SBA Awards $5 Million for North Dakota Manufacturing

The funding supports advanced training initiatives for small businesses across North Dakota.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Manufacturing

SBA Awards $5 Million for North Dakota Manufacturing

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Should the federal government increase funding for small business manufacturing training programs?

The U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded $5 million to Chippewa Sustainable Solutions to bolster manufacturing capabilities in North Dakota. This grant supports specialized training programs for local small businesses through the Empower to Grow initiative.

Why it matters

The program helps small manufacturers strengthen operations, improve regulatory compliance, and compete for government contracts. It focuses on upskilling employees to navigate increasingly complex industrial requirements.

The U.S. Small Business Administration awarded $5 million in total funding to Chippewa Sustainable Solutions. This capital supports training and reskilling for 8(a) and HUBZone eligible businesses.

The players

U.S. Small Business Administration

This is a federal agency that provides support to small business owners and entrepreneurs through loans, investment capital, and disaster recovery assistance.

Chippewa Sustainable Solutions

This is an organization focused on providing technical assistance and manufacturing training to industrial enterprises.

University of North Dakota

This is a public research university located in Grand Forks that partners on regional economic development and technical initiatives.

Turtle Mountain Community College

This is a tribal college in Belcourt that supports local educational opportunities and workforce development.

The details

Chippewa Sustainable Solutions will operate out of the Turtle Mountain manufacturing environment in Belcourt to provide instruction in additive manufacturing and friction stir welding. The organization is collaborating with the University of North Dakota, Turtle Mountain Community College, and the Center for Technology Commercialization to deliver courses and one-on-one advising.

October 20, 2026: The grant award was announced.

Market Landscape

This grant integrates with federal infrastructure support systems to modernize the regional supply chain. The move positions the regional manufacturing sector to better compete for national defense and aerospace contracts against larger entities.

Small business owners in fields like metal fabrication and energy can access free courses and advising to improve their operational efficiency. These resources allow local firms to better qualify for government contracts that were previously difficult to secure.

The takeaway

Small manufacturers should track the upcoming curriculum at the Turtle Mountain facility to leverage new technical skills. This program provides a clear pathway for firms to modernize their production methods through additive manufacturing and welding.