North Dakota’s economy is riding a wave of momentum built on innovation, technology and agricultural strength. In September 2025, the state relaunched Innovate ND, a voucher-based reimbursement program offering up to $50,000 to help entrepreneurs validate their business ideas and accelerate growth. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the state economy with an annual impact of over $41 billion, while the entire energy industry continues to generate thousands of jobs. Meanwhile, Fargo, once mainly known as an agricultural hub, is becoming an AI hub in the Northern Plains.
The North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF): Offers “flexible gap financing” up to $3 million through loans and equity investments.
North Dakota Economic Development and Finance
business.nd.gov
Bismarck-Mandan Development Association
bismarckmandanedc.com
Fargo Moorhead Economic Development
gfmedc.com
Williston Economic Development Office
willistondevelopment.com
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
