Innovate ND Program Seeks Participants for 2013

The North Dakota Department of Commerce and a statewide network of partners announced today that enrollment for the 2013 Innovate ND program is open, highlighting a new format that includes no deadlines. The program will feature six boot camps for participants to attend at entrepreneurial centers across the state for education on to how advance their new or existing business venture.

Innovate ND is a statewide initiative designed to help entrepreneurs turn innovative concepts into viable new North Dakota business ventures. The program helps entrepreneurs in the development of their business ideas though access to coaches from entrepreneurial centers and online educational tools.

"North Dakota's economy continues to grow and we have a very positive business climate for start-ups," Commerce Commissioner Al Anderson said. "The Innovate ND program has been instrumental in the development of more than 125 businesses. We invite anyone with a business idea to take advantage of this initiative to help turn ideas into a viable new business in North Dakota."

Registration is available online at www.InnovateND.com with no enrollment deadline, which is a change to the program from previous years. The program includes online entrepreneurial education, business planning tools and coaching to participants from their enrollment date to September 2013. Entrepreneurial coaches will form a unique, individual plan to fit the goals of each business venture enrolled in the program.

Nearly 725 participants and 475 business ideas have enrolled in the program since 2006. Last year, 160 participants submitted 75 ideas

The program is organized by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the UND Center for Innovation and the NDSU Research and Technology Park.

Forum Communications is the lead sponsor. Partner programs include DSU Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, IDEA Center in Bismarck, Bismarck State College Office of Innovation, and Minot State University Severson Entrepreneurship Academy.





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