The program is designed to address financing challenges of early-stage primary sector entrepreneurs in Cass County, to ideally help startups progress to their next stages of revenue and access to other funding sources.

The AMP will match any convertible debt or direct equity investment into a primary sector company headquartered in ND up to $250,000. The AMP must receive the same terms as the matched investment. The matched investment must be a private source of capital.

The Growth Fund program was established in 2021 with levied funding from the Mountrail County Commission. The Growth Fund enhances the county’s financial toolbox to serve new and existing businesses needing access to capital.

The Horizon Grant program was established in 2021 with funding from the Mountrail County Commission. The JDA Board of Directors will establish funding priorities annually. See program policy for more information.

The State Energy Program (SEP) promotes energy efficiency and conservation and is supported by financial and technical assistance through the U.S. Department of Energy. Community Services makes SEP funds available to applicants for a variety of energy efficiency related activities. These include energy education, installation of energy efficient measures (building audits, lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades, etc), transportation initiatives (alternative fuel vehicles and fueling systems) and renewable energy technologies (small scale wind turbines and solar technologies).

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.

The Community Development Loan Fund (CDLF) is available to businesses located in all cities and counties within the Region (except the City of Bismarck) for economic development infrastructure or to make loans to businesses creating or saving jobs for low and moderate income persons.

The CAPITAL II Fund is a blend of local funds and funds from USDA-Rural Development. Its purpose is to provide flexible and accessible loans to for-profit businesses and cooperatives within the Region, except within the City of Bismarck.

The CAPITAL I Fund is a blend of local funds and funds from the EDA. Its purpose is to provide flexible and accessible loans to for profit businesses within the Region.

Lake Agassiz has been offering the Microloan Program since 1993. The program provides fixed-rate financing for new and existing small businesses in North Dakota. Eligible entrepreneurs can access as much as $50,000 for working capital, inventory and equipment needs

This program began as a grant from the Economic Development Administration in the aftermath of the 1997 flood disaster. The fund is currently available to all businesses in Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill Counties in North Dakota. Eligible entrepreneurs can access a maximum of $250,000 or one-third the total project cost, whichever amount is lower. These funds are usually subordinated to bank financing. This program is typically used to fund industrial or primary sector projects, however, retail and service sector projects are eligible.

A component of the Community Development Block Grant, the CDLF provides flexible financing options for new and existing businesses in the region with the exception of businesses located within the city of Fargo.