eager shoppers to events in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot and Dickinson — the program’s reach extends much deeper into the retail and digital marketplace.
POD offers specialized Retail Store Promotion grants to help local retailers feature North Dakota products, effectively putting member goods on more shelves across the state. For entrepreneurs looking to expand their footprint, the program provides Trade Show Assistance to help businesses gain exposure at national levels, offsetting the significant costs associated with breaking into larger markets. Through digital profile listings, networking seminars, and coordinated “Pride of Dakota Month” promotions, the program acts as a massive megaphone for the state’s diverse array of small businesses, turning “local” into a competitive advantage.
Who Is The SBA: The Structural Catalyst
While Pride of Dakota focuses on market visibility and branding, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) serves as the structural catalyst for long-term operational viability. In North Dakota, the SBA District Office acts as the bridge between a great idea and a bankable, sustainable operation.
The SBA’s impact is most tangibly felt through its capital access programs. Programs like the 7(a) and 504 loans empower local lenders to provide financing to businesses that might not otherwise qualify for traditional credit. By providing a government guarantee on a portion of the loan, the SBA reduces risk for North Dakota banks, allowing them to say “yes” to the startup in West Fargo or the manufacturer in Grand Forks.
Beyond funding, the SBA oversees a robust statewide network of resource partners, including the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, VBOC of the Dakotas, and the Women’s Business Center. These partners provide hundreds of hours of no-cost, confidential business advising. Whether an entrepreneur needs help decoding a balance sheet, understanding federal contracting, or registering their entity with the Secretary of State, the SBA serves as an engine that provides resources of a national organization with the personal connection of a local advisor.
The Synergy In Motion: Where Branding Meets Business Logic
The true power of the ND entrepreneurial engine is found at the intersection of these two organizations. Imagine a local maker who has perfected a family salsa recipe. They join Pride of Dakota to gain immediate brand recognition and a spot at the Fargo Holiday Showcase. The salsa is a hit, and the demand is overwhelming. Suddenly, that maker needs to move from a home kitchen to a commercial facility, hire three employees, and secure a distribution deal with a major regional grocer.
This is where the partnership shines. Pride of Dakota provides the “Market-Ready” validation and the promotional platform, while the SBA and its resource partners step in to help the entrepreneur draft a formal business plan, project cash flow for the expansion, and secure the SBA-backed loan needed for equipment.
This collaborative spirit is what locals often call “North Dakota Nice,” but in the business world, it’s a strategic advantage. As program leaders often note, the goal is to ensure that the technical side of the business is as strong as the product itself. When a Pride of Dakota member walks into an SBA resource partner’s office, they aren’t just a number; they are part of a shared mission.
It Takes A Village: The Broader Ecosystem
The collaboration between the SBA and Pride of Dakota does not exist in a vacuum. It is part of a vast, interconnected network that includes community banks, statewide organizations, local Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Corporations (EDCs), the Bank of North Dakota, and our universities. This ecosystem thrives on the shared expertise of professionals who understand that a business’s needs are multifaceted.
Local community banks and credit unions serve as the financial bedrock, often acting as the first point of contact for capital. Chambers of Commerce provide vital networking infrastructure and advocacy that connect business owners with their peers and potential customers. Meanwhile, EDCs and regional organizations focus on the high-level strategy, helping businesses find suitable locations, navigate local regulations, and tap into regional incentives that make expansion feasible. Together, these entities form a collective wealth of knowledge that makes the journey a little smoother. .
Whether it’s navigating local zoning through an EDC, accessing networking opportunities at a Chamber, or leveraging university research for product development, this network acts as both a safety net and a springboard. This “village” approach is a humble recognition that no single organization can be an expert in every facet of business management. By collaborating and building a team around the entrepreneur, these organizations offer a more well-rounded ecosystem. If Pride of Dakota identifies a marketing need and the SBA identifies a capital gap, they can work together to solve both simultaneously.
Why North Dakota Leads The Nation
The results of this unified vision are clear. According to recent data from Forbes Advisor and the SBA Office of Advocacy, North Dakota has consistently ranked #1 for the best states to start a business. This isn’t an accident. The ranking is based on a combination of low entry costs — with LLC formation fees among the lowest in the country — and a robust support climate.
Perhaps the most telling statistic is our business survival rate. At approximately 77%, North Dakota’s small business survival rate significantly outpaces the national average. This high rate of success is a testament to the support provided by programs like POD and the SBA.
Looking Forward: A Unified Vision
As we look toward the future of the North Dakota economy, the collaboration between the SBA and Pride of Dakota represents a gold standard for professional partnership. By sharing synergies and streamlining business services, these organizations are ensuring that North Dakota remains the best place to turn a dream into a reality.
This partnership is fueled by a genuine, shared belief that when one local business flourishes, the entire community rises. Whether you are a “mom-and-pop” shop in a rural town or a high-tech startup in downtown Fargo, the message from the SBA and Pride of Dakota is the same: the engine is running, the village is ready, and your success is our state’s greatest achievement. The collaboration between these organizations adds up to something much greater than the sum of their parts because, at its core, everyone involved is personally invested in seeing your business cross the finish line.
For the North Dakota entrepreneur, the path forward is clear. You bring the innovation and the hard work; the Pride of Dakota and the SBA will bring the power and the partnership.
Business Spotlight: A Q&A with Grateful Cratefulls
Q: What is Gratful Cratefulls?
A: Grateful Cratefulls is a Midwestinspired gifting company based in rural Hillsboro, North Dakota, specializing in thoughtfully curated gift boxes for both personal and corporate occasions.
We focus on high-quality, regionally sourced products to create meaningful gifting experiences that help businesses strengthen relationships, show appreciation, and celebrate important moments.
Our offerings range from ready-toship gifts to fully customized, branded corporate gifting programs. We primarily serve businesses looking for a more thoughtful and personal approach to client and employee gifting, along with individuals wanting to truly brighten someone’s day.
Q: Every great business starts with a spark. What was the primary motivation or inspiration that LED you to start this business?
A: Grateful Cratefulls was inspired by an overwhelming sense of gratitude during a time when we were navigating a family member’s cancer journey. The support we received, especially from small businesses, was incredibly meaningful and reinforced the power of community. It’s what we now refer to as North Dakota KiND.
That experience sparked a passion to help others express appreciation through elevated, intentional gifts that not only strengthen relationships but also support and showcase the small businesses within our region.
Q: What programs have helped you?
A: In the very beginning, we met with Paul at the Small Business Development Center to share our vision and gain perspective from someone outside of family and friends. After hearing our story, he encouraged us to share our “why,” something that has stayed with us and continues to shape how we tell our story today as we’ve grown into a trusted corporate gifting partner for businesses.
Christy at the Women’s Business Center has been an incredible ongoing source of support. She has helped us build meaningful connections within the community and has always been approachable, encouraging, and invested in helping businesses grow. Those connections have been instrumental as we’ve expanded our work with companies looking for thoughtful ways to connect with clients and employees.
While we did not formally engage with SCORE, we were so fortunate to connect with Roger early on. He was a great resource, encouraged us to apply for the Visa grant we were awarded, and was always checking in and supporting us during our storefront days.
Q: Have you utilized any SBA loan services (such as the 7(a) or 504 programs) to build capital, and if so, how did that funding impact your ability to grow?
A: We utilized an SBA Disaster/ Economic Injury loan during the period of uncertainty, which allowed us to continue operating and move forward with confidence. That financial support played an important role in helping us stay in business while making necessary pivots, including strengthening our focus on serving businesses through meaningful, intentional gifting.
Q: How long have you been a pod member? What programs have you taken advantage of?
A: Grateful Cratefulls has been a proud member of Pride of Dakota since 2018.
- Pride of Dakota Showcases –We have participated in the POD showcases in Minot, Grand Forks, Fargo, and Bismarck
- Pride of Dakota Vendors – We source many of the products for our LegeNDary ND Treats box from several POD vendors and are always looking to expand with new vendors and products.
Q: As a Nnorth Dakota-based company, how has your membership or involvement with the pride of Dakota program contributed to your brand awareness and business success?
A: Being a Pride of Dakota member and participating in Showcase events has been instrumental in growing our visibility while building meaningful connections with other small business owners across the state. Many of those relationships have led to partnerships, allowing us to thoughtfully source and feature products from fellow North Dakota businesses. Through our corporate client gift boxes, Pride of Dakota products are now reaching customers across 50 states and several other countries.
It’s exciting to see the Pride of Dakota program really gaining momentum. As a member for the past eight years, I’ve seen renewed energy and passion for North Dakota products. I’ve loved the support and promotion of POD businesses, Katrina has been amazing to work with, and our Department of Agriculture is doing an incredible job.
Q: Reflecting on your journey so far, what is one piece of advice or “Word of wisdom” you would offer to fellow entrepreneurs or those just starting their business journey?
A: Building a business takes persistence, adaptability, a willingness to learn as you go, and a sense of humor when things feel overwhelming. Focus on the problem you’re solving, treat people well, and build genuine relationships. Those connections will always be your strongest asset.
Q: Where can customers currently find and purchase your products or services?
A: You can find Ready-to-ship gifts and create your own gift box at GratefulCratefulls.com. For corporate gifting inquiries, email [email protected].
We ship nationwide and can coordinate multi-location deliveries to make the process simple and seamless.
We’re also looking forward to bringing our North Dakota KiND apparel, Happy Tea, and a new custom Pride of Dakota box to the Pride of Dakota showcases this year.
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