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.

Innovate ND Winners Awarded Cash Prizes

Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley and Commerce Commissioner Al Anderson announced five new Idea Champions at the sixth annual statewide Innovate ND program last night in front of a crowd of 130 people at the Ramada Plaza and Suites in Fargo. The 2012 Innovate ND Awards Ceremony was hosted by the ND Department of Commerce and the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber.
A panel of 10 private sector judges made the final selections out of a field of 20 finalists on Tuesday afternoon before announcing the five winning teams that each received $15,000 in cash and a valuable package of in-kind professional services to help them launch and grow their business. Cash prizes were made possible by the generosity of private sector business.        “Innovate ND is an exciting program that highlights hardworking innovators of North Dakota’s first-in-the-nation economy,” Lt. Gov. Wrigley said. “Our economic future is in the hands of creative, problem-solving individuals with a promising idea and the commitment to building their business right here in North Dakota.”
The five winning entries, unranked, are:

• Equinox Analytics, Bismarck, ND
• StopSensor, New Salem, ND
• Theratainment, Fargo, ND
• Webcast America, West Fargo, ND
• Zoovio, Mandan, ND

The winners of the category awards and the winner of the People’s Choice Award were also named.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award went to Gimme Hockey. This is an idea a website for players and hockey camp organizers for promotion, selection, registration, payment, and review.  An online database gives prospective customers the ability to sort camps based on the following criteria:  skill level, gender, age, date, location, price, and/or name.  More than 2,000 total votes were cast.  For the fourth year, the $500 cash award was sponsored by the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce.
Category winners each received $500 each provided by industry sponsors.

The winners in each of the five categories are: Value-Added Ag and Advanced Manufacturing – StopSensor, New Salem, ND Energy and Technology Based – Solargy Lights, Neche and Grand Forks, ND Retail-Based – Bag’Em Outdoors, Hankinson, ND Youth Entrepreneurship – Video Promoting ND, Argusville, ND Women/Minorities/Rural Entrepreneurship – Collapsible Urine Hat, Bismarck, ND
“Our goal with Innovate ND is to help entrepreneurs turn business ideas into functional businesses,” Anderson said.  “To date, nearly 800 people with 400 ideas have participated in the program and 125 new businesses are operational or in the development stage as a result.”
Partners from across the state provided technical assistance to 74 teams and 160 participants in the competition this year. All finalists completed an extensive written summary and made an oral presentation in front of the panel of judges. In selecting winners, judges looked at five criteria: innovation, commercial viability, investment opportunity, entrepreneur team and quality of presentation.  The People’s Choice Award was determined by online voting and the category winners were determined by the sponsor of the category.
Innovate ND was launched in November 2006 by the governor and was coordinated by the Governor’s Office, the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the UND Center for Innovation, and the NDSU Technology & Research Park. Forum Communications was the lead sponsor for Innovate ND.  Participants paid $250 to enroll in the program.
The program was made possible by more than $200,000 in private-sector contributions and in-kind professional services donations as well as appropriated funds from the Department of Commerce. For more information, see www.innovatend.com.

Spread EduApp’s GoGoWidget

Innovate ND is always willing to help spread the word about what our wonderful participants are doing or when they are in the news. Here is a 2011 Idea Champion and 2012 Innovate ND top 20 finalists looking for support!
http://www.indiegogo.com/project/widget/104893

Do you want help from Innovate ND to get the word out about what you have going on? Contact me! InnovateND@nd.gov.

Brandi and the Innovate ND Team

Innovate ND Winner Lift’N Buddy Wins National Innovation Award

Aaron Lamb, Lift’n Buddy – Fargo, ND

Fargo based Lift’n Buddy, a 2011 Innovate ND winner, was recently recognized with the 2012 Gold Edison Award. This award honors innovation leaders and business executives who have made a significant and lasting contribution to innovation throughout their careers.

“North Dakota’s future growth depends to a large degree on our ability to grow businesses and our economy from within,” Commissioner Alan Anderson of the North Dakota Department of Commerce said. “Lift’n Buddy is a great model for entrepreneurs who have a promising business idea and the desire to build that venture right here in our state.”

Lift ’n Buddy is a mobile lifting device that combines the best of a standard two-wheeler’s durability and functionality, with automatic lifting and lowering capabilities. The product is currently being used in companies across the U.S., including the Cavendish Farms plant in Jamestown, N.D. which uses Lift’n Buddy in their daily operations.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as a gold winner for the 2012 Edison Awards in the category of Industrial Design,” said Aaron Lamb, president of Ergologistics, the company that designs and distributes Lift’n Buddy.

For additional information on Lift’n Buddy, visit http://www.liftnbuddy.com.

For more information on Innovate ND, visit www.innovatend.com.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce works to improve the state’s quality of life by leading efforts to attract, retain and expand wealth. Commerce serves businesses and communities statewide through committed people and partners who offer valuable programs and dynamic service.

For more North Dakota news and information subscribe to the Commerce News RSS Feed.

Brandi and the Innovate ND team

Cleantech Open’s Entrepreneur Accelerator Deadline is MAY 8TH!

As a part of our core mission, we seek to build a vibrant cleantech, green business and renewable energy economy. One of the ways we accomplish this is to develop partnerships with key organizations such as the North Central Cleantech Open.

The Cleantech Open, the World’s largest cleantech accelerator, is accepting applications for its 2012 program through Tuesday, May 8th. If you’re a Midwest entrepreneur with an early stage business, apply today and get access to:

• Exposure to active investors: The North Central region has confirmed participation from active investors with billions to invest in cleantech companies
• National acclaim and press: the national program offers participants unique PR opportunities and potential to present to thousands from across the world
• World-class training: attend the 30 hour entrepreneur academy, topical webinars, and present at regional and national events with over 2,000 attendees
• Win Cash & Prizes: Last year, the grand prize package worth $250k went to a company from the Midwest – this year it could be you!

Click HERE to listen to some of our recent success stories: SUCCESS STORIES

So, take the next steps and launch your business by starting the application process at our website: www.cleantechopen.org/launchhere.

This year, the North Central region is expanding and accepting applications from Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

If you have questions, the North Central Cleantech Open team is available at nc_info@cleantechopen.com.

Ready. Set. Start Voting!

INNOVATE ND PEOPLE’S CHOICE ONLINE VOTING RUNS THROUGH MAY 18

BISMARCK, N.D. – The public is invited to vote online for their favorite new business idea from a field of 20 finalists participating in the final round of the Innovate ND competition. Voting for the Innovate ND People’s Choice Award is open through May 18 at www.InnovateNDPeoplesChoice.com. The finalists are listed with a brief description of their business venture or idea.

For the fourth year, the Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the People’s Choice Award. The winner will receive $500 and a trophy during the Innovate ND Social and Awards Ceremony set for Tuesday, May 22 at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo.

In addition to the People’s Choice Award, Innovate ND Idea Champions named for 2012 will receive cash awards plus thousands of dollars of in-kind support.

“The People’s Choice Award is a favorite among finalists each year because it gives participants a chance to promote their ideas to the general public,” Program Manager Brandi Schoenberg said. “North Dakota Chamber’s continued support shows their commitment to fostering business in North Dakota.”

“The ND Chamber is excited to be the sponsor of the People’s Choice Award again this year,” Chamber President Andy Peterson said, “This is a great opportunity to showcase the talent and innovation demonstrated by North Dakotans and for them to be recognized for their hard work.”

The social and awards ceremony runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with the awards ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m. This sixth annual event is presented by the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the Fargo Moorhead West-Fargo Chamber.

The top 20 participants in the Innovate ND competition will showcase their new ideas at individual booths during this casual business social and networking event, providing attendees the opportunity to meet the contestants and ask questions about their business ventures.

Registration is available at InnovateND.com/Award, and tickets may also be purchased at the door. The cost to attend is $20.

For more information, contact Brandi Schoenberg at Commerce, 701-328-5300 or bschoenberg@nd.gov or go to InnovateND.com.

INNOVATE ND TO AWARD BEST BUSINESS IDEAS AT 6TH ANNUAL CEREMONY

NEWS RELEASE

April 30, 2012

Media Contact: Jesse Bradley                                       Program Contact: Brandi Schoenberg
Phone:  701-328-5300                                                    Phone: 701-328-5373

E-mail:  jhbradley@nd.gov                                          E-mail: bschoenberg@nd.gov

INNOVATE ND TO AWARD BEST BUSINESS IDEAS AT 6^TH ANNUAL CEREMONY

20 entrepreneurial teams to compete for cash prizes.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The sixth annual Innovate ND Social, Entrepreneurial Ideas Showcase and Awards Ceremony is set for Tuesday, May 22, at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo. The event will feature the ideas of 20 of this year’s top finalists and conclude with the announcement of the 2012 Innovate ND Idea Champions. Winners will receive cash and in-kind prizes to help them forward their winning business ideas in North Dakota. The event is presented by the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the Fargo-Moorhead West Fargo Chamber.

The social will begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m.  Lt. Governor Drew Wrigley and Appareo Systems President and CEO Barry Batcheller will be featured at the event. Registration is available at InnovateND.com/Award and tickets may also be purchased at the door. The cost to attend is $20.

The top 20 teams in the competition will showcase their ideas during the business social and networking event, providing attendees the opportunity to meet contestants and ask questions about their business ideas.

New this year, is the naming of a winner in each of the five categories of competition. Categories include: Valued-Added Ag & Advanced Manufacturing, sponsored by MAC, Inc.; Energy and Technology-Based, sponsored by Amber Waves Electronics; Retail-Based, sponsored by DogIDs.com; Women/Minorities/Rural Entrepreneurs, sponsored by Earth-Kind; and Youth Entrepreneurship, sponsored by North Dakota Youth Entrepreneurship Education Program.

The People’s Choice Award winner will also be named. Online voting for the award will run May 4 to 18 at InnovateNDPeoplesChoice.com.

The following entrepreneurs and ideas have been selected to advance into the Innovate ND finals May 21-22. One participant requested to remain anonymous.

Northwest Region

CarpoolForProduce.com, Bottineau

Southwest Region

Edu-App, Bismarck

HairStrong, Bismarck

StopSensor, New Salem

Zoovio, Inc., Mandan

Northeast Region

Marathon Fundraisers, Grand Forks

Modular Development Group, Grand Forks

MyQuub, Grand Forks

Next Gen Sales, Grand Forks

Power Evolved, Grand Forks

Solargy Lights, Neche

Southeast Region

Bag’em Outdoors, Hankinson

BreadVault, LLC., West Fargo

City Zapp/Locality, Fargo

On-Site Locate, Fargo

Theratainment, Fargo

Webcast America, West Fargo

Out of State

Gimme Hockey, Neb.

Yellow Dart Industries, Minn.

Background on Judging and Innovate ND

The 20 final competitors were narrowed from 74 teams that began the competition in October. In selecting ideas for the final round, judges look at five criteria:  innovation, commercial viability, investment opportunity, entrepreneur team and quality of presentation. Twelve judges representing angel funds across the state will select the final five winners.

Innovate ND is a statewide economic development initiative designed to help entrepreneurs turn business ideas into functional businesses. It is coordinated by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the UND Center of Innovation and the NDSU Research and Technology Park. More information is available at InnovateND.com.

Forum Communications is the lead sponsor of Innovate ND. Other sponsors include Great River Energy, The Coteau Properties Company, The Falkirk Mining Company, Kadrmas Lee & Jackson, MDU, Bismarck-Mandan Development Corporation, Jamestown-Stutsman Development Corporation, First Western Bank and Trust – Minot, Marathon Oil, Otter Tail Corporation, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Solarbee, Agency MABU, ND Society of Certified Public Accountants, National Information Solution Cooperative (NISC), Odney, Basin Electric, Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, Jamestown/Stutsman Develoment Corporation, Steffes Corporation, North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, Solarbee, Inc., AE2S, Gray Plant Mooty, Marathon Oil, Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation, Earth-kind, Amber Waves Electronics, North Dakota Youth Entrepreneurship Education Program, VCMentor.com, DogIDs.com and MAC, Inc.

For more information about the program contact Brandi Schoenberg at 701-328-5300 or InnovateND@nd.gov.

About the North Dakota Commerce Department

The North Dakota Department of Commerce works to improve the state’s quality of life by leading efforts to attract, retain and expand wealth. Commerce serves businesses and communities statewide through committed people and partners who offer valuable programs and dynamic service. For more North Dakota news and information subscribe to the Commerce News RSS Feed.

###