Job Development Authority

Applications Open January 15 

How Can a Young Farmer Grant Benefit You?

Young Farmer Grants are designed to provide a flexible boost to young agricultural producers building long-term careers in agriculture. This fund can be used for anything that will further your goals as a producer, even if that means just getting started. The goal of this fund is to provide financial assistance for any cost that currently limits your ability to start, run, or grow your operation in the way you’d like.

Utilization of these funds may be geared toward projects that provide creative solutions to farm labor, Natural Resource Stewardship, economic diversification of your farm or ranching operation, as well as use of modern technology to improve workflow or production. Grant funding may support completing a project, be applied towards the purchasing a new piece of equipment, covering operating costs such as seeds and compost, building new infrastructure, attending a training program or conference, or hiring additional labor.

To support the creation, expansion, and stability of small businesses in Dunn County, contributing to job creation, economic diversification, and business growth. Businesses may apply for one or all of the following programs based on needs.

The Storefront Renovation Grant Program encourages the renovation and occupancy of vacant or dilapidated buildings in high-traffic areas within designated business districts. The program aims to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of storefronts to attract more businesses, customers, and investment.

This program is designed to support creating and enhancing public spaces in Dunn County, fostering tourism and community engagement. The goal is to encourage residents, organizations, and businesses to actively contribute to placemaking efforts that improve the county’s livability, attractiveness, and tourism potential.

The Community Revitalization Program is designed to assist cities in Dunn County with removing dilapidated and blighted properties. By providing financial support for property cleanup and revitalization efforts, the program aims to enhance housing conditions, encourage redevelopment, improve community attractiveness, and attract new residents.

The Make Dunn County Home Program is a down payment assistance program managed through the Dunn County JDA. The program provides down payment grants, structured as forgivable loans, to home buyers purchasing or building within Dunn County. Qualifying homes must be financed through a North Dakota lender, and the home must be the participant's primary residence. The program is not income-based. Instead, it focuses on encouraging people to live and love the community where they work. Funding is subject to availability. Contact the JDA Office for more information.

Funded through the Dunn County Development Fund, the Interest Buy-Down Program is designed to assist businesses, childcare facilities, affordable housing projects, farmers, and other entities by reducing loan interest rates. The program works in partnership with local lenders and the Bank of North Dakota through Dakota's Flex PACE, PACE, and various sector-specific options to support a range of critical industries and services in Dunn County.

Funded by the Dunn County Development Fund, the Revolving and Bridge Loan funds can be utilized to secure a key element in business financing. The Revolving Loan is designed to provide financial support to qualifying business owners in Dunn County seeking alternative or gap financing. The fund targets small businesses and startups to help bridge financing gaps for projects, expansions, or new ventures. The Bridge Loan Fund provides gap financing for businesses in Dunn County that have secured a lead lender but need additional financing to close the gap. This fund is intended for larger, more strategic projects that contribute to job creation and economic growth in the county.

Funded through the Dunn County Development Fund the Strategic Investment Program is designed to support businesses and projects that significantly impact the community's life, health, or safety in Dunn County. The program provides flexible funding options for large-scale, high-impact projects that fall outside the scope of other outlined programs.