North Dakota Women’s Business Center Helps More Than 1,000 Small Businesses Grow Annually

The North Dakota Women’s Business Center (NDWBC) is celebrating its 25th anniversary as an essential resource for entrepreneurs and business owners in the state. During the 2023-24 fiscal year, the NDWBC served more than 1,000 clients (88.3% of whom are women) and spent more than 6,500 hours coaching clients. More than half (55.6%) of these clients live in rural communities based on county definition.

“When small business owners have the tools they need to grow, our communities have what they need to thrive,” says Christy Dauer, Executive Director of the North Dakota Women’s Business Center. “Wherever you are in your journey, we have certified coaches who can help you take the next steps and make informed decisions.”

The NDWBC is a statewide 501(3)c non-profit that provides tools and resources for small business owners. Learn how this organization helps thousands of people Make Their Mark. 

Business Owners Can Schedule Free and Confidential Meetings 

Entrepreneurs across North Dakota can primarily benefit from scheduling a business coaching with the NDWBC on their website. They have certified business coaches to have a free and confidential discussion about their growth plans.

“We are here to support business owners on their journeys, but we are not there to tell them what to do,” says Dauer. “There isn’t a single, definitive way to do things. Our job is to highlight different options so entrepreneurs can choose the best ones based on their goals.”

The NDWBC connects entrepreneurs with partner organizations that help within the state as well. In addition, they offer highlight training opportunities and resources to guide business owners, for example, toward e-commerce or into new markets.

“Think of us as a confidential sounding board,” says Dauer. “We don’t instruct people or do the work for them. Instead, we want to help small businesses with informed business decision-making tools.”

The biggest ask by entrepreneurs is for help with accessing financing. Out of a survey of more than 800 small business owners by the NDWBC, 73% said they needed immediate funding, while 64% said they needed less than $50,000 to fund their business goals.  

The NDWBC is Immersed in Several Communities 

The NDWBC has a strong presence in Bismarck-Mandan, but there are events and connections across the state. Their newest initiative is driven by community and fueled by authentic conversations. Two of the most recent chapters are in Grand Forks and Velva.

“We try to get fully immersed in the communities we are involved in,” says Dauer. “We have a statewide board, team, and committees. We’re not trying to solve community challenges, but rather work alongside business owners and leaders working to address them.”

In 2022, representatives from the NDWBC traveled across the state on a listening tour. They wanted to learn about the challenges facing female business owners and their potential barriers to success. They also wanted to discover trends across North Dakota communities. Topics ranged from housing to childcare access and existing resources.

Along with in-person events, the NDWBC also offers online, on-demand resources for those looking for a virtual community called Voxa. Think of it as a one-stop resource page with a trusted business network and resources.

The NDWBC Continues to Evolve    

The NDWBC started as an organization that brought computers to women in rural communities so they could grow their businesses. Over the past 25 years, it has grown across the state and has become an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs and business owners. It will continue to evolve and improve its services based on the community's needs.

For example, five percent of its clients speak Spanish, so the NDWBC now offers Spanish resources for entrepreneurs who need them. The organization also constantly looks for new partners to work with, both to share resources with business owners and to find new opportunities to help them.

On behalf of the NDWBC, Dauer would like to thank the Small Business Administration (SBA), the North Dakota Department of Commerce, and the Bush Foundation for their continued support. 

Discover Other Business Resources to Make Your Mark

If you want to start a business or expand your operations, you can Make Your Mark on the Bismarck-Mandan community. Explore the resources offered by the NDWBC and learn how we help business owners grow.

You can also read stories about other residents who have grown their businesses in the region. Meet Batter Together, a multi-generational bakery in Bismarck. Get to know Maggie Newhouse and learn about her passion for real estate.  

No matter your industry or goals, you can Make Your Mark and grow with the help of a welcoming community that wants to see you succeed.