Fargo INC! August 2025

FUNDYOUR BUSINESS

Partner Content: The Fight Against Fraud

Partner Content: Reimagining the Modern Workplace

Beyond The Bank: Local Options Outside of Traditional Fundraising

EmpowerHer

Financing For Commercial Real Estate

What's in a Business Name?

Charting a New Path for Preventative Healthcare

Financing That Opens Doors

Rent The Talent

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Fractional Executive

Small Businesses, Big Influence

How Veterans and Spouses Launch Thriving Businesses Through SBA Entrepreneurial Traning Programs

Social Media & Custody Battles: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Meet The Maker: Free Soul Candle Co

Women You Should Know: Melissa Sobolik

10 Questions with John Machacek: Melanie Rudd (Ezer)

Soak It In—Summer’s

Not Over Yet

fargoinc@spotlightmediafargo.com

Brady Drake, Fargo INC! Editor

Mike Dragosavich

Brady Drake Brady@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Kim Cowles

Ty Betts

Wendy Klug (SBA), Michael Danielson (VBOC of the Dakotas), John Machacek (GFMEDC)

Kellen Feeney

Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Al Anderson Al@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Austin Cuka

AustinCuka@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Matt Purpur

Matt@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

ClientRelations@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Jessica Ventzke

Tyler Duclos

Missy Roberts

John Stuber

CHECK OUT

SPOTLIGHT MEDIA'S OTHER PUBLICATIONS

We always hear that the people are what make the Fargo-Moorhead community great. So, why not meet them? Each month we cover a different topic led by local voices. We meet advocates, experts, and people just like you!

meetfargo.com /meetfargo @meetfargo @meetfargo

Growth Leaders is one of Spotlight's annual publications dedicated to showcasing our local companies and the services they bring to the Fargo-Moorhead area.

Bison Illustrated is your number one source for all of the behind-the-scenes action inside the North Dakota State University Athletic Department.

bisonillustrated.com /bisonillustrated @bisonmag @bisonillustrated

You may already be familiar with our Faces of Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo publication which we publish once per year in order to highlight the faces behind all of the great businesses in the community.

Future Farmer is our farming publication which brings great tech-focused content to readers across North Dakota and Minnesota.

futurefarmermag.com /FutureFarmerMag

Are you in need of a new career? The Great Places to Work Fargo-MoorheadWest Fargo Annual Career Guide highlights amazing businesses in the area that provide great growth opportunities, benefits, and more!

THE FIGHT AGAINST

How financial criminals are changing the game in 2025 & what you can do to stay ahead of them

FRAUD

STAYING SAFE IN A DIGITAL WORLD:

What Business Owners Should Know in 2025

First International Bank & Trust (FIBT), we believe banking should be personal, secure, and empowering. As a family-owned, independent community bank with over a century of experience, we’ve built our reputation on trust, resilience, and a commitment to helping our customers “Live First.”

Whether it’s supporting your business goals, safeguarding your financial future, or simply being there when you need us, we’re proud to be a partner you can count on.

Our relationship-based approach means we don’t just offer banking services — we offer peace of mind. From our roots in North Dakota to our presence across Arizona, Minnesota, and South Dakota, we’ve weathered economic shifts and

technological changes by staying nimble and focused on what matters most: protecting our customers and their communities. In today’s digital landscape, that protection extends beyond the vault. Cybercrime is evolving rapidly, and fraudsters are finding new ways to target individuals and businesses alike. Messages like “Your account has been suspended,” “Click here to upgrade your cloud storage,” or “Verify your identity now” are more than just annoying — they’re often phishing attempts designed to steal sensitive information.

While many of us have learned to spot these scams, the stakes are rising. In 2024 alone, cybercrime cost victims over $16 billion, a 33% increase from the previous year. For business owners, the risks are even greater. With threats like check washing, mail theft, and business email compromise (BEC) becoming more sophisticated thanks to AI-generated content, the stakes are even higher.

WHAT IS BUSINESS EMAIL COMPROMISE (BEC)?

BEC scams involve a fraudster gaining access to a legitimate business email account and using it to trick others into sending money or sharing confidential information. These scams often look like routine communications from known vendors, complete with “updated payment instructions” or fake invoices.

Here’s how it typically works:

A scammer gains access to a business email account, often through phishing or malware.

Then, the scammer identifies customers who regularly interact with that business.

Then, the scammer sends those customers fraudulent requests for payment, hoping to intercept funds before anyone notices.

Did You Know?

At FIBT, our dedicated Fraud Prevention team works tirelessly to stay ahead of emerging scams. In 2024, we successfully prevented 99.3% of fraud attempts on our customers’ accounts. Staying safe is a shared responsibility — and we’re here to help you stay informed and prepared.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

Verify before sending money

If you receive new payment instructions, call the vendor directly to confirm.

Enable two-factor authentication

A password alone isn’t enough; two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security.

Watch for urgency

Scammers often pressure you to act quickly. If something feels off, take a moment to double-check.

At FIBT, we’re committed to helping you navigate these challenges with confidence. If you ever have questions or concerns about a suspicious message or transaction, our team is here to support you, because your trust is our priority.

HOW POSITIVE PAY CAN HELP SAFEGUARD YOUR BUSINESS

by Whitney McDaniel, Treasury Management Manager

First International Bank & Trust, we understand that running a business comes with enough challenges — worrying about fraud shouldn’t be one of them.

That’s why we offer tools like Check & ACH Positive Pay, designed to give business owners greater control and peace of mind when it comes to protecting their accounts.

HOW IT WORKS

Check Positive Pay compares checks presented for payment against your issued check files, verifying check numbers, dollar amounts, payees, and issue dates. If something doesn’t match, you’ll be notified and can choose whether to pay or return the item.

ACH Positive Pay lets you create a list of authorized or unauthorized ACH transactions. You’ll receive alerts for any exceptions and can decide how to handle them.

These tools offer a proactive way to prevent fraud before it impacts your bottom line.

Benefits include:

Routine comparison between checks written and checks presented for payment

Payment of only authorized transactions

Automated email alerts for exception items

Online exception management for quick decision-making

Account reconciliation support to simplify bank statement balancing

If you’re interested in learning more or enrolling your business in Check & ACH Positive Pay, our Treasury Management team is here to help.

YOUR SECURITY IS OUR PRIORITY.

With tools like Positive Pay and a team that’s always looking out for you, FIBT is proud to be your partner in fraud prevention. Let’s keep your business safe and build trust — together.

Visit a branch near you or contact our FIBT Customer Care Center at (800) 359-8092 to get connected with one of our experts.

A QUICK GUIDE TO SPOT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY:

Fraudsters are getting smarter, but so are you. Here are a few friendly reminders to help you stay alert when reviewing emails or payment requests:

Check the web address

Look out for misspelled or unusual domains (like yourb4nk.com). If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t.

Notice the greeting

Messages that say “Dear Customer” instead of your name may not be from a trusted source.

Pause on urgency

Scammers often push you to act fast. Take a moment to verify before responding.

Keep info private

FIBT will never ask for your account details via email or text. When in doubt, reach out to us directly.

Skip unexpected links

Even familiar-looking messages can carry malware. Avoid clicking on anything you weren’t expecting.

By Chloe Crabtree, Project Manager, Livewire

PRESENTING AND SPEAKING WITH CONFIDENCE

t Livewire, we know that a great event isn't just about the stunning lights and sound; it's about helping your onstage talent shine. That's why managing speakers, presenters, and emcees is a core consideration across every event we produce. When your talent feels comfortable, confident, and cared for, they'll focus on connecting with your audience to create real, meaningful impact.

We want your speakers to feel prepared and at ease from the moment they arrive. That's why we start with a comprehensive tech run-through. We don't leave anything to chance, carefully exploring their audio and video requirements and how they envision their presentation. This is where Livewire truly shines: our team collaborates closely with each individual presenter, anticipating and alleviating any worries they

might have about their content or delivery. We'll seamlessly weave their unique needs into the event, all while ensuring they feel relaxed, informed, and ultimately, confident—all of which are vital ingredients for success.

One of the best ways we help presenters feel at ease is by using confidence monitors and teleprompters. These tools are a huge help, letting speakers focus on the audience while easily keeping track of their presentation. Our audio team selects the most suitable microphone for each presenter, taking into consideration their unique voice, wardrobe, length of presentation, and what type of message they’re delivering. Every presenter wants to be heard, and presenters that work with Livewire know their message will be heard, loud and clear.

The unsung hero of any smooth event? Communication! Our stage

managers are the crucial link between presenters, event planners, and our expert technicians. From mic checks and entrances, to impactful lighting changes or dynamic video content, each cue and transition on stage (and offstage!) is coordinated with our front-of-house team. We also make sure to run through testing and details during a rehearsal, getting speakers on stage to get used to the space and address any last-minute questions, concerns, or changes.

Because we know unexpected things can happen, we always plan for backup. Our team has solutions for every situation across technology and personnel, ensuring your event’s success no matter what comes our way. Livewire delivers on peace of mind!

Get in touch today and let Livewire bring your message to life!

Ashley Morken, Owner, Unglued, at Creative Mornings: Fargo.

Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney at the FMWF Chamber State of the Cities event.

Representative Julie Fedorchak at a Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber event.

FILE FORMATS TO PROVIDE AGENCIES TO ENSURE HIGH-QUALITY

PRINTING

VECTOR (The Ideal Choice)

A vector file is an image file that’s made up of lines, shapes, and curves based on math formulas, instead of pixels.

Vector files won't lose quality when scaled, which makes them ideal for large-format printing like wraps and signs. They retain clean lines, editable layers, and accurate colors.

Formats: Adobe Illustrator (AI), EPS, PDF, SVG

HIGH-RES RASTER

(Works Great for Photos or Complex Art)

A raster file is an image made up of tiny squares called pixels. Each pixel holds a color, and together they form the full picture.

These are acceptable only if created at the correct size and resolution (usually 150–300 DPI at final size). Raster files can pixelate when enlarged.

Formats: Adobe Photoshop (PSD), TIFF, PNG, JPG

HIGH-RES FLATTENED FILES

(Good but Less Editing Capabilities)

Formats: PDF, High-Res JPG

LOW-RES RASTER FILES

(Not Recommended)

Formats: PG or PNG with a lower DPI than 300

Web Files

(Worst Option, Not Recommended)

Formats: GIF, JPG, or PNG at a lower DPI than 300

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT FONTS

When selecting fonts for a vehicle wrap or sign, it’s important to think big picture—consider how the type will appear from a distance or at a quick glance.

What to Avoid, and Why

Script Fonts

Curvy and decorative strokes make the text hard to read quickly, especially at smaller sizes.

Thin or Light-Weight Fonts

Small strokes don’t hold up well when viewed at a distance or in poor lighting.

Grunge or Distressed Fonts

Texture or “worn” effects can lose legibility when scaled or viewed quickly.

What to Consider Instead

For vehicle wraps and sinage, the bolder and more readable the font, the better. Bold Sans-Serif Fonts are the best font types to use for these. Some exaples are Impact, Montserrat, Gotham, and Bebas Neue

From File to Finish

By Ellie Johnson, Custom Graphics

A Guide to Better Wraps and Signs for Your Business

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT COLORS

When selecting a color scheme for your vehicle wrap and signs, it’s important to consider not only your brand colors but also to prioritize visibility and contrast.

What to Avoid, and Why

Ignoring the Vehicle or Surface Color

If your vehicle isn’t being fully wrapped, it’s important to consider the color of the vehicle itself. Make sure the existing base color complements your design rather than clashes with it.

For Example: a red truck with a yellow partial wrap would likely create a harsh contrast. Similarly, when designing a sign, take into account the existing building color, along with the trim and return colors that will best complement your design.

Using Low Contrast Colors

Using colors that are too similar in tone (ex. navy blue/black, white/gray, yellow/green) reduces contrast, which makes text and graphics difficult to read. This becomes especially problematic when the design is viewed from a distance or while in motion, as is common with vehicle wraps or outdoor signage.

Using Too Many Colors

Using more than 3-4 main colors can overwhelm the eye and take away from the message you are trying to send.

FAQ'S

What are some tips you’d recommend before approving a sign or vehicle wrap design?

A: Test your design at scale. Things can tend to look slightly different on screen than they do blown up at full-size. What looks good on screen might not translate well in real-world size.

Also, make sure to double-check the content. Small errors become big (and expensive) problems once installed!

What do I do if I have art to provide?

A: For this, you can either email your art files directly to a salesman, or—if the files are too large to attach—we’ll send you a SharePoint link where you can upload them to your designated project folder.

How do I choose high-contrast color combinations for my vehicle wrap or signage?

A: Start by taking a color wheel and choosing colors that are opposite from one another. These are called complementary colors (like blue and orange), meaning they naturally create a strong contrast when placed together. Try experimenting with lighter and darker shades of these colors to further enhance compatibility and readability.

Our in-house art department is equipped to deliver standout design support or full creative direction needed for a successful large-scale printing project!

BY BRADY DRAKE

LOCAL OPTIONS OUTSIDE OF

“Can I really get funding if I just started?”

“What’s the catch with these programs?”

“Where do I find grant money?”

TRADITIONAL FUNDRAISING

et’s be honest: most entrepreneurs in Fargo and across the region know exactly what to do when it’s time to get serious about money—call their banker. But what if you need more capital than they can get you?

This is your go-to guide for funding your business on your terms—without relying solely on the bank. These are the grants, loans, credits, funds, and even quirky programs that are built to serve real people with real ideas.

ADMINISTERED BY:

North Dakota Department of Commerce

PURPOSE:

Designed to provide flexible “gap” financing to businesses that can’t fully secure needed funds through conventional lenders.

NORTH DAKOTA DEVELOPMENT FUND (NDDF)

ABOUT

The North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) was created in 1991 by the North Dakota Legislature to address a critical need: access to flexible capital for startups and expanding businesses that don’t fully qualify for traditional bank financing. Administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the fund provides “gap financing”—support that bridges what a bank is willing to lend and what a business actually needs to get off the ground or scale up.

Rather than just offering loans, NDDF distinguishes itself through a mix of equity investments, loans, and convertible debt instruments, giving the state the ability to strategically partner with companies rather than

simply act as a lender.

Over the past three decades, the North Dakota Development Fund has catalyzed hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity by supporting more than 400 businesses across tech, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and services.

Its blend of public funding and private partnerships means the fund often works alongside banks, investors, and local development corporations. This collaboration not only multiplies the impact of state dollars but also keeps capital recycling within the North Dakota economy.

DID YOU KNOW?:

The North Dakota Development Fund can provide equity investments—not just loans!

THESE COMPANIES HAVE USED THE NORTH

DAKOTA DEVELOPMENT FUND!

The North Dakota Development Fund can provide equity investments—not just loans!

CoSchedule is a Bismarck-based marketing tech firm, benefited from early-stage support that helped expand its team and roll out its platform nationwide.

Bushel is a Fargo ag-tech company, leveraged matched funding during its formative years to develop software solutions for grain elevators and cooperatives.

KEY OFFERINGS:

ANGEL MATCH PROGRAM

Goal: Boost the availability of early-stage capital by matching private angel investments.

How it works: If a North Dakota-based startup secures investment from an accredited angel investor, the NDDF can provide a matching investment—typically up to $250,000.

Who it helps: High-growth startups needing a stronger capital base to accelerate early operations or product development.

Funding Type: Convertible notes or equity investments.

REGIONAL RURAL REVOLVING LOAN FUND

Focus: Encouraging job creation and retention in rural North Dakota.

Eligibility: Businesses operating in communities of less than 8,000 people.

Loan Features: Fixed-rate loans (usually lowinterest), often combined with local development group or bank participation.

Use Cases: Equipment, real estate, working capital, and facility improvements.

CHILD CARE LOAN PROGRAM

Objective: Expand the state’s childcare infrastructure to support working families.

Eligible Applicants: Licensed or registered child care providers (both new and existing).

Financing Details: Low-interest loans of up to $100,000 for facility renovations, expansions, or equipment.

Repayment: Terms can be flexible, including deferred payment options during startup or ramp-up phases.

DID YOU KNOW?:

Bank of North Dakota is the Only state-owned bank in the U.S.

BANK OF NORTH DAKOTA (BND) ?

ABOUT

Founded in 1919 in response to populist movements and farmer demands for fair credit, the Bank of North Dakota (BND) is the only state-owned bank in the United States. Headquartered in Bismarck, BND is not a retail bank—you won’t find branches or checking accounts—but rather a wholesale bank that works behind the scenes, partnering with local financial institutions to expand access to affordable capital throughout North Dakota.

Its mission is economic development—not profit—and it consistently reinvests earnings into programs that benefit businesses, farmers, students, and communities across the state.

More than a century after its founding, BND has:

• Returned over $1.5 billion in profits to the state’s general fund.

• Maintained a strong, conservative financial rating, with assets surpassing $10 billion.

• Helped support more than a third of small businesses in the state indirectly through loan participations or guarantees.

During economic downturns and natural disasters, BND has stepped in with specialized loan programs to stabilize communities—something few other institutions can do at scale with such speed.

UNIQUE FEATURE:

Only state-owned bank in the U.S.

ROLE:

Primarily partners with local banks and credit unions, offering loan guarantees and interest buydowns to reduce risk and support entrepreneurship.

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMS:

BEGINNING ENTREPRENEUR LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Guarantee Coverage: Up to 85% of the loan amount for qualifying borrowers.

Target Group: First-time business owners and startup ventures, especially in rural communities.

Partner Structure: Local banks originate the loan, and BND backs it, making it easier for entrepreneurs to secure funding.

Eligible Uses: Startup costs, equipment, working capital.

PACE (PARTNERSHIP IN ASSISTING COMMUNITY EXPANSION) AND FLEX PACE

Purpose: To make borrowing more affordable by reducing interest rates.

PACE: Used for business expansion that results in job creation. The local community provides matching funds for interest buydowns.

Flex PACE: Offers more flexibility in eligibility—can be used for projects that may not create new jobs but have community value (e.g., essential services like grocery stores or health clinics).

Mechanism: BND buys down the interest rate by 5% (max $500,000) with local economic development corporations contributing a portion.

AGRICULTURAL LOANS

Ag PACE: Designed to support value-added agriculture by lowering interest rates for projects like ag processing or distribution.

Beginning Farmer Real Estate Loans: Available to new farmers looking to purchase farmland.

Livestock Purchase Loans: Assists ranchers in building herd capacity.

Support: Loans are offered in collaboration with FSA, USDA, and local banks..

MANAGED

BY:

ND Department of Commerce

MISSION:

Encourage commercialization of intellectual property and tech-based entrepreneurship within North Dakota.

ABOUT INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY LOAN FUND (LIFT)

The Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) is one of North Dakota’s most forward-looking funding programs, aimed at accelerating the commercialization of intellectual property (IP) and fostering technology-driven entrepreneurship.

Established under the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the fund is designed not just to provide capital, but to de-risk innovation, support long-term growth, and help early-stage companies transform breakthroughs into business.

The goal? To ensure high-potential tech ventures grow roots in North Dakota, contribute to job creation, and

stimulate the state's broader innovation ecosystem.

Priority industries include:

• Biotechnology & Life Sciences

• Software & SaaS

• Clean Energy & Renewables

• Autonomous Systems & Robotics

• Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Science

This program is not limited to startups, but is primarily focused on innovation-driven businesses that plan to base or expand operations in North Dakota.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2022, Be More Colorful received a $500,000 LIFT loan to grow their CareerViewXR platform!

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Target Audience: Technology, research-based, or IPheavy companies—especially in biotech, software, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and automation.

Loan Terms: Low-interest or interest-free for an initial period (typically the first 3–5 years).

Loans may be partially forgivable if specific milestones (job creation, revenue thresholds, relocation of operations) are met.

Capital Range: Awards often range from $100,000 to $1 million+ depending on scope and potential impact.

Use Cases: Product development, scale-up, market testing, or production ramp-up in North Dakota.

FOCUS:

Workforce development, business expansion, and community infrastructure.

NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GRANT PROGRAMS

ABOUT

The North Dakota Department of Commerce manages a suite of targeted grant programs designed to support workforce development, business growth, and community sustainability. These programs are built to address real-time economic needs—particularly in sectors experiencing talent shortages—and to give employers the resources to recruit, train, and retain a qualified workforce.

By combining state funds with employer engagement,

these grants help companies remain competitive while also strengthening North Dakota’s economic resilience.

These grant programs are more than just short-term fixes—they are strategic tools that help North Dakota stay competitive in a rapidly changing labor market. By funding skill-building and early career experiences, the Department of Commerce is investing in both the people and businesses that drive North Dakota’s economy forward.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

TECHNICAL SKILLS TRAINING GRANT

Goal: Rapidly upskill or reskill workers—especially in sectors facing workforce shortages.

Eligible Applicants: Private sector businesses, consortiums, or training providers.

Funding Use: Tuition, equipment, curriculum development, certification programs.

Preferred Sectors: Healthcare, energy, manufacturing, logistics, and skilled trades.

OPERATION INTERN

Purpose: Increase internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students and jobseekers.

How it Works: Reimburses up to 50% of wages (capped per intern) for qualifying internships.

Eligibility: Must be a North Dakota-based business. Intern must be enrolled in a North Dakota college or university or be a recent graduate.

Max Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 per intern, with limits per business per year.

TYPE: Certified Development Company (CDC)

MISSION:

Empower small businesses through access to capital, especially in underserved or rural areas.

DAKOTA BUSINESS LENDING

ABOUT

Dakota Business Lending is a federally certified Certified Development Company (CDC), operating primarily in North Dakota and surrounding states. As a CDC, its core mission is to facilitate small business growth and job creation by offering long-term, fixed-rate financing through U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs—most notably the SBA 504 Loan Program.

Founded in 1982, Dakota Business Lending (formerly Dakota Certified Development Corporation) is North

Dakota’s oldest and largest CDC. It plays a vital role in connecting entrepreneurs with flexible, affordable capital options, especially those in rural areas who may struggle to secure traditional financing.

Their portfolio extends beyond 504 loans, including microloans, specialized funding for veterans and Native American entrepreneurs, and targeted pandemic recovery programs.

DID YOU KNOW?

Last month, we featured six entrepreneurs from a Dakota Business Lending cohort. Check it out!

WHAT IS A CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (CDC)?

A Certified Development Company (CDC) is a nonprofit organization authorized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to administer SBA 504 loans, a financing program designed to help small businesses acquire fixed assets like real estate and equipment. CDCs work in partnership with local lenders and the SBA to provide longterm, fixed-rate financing at favorable terms. Typically, the structure includes a bank loan (50%), a CDCs portion funded through SBA-backed debentures (40%), and a borrower equity injection (10%). CDCs are mission-driven and focus on economic development, job creation, and supporting small businesses within their designated region. They also guide business owners through the 504 loan process, helping them navigate federal requirements and tailor financing to their growth needs.

KEY OFFERINGS:

MICROLOAN PROGRAM

Loan Size: Typically under $50,000—ideal for startups, early-stage, or home-based businesses.

Terms: Competitive fixed interest rates, terms up to 10 years.

Eligible Uses: Working capital, inventory, equipment, furniture, or minor renovations.

Funding Type: Convertible notes or equity investments.

SBA 504 LOAN PROGRAM

Structure: 50% local lender, 40% Dakota Business Lending (backed by SBA), 10% borrower down payment.

Projects: Real estate purchases, construction, major equipment.

Advantages: Low down payments, long-term fixed rates, and low fees.

Specialized Programs: These include Veteran Entrepreneur Loans, COVID Recovery Loans, and Native American Lending Programs.

TYPE:

Reimbursement Voucher & Coaching Program.

ADMINISTERED BY: North Dakota Department of Commerce.

INNOVATE ND

ABOUT

Innovate ND is North Dakota’s flagship idea-stage innovation program, designed to support entrepreneurs as they move from concept to commercialization. Administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, Innovate ND provides a structured pathway for early-stage founders through a combination of reimbursable vouchers, expert coaching, and access to

the state’s startup support network.

Whether you’re building your first prototype, testing the market, or refining a business model, Innovate ND helps reduce risk and increase readiness—at zero equity cost to the entrepreneur.

OVERVIEW:

Innovate ND is designed to help North Dakota entrepreneurs take an idea from concept to commercialization through a combination of financial support and expert mentorship.

VOUCHER-BASED REIMBURSEMENT:

Entrepreneurs are eligible for up to $24,000 in reimbursable vouchers over the course of four phases

These vouchers can cover expenses such as Market validation, Prototype development, Legal/IP services, Marketing strategy, and Business model validation

Status: Applications are currently closed until July 2025. It’s still a good time to prepare your pitch deck, business plan, and network with the ECND centers to be ready when it reopens.

TYPE: Tax & Development Incentives.

ADMINISTERED BY:

City of Fargo, in collaboration with the Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation

CITY OF FARGO BUSINESS INCENTIVES

The City of Fargo offers a suite of tax and development incentives designed to encourage business investment, real estate redevelopment, and long-term economic vitality. Administered by the city in collaboration with the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (FM EDC), these programs aim to make Fargo a financially strategic location for both new and expanding businesses.

Whether you're launching a startup, rehabbing a downtown building, or developing a large commercial or industrial site, Fargo’s business incentive programs can lower entry costs, improve project feasibility, and extend your capital runway.

?

DID YOU KNOW?:

For Renaissance Zone, PILOT, TIF, and BID support, contact the City of Fargo’s Planning and Development Department at planning@ fargond.gov

For expansion-related projects, job creation, or industrial development, contact the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation at info@fmedc.com

INCENTIVES OFFERED:

PILOT (PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES)

Property tax exemptions on improvements for a defined period. Used to stimulate large-scale commercial, mixed-use, or industrial developments.

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)

Used for redevelopment or infrastructure upgrades. Captures the increased property tax value over time to reimburse project costs.

RENAISSANCE ZONE PROGRAM

Offers 5-year property and state income tax exemptions for new construction, substantial rehabilitation, or business investment in the designated zone.Aimed at encouraging urban renewal in downtown Fargo.

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) SUPPORT

Helps businesses located in the BID access grants for beautification, signage, or public-facing improvements.

MANAGED BY:

Federal agencies like NIH, NSF, DOE, DoD, etc.

GOAL:

Fund high-risk R&D by small businesses with strong commercialization potential.

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) & SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR)

ABOUT

The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs are federal funding initiatives that support high-risk, highreward research and development (R&D) by U.S.-based small businesses. These programs are often described as America’s Seed Fund because they provide non-dilutive capital to help entrepreneurs turn advanced ideas into market-ready products or technologies.

Managed by 11 federal agencies—including the National

Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of Defense (DoD)—these programs offer a structured, multi-phase pathway from proof-of-concept to commercialization.

NOTABLE COMPANIES TO USE SBIR/STTR FUNDING

In the late 1980s, Qualcomm used early SBIR funding from the Department of Defense to develop its core CDMA wireless technology, which became the foundation of modern cellular communication.

Symantec grew into a household name in antivirus and cybersecurity before its enterprise division was acquired by Broadcom.

KEY DIFFERENCES

SBIR: Allows small businesses to perform R&D and retain IP rights.

STTR: Requires collaboration with a nonprofit research institution (like a university or federal lab).

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Phase I: Proof-of-concept funding. Typically up to $150,000–$250,000 for 6–12 months.

Phase II: Further development (prototyping, trials). Funding up to $1 million+ for up to 2 years.

Phase III: Commercialization stage—no SBIR/STTR funds, but federal support may help with procurement contracts.

iRobot developed military robots and later consumer products like the Roomba.

ABOUT USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

USDA Rural Development (RD) is a federal initiative under the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides funding, loan guarantees, and technical support to strengthen the economic and social fabric of rural America. While USDA RD is best known for housing and infrastructure programs, it also plays a significant role in supporting small businesses, cooperatives, and agricultural

innovation in communities with populations under 50,000.

With over 40 different programs aimed at rural development, USDA RD’s business-focused offerings help local entrepreneurs access capital, reduce energy costs, and add value to agricultural production.

PURPOSE:

Support economic development, infrastructure, and quality of life in rural America—including business ventures.

BUSINESS-FOCUSED PROGRAMS:

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY (B&I) LOAN GUARANTEES

• For expanding, purchasing, or improving businesses.

• USDA guarantees up to 80% of the loan.

• Eligible borrowers: for-profit businesses, cooperatives, tribes, public bodies.

RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM (REAP)

• Provides grants and loan guarantees for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy systems.

• Example: Solar panels, grain dryer upgrades, LED conversions.

VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS (VAPG)

• Designed for agricultural producers creating products from raw ag goods (e.g., cheese from milk, jam from fruit).

• Funding can be used for marketing, working capital, or feasibility studies.

RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RMAP)

• Supports very small rural businesses (<10 employees) with technical assistance and microloans.

How two mothers are building a safe haven for women in recovery

By Brady Drake | Jeremy Albright

hen Tara Carlson arrived in Fargo in 2019, she was chasing a new chapter. A fresh start. College was the plan. Independence was the goal. But life, as it often does, had other ideas. A surprise pregnancy, a pandemic, and the painful realization that she would be parenting alone left her staring down a reality she wasn’t ready for.

Across town, Tory Queensley was fighting her own battle. After a long struggle with addiction and surviving an abusive relationship, she had reached a breaking point. Finding out she was pregnant at 29 became her moment

of reckoning—a line in the sand. She quit hard drugs, escaped her abuser, and decided to rewrite her story.

These two women were strangers when they first stepped onto the campus of the Jeremiah Program in Fargo. They would become neighbors, then allies, and ultimately— co-founders. Today, through their nonprofit-in-themaking EmpowerHer, Tara and Tory are building the very support system they once needed but didn’t yet exist: a safe, structured, nonjudgmental space for pregnant and parenting women navigating addiction, recovery, and motherhood.

THE JEREMIAH PROGRAM: A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

The Jeremiah Program FargoMoorhead (JP) was the foundation. For both women, it offered more than just housing and reliable quality daycare— it was a lifeline, a launchpad, and a place to reclaim their identities as mothers, students, and leaders.

Tara was drawn in by the promise of stability. When her brother, a graduate student at NDSU, mentioned the program, she barely hesitated. “I wasn’t in a great place mentally to be a parent,” she said. “But the empowerment classes—they hooked me. And daycare? During the pandemic? That was everything.”

She dove into the program and quickly realized she’d need to rethink everything—her future, her boundaries, her sense of self. One moment in the empowerment curriculum that stuck with her was the “who’s in your audience?” exercise—a metaphorical exploration of who deserves access to your life. It shifted her thinking, she said. “I started to realize I had choices—about my circle, my goals, and the kind of parent I wanted to be.”

Tory's entry point was a Facebook ad: “Are you a single mom who wants to go to college successfully?” She clicked, filled it out, and within days, received a call from Amy, Family Services Director at Jeremiah. The program’s structure—on-site staff, regular coaching, and a built-in community of moms—offered her something she hadn’t had in years: safety and trust.

“I’d been on my own since 17,” Tory said. “I didn’t grow up with support. But when I got to Jeremiah, I felt protected. I felt like I belonged.”

Both women poured themselves into school while at Jeremiah. Tara, then 22, pursued dual majors in sociology and social work, adding minors in juvenile justice and psychology. “I took 18 to 21 credits every semester— fall, spring, and summer,” she said. “I wanted to finish fast. I wanted to provide for my son. I grew up in poverty. I didn’t want that for him.”

Tory enrolled at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, eventually earning her LPN and RN. “I picked nursing kind of randomly,” she said. “But it turned out I was good at it. I finished both degrees while living at Jeremiah.”

For both women, the Jeremiah Program’s coaching component was a turning point. “Meg, my coach, was just… there,” Tory said. “She didn’t push. She didn’t judge. She showed up. And that consistency—especially when you’ve dealt with abandonment or trauma—it’s life-changing.”

FROM CONNECTION TO COLLABORATION

Though they were neighbors at Jeremiah, Tara and Tory didn’t become close until a chance encounter at a JP Annual Summit in Baltimore—a national gathering of moms from all nine JP campuses. They had both flown in early and ran into each other at the airport. “I was like, ‘Hey, want to be my Baltimore buddy?’” Tory said.

They explored the city together, visited museums, shared long conversations over dinner, and bought matching Hard Rock Café sweatshirts. “We talked about recovery, parenting, relationships—everything,” Tory said. “That weekend was a golden opportunity to really connect.”

It was also the beginning of EmpowerHer.

ABOUT THE JEREMIAH

PROGRAM

The Jeremiah Program is a national nonprofit that partners with single mothers to disrupt the cycle of poverty for both women and their children, two generations at a time. Through a holistic, empowerment-based approach, the program provides stable and affordable housing, high quality early childhood education, access to college and career support, and one-on-one coaching and leadership development training. By integrating these services, the Jeremiah Program creates a stable foundation for mothers to pursue higher education while raising thriving children. With campuses across the United States, it not only builds individual resilience but also fosters connections and strong, intergenerational impact within communities.

Tara Carlson

EMPOWERHER: BUILDING WHAT DIDN'T EXIST

It was during Spark Tank—a Shark Tank-style pitch event for Jeremiah Program moms—that the vision solidified. Tara and Tory sat side by side, listening to women present ideas born from lived experience. Tory turned to Tara mid-presentation and said, “I want to do this. What can we create that would really change lives?”

They didn’t know it then, but that moment was the seed. What grew from it was EmpowerHer—a grassroots nonprofit aimed at filling the gaping void in services for pregnant women and mothers in active addiction.

Their initial idea was ambitious: a detox facility for pregnant women. But as they talked, researched, and listened to recovery professionals, they realized the real crisis wasn’t just detox access—it was the lack of safe, stigma-free support for mothers trying to get clean while still caring for their children.

WE WANT TO BUILD SAFETY PLANS, KEEP BABIES WITH THEIR MOMS, AND AVOID TRAUMA WHEREVER POSSIBLE.”

- TARA CARLSON

“We kept hearing the same thing,” Tara says. “If you’re a mom and you need treatment, there’s nowhere for you to go with your kids. You either separate from them or don’t get help at all.”

That impossible choice is the gap EmpowerHer is designed to bridge.

A VISION ROOTED IN REAL EXPERIENCE

Tara brings deep professional insight from her work in child protection. “CPS is often seen as the enemy,” she said. “But we don’t want to take kids. We want to build safety plans, keep babies with their moms, and avoid trauma wherever possible.”

Tory brings lived experience. “I’ve detoxed while pregnant. I’ve felt the judgment when I admitted I used. I know how isolating it is—and how powerful it is when someone simply says, ‘I care.’”

Together, they’re designing a layered support system for women who often fall through every existing crack. The starting point is support groups—intimate, peer-led spaces where moms in recovery can

share, connect, and heal. They’re also developing crisis protocols, transportation assistance, and basic needs access—essentials like bus passes and help with everyday errands that can make or break recovery.

But that’s just the beginning.

Down the line, EmpowerHer aims to launch a residential recovery program—a place where moms can live with their children while receiving the treatment and resources they need.

“Right now, if a mom has nowhere safe to stay, her only options are shelters—or worse, losing custody,” Tory said. “We want to offer a third option. One that says, you can get help, and you can stay with your kids.”

"CPS’s goal is short-term to stabilize and connect to services for the families and EmpowerHer will step in to be the long-term support to ensure the families have wraparound support," Tara said.

LEARNING THE BUSINESS SIDE— FAST

After winning the top prize at Spark Tank—$12,500 in seed funding through the Jeremiah Program’s Inspiration Awards—Tara and Tory hit the ground running. They registered with the Secretary of State, secured an EIN, and began setting up a nonprofit structure.

“We’re social workers. Not business majors. So the administrative side? It’s been a learning curve,” Tara said.

They’ve tapped into every resource available:

− We Sparkle, a nonprofit startup accelerator, helped them build systems and frameworks.

The Acceleration Project (TAP) provided mentorship and coaching.

− SCHEELS, ShareHouse, the owner of DownHome, and Sanford all have helped EmpowerHer with connections and advice, with a few of them promising financial support in the future.

Each conversation, each meeting, has pushed EmpowHer forward. And it’s not just logistical progress— it’s emotional momentum. “When people hear what we’re doing, their reaction is often, ‘This should already exist,’” Tory said. “That tells us we’re on the right path.”

Tara and Tory are adamant that their support group model will be built with, not for, the women they serve. Before launching, they’re conducting one-on-one outreach—talking to moms in recovery, asking about their needs, listening to their pain points.

“Sure, I’ve seen patterns through CPS,” Tara said. “And Tory’s lived it. But if we want this to work, we have to hear directly from these women.”

Thanks to partnerships with ShareHouse and other recovery organizations, EmpowerHer is already being introduced to moms who may become the program’s first participants—or its co-creators. “We’re not just building a service,” Tory said. “We’re building a community.”

What makes EmpowHer different isn’t just its goals—it’s the tone. There’s no shame, no red tape, no judgment. Just two women saying:

“We’ve been there. We see you.”

“We’re not trying to replace CPS,” Tara said. “We’re trying to add something that doesn’t exist yet—a peer-led, street-level safety net that starts with trust.”

That means showing up in hospitals, clinics, transitional housing— wherever women are. It means saying, “You don’t have to do this alone.” And it means changing the very narrative around recovery and motherhood.

Tara and Tory are well aware that they’re building something from scratch. No big budget. No legacy infrastructure. Just two women with firsthand knowledge of the system’s gaps—and a burning conviction that the gap shouldn't exist.

Their early plans for EmpowerHer include piloting a cohort-based support group model, offering transportation and childcare access, and helping mothers in crisis develop personalized action plans—a kind of “crisis protocol” they hope will be replicable and scalable.

They’re starting small—but intentionally. “We could build the most beautiful program on paper,”

WE’RE NOT JUST BUILDING A SERVICE, WE’RE BUILDING A COMMUNITY.”

- TORY QUEENSLEY

Tory said, “but if it doesn’t meet women where they actually are, it won’t matter. So that’s where we’re starting—with real voices, real needs, and building from there.”

ShareHouse and other local partners have already opened their doors to help shape EmpowerHer's first offerings. They’re also connecting Tara and Tory with moms who might benefit from or help refine the program. These conversations, Tara said, have been some of the most affirming moments so far. “It’s powerful to say to a woman, ‘We’re building something that’s for you, with you.’ And to hear her say, ‘I needed this five years ago.’ That’s when we know—we’re onto something real.”

WHAT THEY NEED: INVESTMENT, MENTORSHIP, AND AWARENESS

With their support group model on track for a summer launch, EmpowerHer's co-founders are

seeking connections—especially in the local business community. “Yes, funding is important,” Tara said. “But just as valuable is mentorship. If you’ve built something from the ground up, if you’ve launched a nonprofit or a small business—we’d love to talk. Even just to grab coffee.”

They’re also hoping to meet community leaders, philanthropists, healthcare professionals, and social service providers who want to be part of something new. “This is a big vision,” Tory said. “Eventually, we want a facility. Staff. A full continuum of care. But we’re also realists. And we’re willing to build slow if it means we get it right.”

“We’re not asking people to solve everything for us. But we are asking them to see this as something worth solving together," Tara said.

For readers and business leaders who want to help but aren’t sure how, the answer might be simpler than expected. Tell someone. Share the story. Talk about the need. “Even just building word-of-mouth

awareness,” Tory said, “That's huge. Because the women who need us? They often don’t even know we exist yet.”

A FINAL WORD TO THE COMMUNITY

EmpowerHer isn’t just a nonprofit. It’s a movement. A bold, local response to a national crisis. And it’s being built—right now—by two moms who refused to let their pain be the end of their story.

They’re asking Fargo–Moorhead to rally behind them—not out of charity, but solidarity.

“Because even the strongest moms need support,” Tara said.

“And even the most broken moments can become the start of something beautiful,” Tory said.

ou’ve got the vision. Now you’re thinking about the space. Maybe it’s a storefront of your own. A production facility. More room for your team, your tools, and your growth.

But one big question remains: How do you pay for it?

Buying or expanding commercial property is a major investment, and traditional loans often require large down payments and come with variable terms. One financing option built specifically for business growth is the SBA 504 loan program.

The SBA 504 loan program is a long-term, fixed-rate financing option designed to help small businesses acquire major fixed assets. These assets typically include owner-occupied commercial real estate and large equipment.

The 504 loan is structured as a partnership between three parties:

• The business owner contributes a minimum of 10% down

• A lender or bank finances up to 50% of the project

• A Certified Development Company (CDC) finances the remaining 40% through an SBA-backed loan

In some cases, the borrower’s contribution may be higher—such as 15% or 20%—if the property is considered "special-use" or the business is relatively new.

Compared to conventional commercial loans, the SBA 504 offers:

• Lower down payments (starting at 10%)

• Fixed interest rates on the CDC/SBA portion

• Longer repayment terms (10, 20, or 25 years)

• Stable monthly payments over time

• The ability to preserve working capital while still investing in growth

A Certified Development Company (CDC) is a nonprofit organization certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to deliver 504 loan financing to small businesses. CDCs are missiondriven lenders that promote economic development within their communities by helping businesses access long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets like real estate and equipment.

• Dakota Business Lending (Fargo headquarters)

• Lake Agassiz Development Group (Fargo headquarters)

• Lewis & Clark Development Group (Bismarck headquarters)

• Minnesota Business Finance Corp (St. Paul headquarters)

Provided by Dakota Business Lending

The 504 program is tailored to long-term investments in physical assets. Here's what it can cover:

Buy existing buildings for business use, such as offices, retail space, warehouses, or industrial facilities.

Finance ground-up construction, including the cost of land, labor, materials, utilities, and site improvements.

Modernize or expand an existing facility— whether through interior remodels, additions, or infrastructure upgrades.

Acquire machinery or equipment with a useful life of 10+ years. Examples include:

• Manufacturing and processing equipment

• Medical or diagnostic machines

• Commercial-grade kitchen systems

• Large-scale printing or production lines

If you lease your space long-term, you may use the loan to fund permanent improvements to the property.

In some cases, the SBA 504 can refinance existing debt that was originally used to purchase, build, or improve eligible real estate or equipment.

To qualify, a business must meet SBA guidelines, which typically include:

When considering a loan, the lender looks for the following key factors:

• Being a for-profit business operating in the U.S.

• Having a net worth under $20 million

• Earning an average net income under $6.5 million (after taxes) for the previous two years

• Using the loan to acquire, construct, or improve owner-occupied real estate (occupying at least 51% of the property for existing buildings or 60% for new construction)

• Demonstrating the ability to repay the loan

The project must also meet public policy goals, such as job creation or economic development in rural or underserved areas.

Capacity — ability to repay the loan on time from the projected cash flow of the business and feasibility of the business plan.

Character — stability, honesty, and reliability— credit history, experience, how long you’ve lived at current address, how long you have been at present position, etc.

Collateral —availability of assets of the borrower to cover the debt if the borrower is unable to make payments.

Capital — money you have invested in the business, have available to invest in the business or equity earned from business operations.

Conditions — purpose of the loan and outside factors that affect your ability to repay, such as local economy, industry, and competition.

Loan Application Checklist

j Purpose of loan: equipment, inventory, working capital, real estate purchase, etc.

j Amount requested and how it will be used, including owners’ equity available for down payment

j Business plan

j 2-3 years of business financial projections—income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow as well as explanation of the assumptions used for the projections.

j 2-3 years of business financials or tax returns

j Schedule of existing debts

j Aging of accounts receivable and payable

j 2-3 years of personal tax returns

j Personal financial statements of principal owners

j Resumes of principal owners

504 loans are only available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs)—nonprofit lenders certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration to promote local economic development.

To explore the SBA 504 program:

• Talk to your commercial lender or banker.

• Consult with your accountant, business advisor, or commercial real estate agent.

• Contact a local CDC in your area to learn about next steps and how to apply.

The project must also meet public policy goals, such as job creation or economic development in rural or underserved areas.

The SBA 504 loan program is designed to support business owners making long-term investments in their companies. Whether you're ready to buy your first property, expand your footprint, or invest in equipment to increase efficiency, the 504 program offers a pathway with lower upfront costs, fixed rates, and long-term stability.

Q: What is the biggest value you see small business owners appreciating most from the 504 program?

A: "The biggest value I often hear small business owners appreciating is being able to inject less cash into their project so they can conserve capital to operate the business. Our program’s 10-15% down payment from the borrower is a really favorable cost of entry for them."

Q: What sets DBL and CDCs apart from traditional lending institutions?

A: "Dakota Business Lending and other CDCs have the ability and resources to deliver non-traditional lending options to help businesses in all phases. We work to find solutions to keep their business dream going and growing."

Q: What is most rewarding for you about your job working with the 504 program?

A: “We focus on relationships, not transactions. It is so rewarding to be part of a small business’s journey from dream to success.”

Q: How would you encourage small business owners to approach getting funding?

A: "Don’t be afraid to inquire about all options. Ask a lot of questions and be open and inquisitive to nontraditional resources. Keep exploring until you find what works for you!"

If you're planning for the future and want financing that keeps your business's growth in focus, the SBA 504 loan is worth considering.

his article will provide a brief walkthrough of the steps to establish your business name, one of the first and most important steps you need to take for your business. It will also give you some tips and tricks on naming your business, along with some tools to help you brainstorm.

As you build your business, establishing an effective business name is one of the most valuable business assets you will have. It will forever be associated with your business name and brand name, so you want to choose wisely and get it right the first time. Selecting a business name that conflicts with someone else’s business name or brand name can be a recipe for

BY STEVEN MOSER ( ND SCORE) AND WENDY KLUG ( ND SBA)

disaster. Don’t get excited and order business cards before doing your homework on choosing a business name. (Otherwise, you might find that you can’t use that name, and you just wasted money on business cards! I see this happen all the time)!

To be sure you have the legal right to adopt the name of your choosing, be sure to ask these two questions.

1: IS THE NAME AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO USE AS A BUSINESS NAME?

Your business name is simply that— the name of your business.

It identifies your company on tax documents, official corporate documents, bank accounts, etc., and is registered with the Secretary of State in the state where you do business. You generally choose your business name when you choose your company structure, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or corporation.

A name will generally be available for use as a business name so long as it is not identical to a previously registered business in your state only. This means that 49 other businesses, one in every other state, could potentially have the same name as your business, even if they’re competitors! The bottom line is that registering a business name does not mean that you have the right to use that name as anything other than a business name in your state.

When considering your business name, you will want people to be able to tell from the name what you are selling through the business.

Remember, it may not always be the best thing to include your name in the business name if you eventually want to sell the business to someone else. If you decide that you want your business to handle a different type of product and you have a corporation or a LLC, you can use a DBA (Doing Business As) to establish your new operation. Just remember that this is a critical step in the life of your business.

2: IS THE NAME AVAILABLE FOR USE AS A TRADEMARK?

Trademarks, commonly referred to as brand names, identify your business’s products or services in the marketplace and distinguish them from your competitors. They serve a different purpose than business names, as they are deemed property rights generated through commercial use of the trademark. They are secured through registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Unlike business names, trademarks are enforceable nationwide through both the federal and state courts. It is important to remember that a trademark is not required.

Here’s where it gets tricky. Sometimes business names and trademarks are the same, but often they’re different. Just because a name is available as a business name does not automatically render it available for use as a trademark. If you also intend to use your business name as your brand name, or trademark, then you need to ensure

it is legally available for that use too. Check with the US Patent and Trademark Office uspto.gov.

Now that you have learned a little about the legal part of adopting a business name, let’s get started with “picking a good business name.” Here are some pointers to consider, ones which should help you go down the right path.

8 POINTERS FOR CHOOSING YOUR BUSINESS NAME

j Keep it simple and memorable

A simple name is significantly easier for customers to recall, pronounce, and share with others, which is invaluable for organic word-of-mouth marketing. A memorable name sticks in people's minds, building brand recognition effortlessly.

j Reflect your brand and values

Your name should immediately give customers an idea of what your business does or stands for, or the feeling it evokes. This helps attract your ideal clientele and communicates your unique selling proposition from the very first impression.

j Consider your target audience

Select a name that genuinely resonates with your ideal customers, using language and tone that

appeals to them directly. A name tailored to your audience helps in forming a stronger connection and effectively attracting the right market segment.

j Avoid trendy or obscure words

Trendy names can quickly become outdated, making your business sound passé in just a few years, which impacts its longevity. Obscure words might confuse or alienate potential customers who don't understand their meaning, creating a barrier to entry.

j Say it out loud

Pronouncing the name aloud helps you gauge its flow, ease of pronunciation, and how it sounds when spoken in conversation. A name that's awkward or difficult to say will

be harder for people to remember, recommend, and discuss.

j

Get feedback

Solicit opinions from a diverse group including friends, family, and potential customers to gain varied perspectives on the name's clarity, appeal, and memorability. This external feedback can reveal unforeseen issues or highlight strengths you hadn't considered.

j Think long-term

Choose a name that will grow with your business and won't limit your future expansion into new products or services or different markets. A versatile name allows for adaptability and evolution as your business matures.

j Avoid weird spellings or numbers

Using spellings like "Xtreme Kuttz" instead of "Extreme Cuts" or incorporating numbers like "2 Good 2 Be True" makes your business harder to find in online searches and difficult for customers to spell correctly when trying to refer you. Such names often appear less professional and are harder to recall accurately.

USING AI (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE)

Using AI (artificial intelligence) as your brainstorming partner is often not considered part of the process when it should be the leader of it! AI can give you more insight into a business name within 1 minute than if

you spent your entire day researching it! Here are 2 ways to use it when naming your business:

j Utilize AI business name generators

Leverage AI-powered business name generators (like Namelix, Shopify's tool, or even direct prompts with large language models like ChatGPT) by providing detailed and specific input. Instead of just a single keyword, include your business's core services, target audience, desired brand tone (e.g., modern, playful, sophisticated), and any unique selling propositions. This allows the AI to generate more relevant, creative, and tailored name suggestions, moving beyond generic combinations to truly capture your brand's essence.

j Refine and iterate with AI for availability and meaning

Once you have a list of AI-generated names, use AI's capabilities to further refine your choices. Many AI naming tools integrate domain availability checks and even social media handle availability, saving you significant manual research. Additionally, you can prompt the AI to explain the meaning or connotations of suggested names, or to generate variations of a name you like to explore different spellings or styles. This iterative process helps ensure the chosen name is not only creative but also practical and legally viable.

THE TAKEAWAY

To develop your business name the right way, and especially if it will be the same as your trademark, be sure to do your homework! You will also need to make sure to clear it with the Secretary of State in the state where you do business and as a brand name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (if you go this route too). Most importantly, look before you leap! Many factors affect whether a name is truly available for use as a trademark. This is a complicated area of the law, and it would serve you well to get some legal advice before taking the plunge.

CHARTING A NEW PATH FOR PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE THROUGH FAMILY HISTORY AND GENETICS

By Brady Drake | Submitted by FamGenix

A VISION TWO DECADES AHEAD OF ITS TIME

In 1996, long before genetic testing was a buzzword and decades before terms like “precision medicine” entered mainstream healthcare, software entrepreneur Mike Brammer was already envisioning a future where doctors would rely on family health history to guide care. His first venture, Progeny, was built to support genetic research at a time when scientists were beginning to suspect hereditary links in conditions like cancer. Progeny’s pedigree-mapping software—used to chart inherited disease patterns in families—quickly became the global standard in research institutions.

But research wasn’t where the story ended.

As Progeny gained traction, it began to enter the clinical realm. Brammer could see where things

were headed: genetics wasn’t just for labs anymore—it had a role to play in real-world medicine. “The idea that genetic data could guide medical decisions made total sense to me,” he said. But when Progeny was sold to Ambry Genetics in 2015, that vision began to drift. The acquiring company was focused on lab services, and the broader, patient-facing potential Brammer had foreseen wasn’t part of their roadmap. So, in 2018, he walked away—and started over.

THE BIRTH OF FAMGENIX

That fresh start became FamGenix, a company built not just on Brammer’s software expertise, but on more than two decades of deep experience in the genetics space.

“FamGenix is what I would have built from the start if I had known everything I know now,” he said. Launched in 2021, FamGenix is

now used by four of the top ten cancer centers in the U.S., with global adoption in places like Canada, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. But the company’s true mission is simpler—and more profound.

“Most people don’t realize how powerful their family health history is,” Brammer said. “It’s the key to identifying risk before a condition develops.” FamGenix helps people collect and manage that information digitally, and share it with healthcare providers in a way that can actually impact medical decisions.

WHY FAMILY HISTORY STILL MATTERS IN THE AGE OF GENOMICS

While direct-to-consumer tests like 23andMe have popularized the idea of DNA-based health screening, FamGenix is focused on something more foundational: the role of

inherited disease risk in preventative care. Its platform uses smart algorithms to assess risk across roughly a dozen major cancers, including breast, colon, prostate, and melanoma.

The logic is straightforward. If you carry a mutation in a gene like BRCA1 or BRCA2, your lifetime risk for developing breast cancer jumps from about 10% to 80%. Knowing that early means you can take action—whether that’s enhanced screening, preventive surgery, or lifestyle changes. Angelina Jolie’s now-famous decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy brought that message to the public eye. FamGenix aims to bring it to the rest of us.

But identifying those at risk starts with something far simpler than a lab test: a conversation. “Your doctor might ask if cancer runs in your family,” Brammer said. “But that’s where it usually ends. Nobody’s compiling that data in a way that makes it useful.” FamGenix changes that. Its app lets users document health history from parents, siblings, grandparents—and as conditions are diagnosed, update that history in real time.

FROM SELF-REPORTING TO SMART SCREENING

Here’s how it works: A patient enters their family medical history into the FamGenix platform, ideally with input from older relatives. The software processes that data and flags individuals at increased genetic risk. From there, a provider can order a genetic test. It’s a targeted approach—far more cost-effective than testing the general population. “Insurance companies actually prefer it,” Brammer said. “You’re doing your due diligence to find the people most at risk.”

This kind of proactive identification is already reshaping care. In one

pilot program at Sanford Health, patients can opt in to genetic research via a simple swab. The results are returned to both patient and provider, creating a feedback loop that improves care.

“That’s the future,” Brammer said. “And FamGenix is enabling that conversation to happen.”

FROM PRECISION TO PERSONAL—THE HUMAN IMPACT OF GENETIC DATA

Despite being on the cutting edge of genetic technology, FamGenix isn’t just a backend solution for labs. It’s a platform designed for people—patients, clinicians, and families. Its true innovation lies in simplicity: give patients the tools to record their family medical history accurately, update it when needed, and share it seamlessly with their healthcare providers.

“Our goal is to make this process a part of normal life,” Brammer said. “Instead of scrambling to remember what happened to Aunt Judy when your doctor asks, you’ve already got the information

recorded. And if your cousin was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, you can update your history right after hearing about it at Thanksgiving.”

That living, evolving record could change everything. An updated entry could mean someone now qualifies for insurance-covered genetic testing, or that a doctor will recommend early screenings for colon or breast cancer. It’s all about staying one step ahead.

PRIVACY, SECURITY, AND A CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF TRUST

FamGenix’s promise comes with a critical responsibility: safeguarding highly personal genetic data. Brammer is direct on the subject. “From day one, we decided never to sell user data. It’s not even an option.” That decision stands in stark contrast to some early entrants in the space, particularly consumer-focused platforms like 23andMe, which built parts of their business model around data sharing with third parties.

“The difference is trust,” Brammer said. “People are right to be cautious. This is their genetic blueprint. It should belong to them.”

FamGenix adheres to both HIPAA regulations and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which makes it illegal to use genetic information to discriminate in employment or health insurance. And looking ahead, Brammer sees a world where people may choose to license their anonymized data for research—and get compensated for it.

approach that currently defines much of modern medicine, genetic insights can help doctors prescribe the right drug from day one. It’s not science fiction—it’s happening now. FamGenix isn’t a testing lab, but it’s the bridge that gets patients to those discoveries faster.

HOW MANY GENES MATTER?

There are about 30,000 genes in the human genome. Of those, only ~82 are considered clinically actionable by guidelines like those from the CDC and ACMG.

“And I just smiled and said, ‘You’re not going to believe this, but I’ve been building that exact tool.’”

He pulled out his phone and showed him the FamGenix app—the same one he’d spent years developing. “I sent him our entire family history that night.”

Later, he discovered something else remarkable: his newly reunited son had grown up in the same town—South Bend, IN—and had even crossed paths unknowingly with other relatives. “It was surreal,” he said. “This work isn’t just professional. It’s personal.”

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE—FROM FARGO TO THE WORLD

“You might opt into a study that fits your genetic profile. We’d send you a secure invite, and you decide if you want to participate,” he said. “The key is choice. Your data, your call.”

PHARMACOGENETICS AND THE FUTURE OF TAILORED MEDICINE

While FamGenix’s roots are in cancer risk, the possibilities extend far beyond. Brammer is especially bullish on pharmacogenetics—the ability to tailor drug prescriptions to a person’s genetic makeup.

“There are already medications that simply don’t work for people with certain gene variants,” he explained. “So why waste time and money prescribing something that won’t help?”

Instead of the trial-and-error

And the platform isn’t limited to oncology or pharmaceuticals. Genetic markers tied to heart disease, autoimmune disorders, even dietary sensitivities are already being explored. In some cases, it can mean access to clinical trials. In others, it simply offers peace of mind.

WHEN THE MISSION GETS PERSONAL

For Brammer, FamGenix’s mission took a deeply personal turn in an unexpected way.

As a high school student, he and his now-wife faced an unplanned pregnancy. They chose adoption, and for decades, had no contact with their firstborn son. But years later, thanks to genetic testing, that son found his biological family. The reconnection was nothing short of miraculous—and it brought a powerful full-circle moment.

“When we finally met, he looked at me and said, ‘I have a son with autism, and every time we go to the doctor, they ask about family history. I’ve never had one,’” Brammer said.

It might surprise some to learn that FamGenix—a company working at the bleeding edge of genetic software—chose to plant its headquarters not in Silicon Valley or Boston, but in Fargo. For Mike Brammer, the decision was strategic, practical, and personal.

“Launching during COVID, we didn’t open a traditional office right away,” Brammer said. But as FamGenix began gaining traction, the team started looking for a home base. A key advisor connected him with Richard Walsh of CorVent Medical, who introduced Brammer to Fargo’s bioscience network. Through that connection, he met local officials and economic development leaders who were eager to support innovation in the state.

That support materialized in the form of a grant from the North Dakota Bioscience Innovation program, and Brammer quickly realized he’d found a long-term partner in the region. “Coming from Florida, it was almost shocking how accessible and supportive the community was,” he said. “In

THERE ARE ALREADY MEDICATIONS THAT SIMPLY DON’T WORK FOR PEOPLE, SO WHY WASTE TIME AND MONEY PRESCRIBING SOMETHING THAT WON’T HELP?”

Michael Brammer Founder and CEO

North Dakota, you can actually call someone in government, and they’ll help you. That just doesn’t happen in bigger states.”

FamGenix now operates out of the NDSU Research & Technology Park near the airport, with only a few employees on-site with the others remote, but increasingly centralized in Fargo. “We want this to be our corporate headquarters long-term,” Brammer said. “The infrastructure, the talent pipeline, and the values here align with what we’re trying to build.”

A DAY AT THE HELM OF A MISSIONDRIVEN STARTUP

As CEO, Brammer’s days are a blend of product development, strategic planning, and nonstop communication. “Software never sleeps,” he said. “You’re always iterating—responding to feedback, adjusting the roadmap, and pushing toward market readiness.”

Much of that feedback comes directly from healthcare providers—some of the top cancer centers in the world. By working with early adopters and clinical thought leaders, FamGenix refines its tools to meet real-world needs, not just theoretical use cases.

And it’s not just about tech.

Brammer spends a significant part of his time evangelizing the concept of preventative genetics— meeting with clinicians, health systems, and insurance providers to show them what’s possible. “If we can help one doctor

DID YOU KNOW?

FamGenix is already being used in the United States (including 4 of the top 10 cancer centers, Canada, Europe and Australia

screen a patient earlier, and that patient avoids a late-stage cancer diagnosis, that’s success. That’s what drives us.”

BREAKING THROUGH HEALTHCARE’S INERTIA

FamGenix is on the frontlines of a slow but inevitable shift. Preventative care is gaining momentum, particularly among younger generations who expect personalized, data-driven experiences in every aspect of life— including medicine.

Still, the healthcare system isn’t built for speed. Legacy infrastructure, insurance complexity, and a shortage of incentives all conspire to make change hard. “But it’s happening,” Brammer said. “Little by little, more systems are waking up to this.”

The numbers help tell the story. The U.S. spends over $5 trillion annually on healthcare—yet far too much of that is reactive. FamGenix offers a different approach: anticipate risk, intervene early, and avoid the worst outcomes.

It’s not just about saving money. It’s about preserving quality of life. “Nobody wants to get sick,” Brammer said. “But if you know what’s coming, you can prepare. You can push it back. That’s everything.”

LOOKING AHEAD: THE ERA OF INFORMED HEALTH

Brammer believes we’re approaching a new normal—where genetic data is as standard as a cholesterol reading, and where family history isn’t scribbled in a folder but stored in a secure, living

record. A world where doctors don’t just ask, “Do you have a history of this?”—they already know, because the information is shared, accurate, and integrated into your care.

It won’t happen overnight. But FamGenix is doing the work to make it real.

“In 1996, I was told that every doctor would take a family history in five years,” Brammer said. “Well, that was almost 30 years ago. But I still believe it’s going to happen. It has to. The benefits are just too powerful to ignore.”

From software to storytelling, from cancer centers to a living room in South Bend, FamGenix is a reminder that healthcare isn’t just about data—it’s about people. And knowing your history might just be the key to shaping your future.

FINANCING THAT OPENS DOORS

WHAT IS THE SBA 7(A) LOAN?

The SBA 7(a) is the most common loan program administered by the SBA. While the name might not sound intuitive—“7(a)” refers to the section of the legislation that created it—the loan itself is built to be highly flexible.

As Burchill explained, “The 7(a) guaranteed loan is where the SBA provides a guarantee to the bank for a certain portion of the loan. That guarantee reduces the bank’s risk, and in turn, allows us to offer better terms to the borrower—or even approve a loan we might not otherwise be able to do at all.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE SBA 7(A) LOAN

WHY THE SBA GUARANTEE MATTERS

Most banks have internal underwriting requirements around credit scores, collateral, down payments, and cash flow. If a borrower doesn’t check all the boxes, a conventional business loan may be off the table. But with an SBA guarantee—which can cover up to 85% of the loan—the lender has more flexibility.

“Because our risk is reduced,” Burchill said, “we’re able to offer more favorable terms. It could mean less money down, a longer repayment period, or just being able to say ‘yes’ to a deal that might otherwise be too tight.”

tarting or expanding a business takes more than grit and a good idea—it takes capital. But for many small business owners, especially those without deep pockets or a long track record, conventional bank financing can be a tough fit. That’s where the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan comes in.

Backed by a federal guarantee and offered through local lenders, the SBA 7(a) loan is designed to help business owners access affordable financing for a wide range of needs—from working capital to equipment, business acquisitions to real estate. And in today’s economic environment, with interest rates fluctuating and capital costs rising, understanding this program could be a differencemaker for entrepreneurs looking to grow smart.

To learn how the SBA 7(a) works in practice, we spoke with Doug Burchill, Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker at Bell Bank, an SBA Preferred Lender.

SBA 7(A) LOAN AT A GLANCE

Maximum Loan Amount: $5 million

Typical Term Length:

Up to 10 years for working capital, equipment, or business acquisition, and up to 25 years for real estate

Down Payment Required: As low as 10%

Guarantee:

Up to 85% of the loan amount

Interest Rates:

Typically Prime + 2.75%–4.75% (negotiated with lender)

Collateral:

Required when available, but not always a dealbreaker

Prepayment Penalty: Only on loans with terms over 15 years

KEY FEATURES OF THE SBA 7(A) LOAN

While exact terms vary based on the project and lender, the SBA 7(a) loan typically includes:

• Loan Amounts up to $5 million

• Repayment Terms up to 10 years for most purposes (and up to 25 years for real estate)

• Lower down payments—as little as 10% equity

• No balloon payments

• Competitive interest rates (typically variable, based on the Prime rate plus a margin)

According to Burchill, one of the biggest benefits is how it can ease the pressure on early cash flow: “With a longer amortization and lower equity requirement, your monthly payments are lower. That gives a business more room to breathe in those early or transitional stages.”

DOUG BURCHILL Senior Vice President

WHAT CAN YOU USE THE LOAN FOR?

The 7(a) is intentionally broad in its allowable uses. It can be used for:

• Working capital (day-to-day operating expenses)

• Buying equipment

• Refinancing existing debt

• Purchasing inventory

• Expanding or renovating facilities

• Purchasing commercial real estate

• Buying an existing business

In fact, Burchill noted that business acquisition is one of the most common uses they see: “It’s a great tool for someone buying an existing business—especially when there’s goodwill involved or when the deal structure doesn’t meet conventional lending criteria.”

WHO QUALIFIES?

To be eligible for an SBA 7(a) loan, a business must:

• Be for-profit and operate in the U.S.

• Meet the SBA’s size standards (typically under $20 million in net worth and under $6.5 million in average net income)

• Have reasonable owner equity to invest in the business

• Use the funds for an eligible purpose

• Demonstrate the ability to repay the loan

But there are some exceptions and exclusions. According to Burchill, “Certain industries are ineligible—like gambling, adult entertainment, and religious nonprofits. And if a borrower has a criminal background or has previously defaulted on a federal loan, that could also disqualify them.”

QUICK TIPS FOR SBA 7(A) SUCCESS

• Start your lender conversations early

• Have your business plan and financials ready

• Clean up personal and business credit

• Consider working with your local SBDC

• Choose a lender who’s SBA Preferred to speed up the process

and Commercial

Banker

at Bell Bank | Photo provided by Bell Bank

SBA 7(a) VS. CONVENTIONAL LOAN

TIPS FOR APPLYING

Getting approved for an SBA 7(a) loan isn’t necessarily difficult—but it does require preparation. Burchill recommends:

Start the Conversation Early

“Even if you’re just thinking about buying a business or expanding, it’s a good idea to talk to a lender early on. We can give you an idea of what to expect, what information we’ll need, and how to prepare.”

Bring the Full Picture

“Have a business plan, financial projections, and historical data ready. If it’s an existing business, bring tax returns and financial statements. The more we know, the easier it is to evaluate.”

Get Your House in Order

“All loans are looked at holistically,” he said. “If the borrower has outstanding personal debt or unresolved credit issues, it’s best to clean those up in advance. Presenting a strong personal financial picture helps.”

WHAT MAKES A LENDER "PREFERRED"?

Burchill also highlighted a key distinction in how SBA loans are processed: some banks are designated as SBA Preferred Lenders. That means they’ve been approved by the SBA to make final credit decisions without sending every application to the federal agency for review.

“For Bell Bank, being a Preferred Lender allows us to make decisions locally and speed up the process,” Burchill said. “That can be a big deal for business owners who are trying to move quickly.”

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES

If you’re not sure where to begin, consider starting with your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). These centers

IF A CONVENTIONAL LOAN DOESN’T QUITE GET YOU THERE, AN SBA LOAN MIGHT. THAT’S WHAT IT’S BUILT FOR—TO HELP GOOD BUSINESSES DO MORE.”

offer free business planning assistance, financial projection support, and can even help prepare loan applications.

“There’s one right here in Fargo at the NDSU Research & Technology Park,” Burchill said. “They’re a great place to start, especially if you’ve never gone through a financing process before.”

BOTTOM LINE

The SBA 7(a) loan isn’t just a fallback—it’s a strategic tool for growth. Whether you’re buying a business, launching a new product line, or simply need working capital to keep moving forward, the 7(a) offers flexible financing that’s designed with small business realities in mind.

As Burchill put it: “If a conventional loan doesn’t quite get you there, an SBA loan might. That’s what it’s built for—to help good businesses do more.”

By Brady Drake

RENT THE TALENT

Fractional Roles Are Reshaping Hiring

peed, specialization, and capital efficiency are important to you as a business owner. So, does your executive talent need to be full-time and in-house to be effective?

Probably not. There are seasoned pros— think CFOs, CMOs, COOs, and CHROs—who don’t sit in your office five days a week or draw six-figure salaries. Instead, they embed part-time, offering critical leadership exactly when and where it’s needed most. They operate with the clarity and confidence of someone who’s seen the pitfalls—and the blueprints—of scaling companies before.

For many growing organizations, fractional leadership is the new strategy.

What Exactly Is a Fractional Executive?

A fractional executive is a high-level business leader brought in on a part-time, project-based, or retainer basis. Unlike consultants, who often stay at the strategic level, fractional leaders operate as true members of the leadership team, guiding implementation, coaching

team members, and owning critical decisions.

They’re not interim leaders, either—although the roles overlap. An interim COO fills a gap; a fractional COO builds systems before the gap even exists.

Typically, these executives are paid hourly or by a set monthly retainer. They might give one day a week or ten hours a month—but those hours are dense with value.

Common Roles Going Fractional

CFO - Cash flow strategy, forecasting, investor decks, financial audits

CMO - Brand development, launch campaigns, analytics strategy, agency vetting

COO - Workflow design, operational scaling, team KPIs, systems implementation

CHRO - Hiring roadmaps, org design, employee development, compliance

Why Fractional Hiring Is Exploding

• Startups Need Strategy Before Headcount

Most founders wear too many hats for too long. Financial modeling, hiring systems, product launch plans—all are crucial, but often cobbled together by founders learning on the fly. A fractional CFO or COO can instantly de-risk these

areas and guide smarter decisions from day one.

• Full-Time Is a Big Bet— Sometimes Too Big

Hiring a full-time executive is expensive, and not just in salary. Think onboarding, culture fit, benefits, equity. What if they aren’t the right fit six months in?

• Fractional Executives Offer Immediate Impact with Low Risk

Businesses can get high-

level thinking, rapid execution, and the ability to scale up—or down—without drama.

• They Accelerate Execution Without Bureaucracy

Fractional executives thrive on clarity. They focus on outcomes, not hours. Because they don’t get bogged down in company politics or endless Slack threads, they move faster—and take your team with them.

How to Plug in a Fractional Executive (Without Chaos)

• Start With Outcomes, Not Job Titles

Instead of “we need a COO,” ask: what problem needs solving? Better client onboarding? More efficient billing? Each pain point points to the right kind of fractional help.

• Give Access, Not

Just Assignments

Fractional leaders should sit in strategy meetings, review KPIs, and work directly with team leads. Treat them like insiders. Give them access to your data, goals, and decisionmakers.

• Build for Handoff The goal is not to create dependency. A strong fractional executive will leave your company better, faster, and clearer than they found it. Make sure they document systems, train successors, and transfer knowledge as they go.

• Finding the

Right Fit

The fractional talent market is exploding, especially on platforms like Toptal, Growth Collective, Bolster, and Continuum. But don’t overlook local leaders who recently exited companies, corporate veterans craving variety, or consultants ready for more embedded work.

o you’ve decided to bring in a fractional CFO, CMO, or COO. Smart move—if you do it right.

Hiring a fractional executive can be one of the most transformative decisions a small business makes. But like any strategic investment, the difference between game-changer and waste of time often comes down to setup, expectations, and communication.

Here are five of the most common mistakes companies make when hiring fractional leadership—and how to avoid them.

1. Treating Them Like a Vendor, Not a Leader

A fractional executive is not a consultant who pops in with a PowerPoint and pops out. They're not a vendor fulfilling tasks. They are part of your leadership team, and should be treated as such.

What to do instead: Invite them into strategic conversations. Share the messy stuff—KPIs, cash flow struggles, employee

churn. The more visibility they have, the more value they can create.

2. Being Vague About Outcomes

“We need help with marketing” is not a scope of work. Without clarity, even the most experienced executive will struggle to deliver results.

What to do instead: Define specific outcomes: “Improve our lead gen funnel conversion by 20%,” “Reduce customer

5 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN HIRING A FRACTIONAL EXECUTIVE

onboarding time to under 48 hours,” or “Build a 12-month hiring roadmap.” Results, not just roles, drive momentum.

3. Underestimating the Time Commitment

Fractional doesn't mean frictionless. Some leaders assume a few checkins or Slack messages will do the trick—but fractional executives still need access to your time, data, and decisions.

What to do instead:

Set aside dedicated working time and clearly define touchpoints. Think: biweekly strategy calls,

monthly board updates, or shared dashboards. The relationship should be structured, not ad hoc.

4. Not Preparing the Team

If your staff doesn’t understand who this new person is, why they’re here, or how long they’re staying, things get awkward—fast. Internal resistance can kill momentum before it starts.

What to do instead:

Announce the hire like you would any new executive. Explain the scope, timeline, and how this person will support the team. Make

it clear that they’re not here to “audit” but to elevate.

5. Expecting Them to Do It All

Fractional leaders aren’t miracle workers or one-person departments. They lead, strategize, and implement—but they don’t replace an entire team.

What to do instead:

Pair them with internal champions or support staff. A fractional CMO with no one to execute campaigns will stall. A fractional CFO with no one reconciling QuickBooks will spin their wheels.

BY WENDY KLUG

DEPUTY DISTRICT DIRECTOR, NORTH DAKOTA SBA

t's easy to spot the big names in business, but sometimes the real magic happens closer to home! Think about your favorite local coffee shop, that quirky boutique down the street, or the friendly hardware store where everyone knows your name. These small businesses are the heroes of our communities, bringing so much more than just products and services. They're the vibrant heart of our towns, adding a unique spark and making everyday life a little bit brighter. Without small businesses, where would we be, or what would we do? Read on to learn more about the impact they have!

SMALL BUSINESS EMPLOYEES

Small businesses are the primary drivers of job creation, creating

approximately two of every three new private-sector jobs. As of July 2024, there were 34.8 million small businesses that employed over 61.7 million people, or 46.4% of all privatesector employees. This translates to tens of millions of enterprises, each contributing significantly to local economies and national prosperity through job creation, revenue generation, and the fostering of vibrant communities. These businesses range from the corner bakery to innovative tech startups, representing a diverse range of industries and passions.

TOTAL SMALL BUSINESSES

The sheer scale of the small business sector in the United States is staggering! 99.9% of businesses in the country are small! In just three decades, the number of small

businesses operating in America has doubled. There are an average of 4.7 million businesses starting each year. According to the US Census Bureau, a record breaking 5,481,436 new businesses were formed in 2023. The onset of the pandemic in 2020 has driven a surge in new business creation, demonstrating the adaptability and dynamism of the sector. This constant influx of new ventures ensures a vibrant and evolving marketplace, contributing significantly to job creation with over 12.9 million new net jobs in the last 25 years and driving substantial economic growth, accounting for over $16.2 trillion in revenue based on ABS data. This ongoing entrepreneurial activity positions small businesses as a critical engine for future economic prosperity.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing critical resources, guidance, and support to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. Established in 1953, the SBA offers a variety of services, including business financing through guaranteed loans, counseling and mentorship programs, disaster relief assistance, and advocacy for small businesses in policy-making. By supporting the backbone of the American economy, the SBA aims to foster economic growth, innovation, and job creation nationwide.

SMALL BUSINESS BRINGS COMMUNITY

While giants in technology and multinational corporations often capture the shiny headlines, small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. Beyond their economic contributions, small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities. From the neighborhood coffee shop to the trinket store around the corner, these businesses reflect the unique character and culture of the community. These businesses are more than just places of commerce, but often become community hubs, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. They offer a unique and invaluable experience to their communities. They provide personalized service, building relationships with customers that go beyond transactional interaction. They contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of their community, creating a sense of place that is essential for community cohesion. Furthermore, small businesses often demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of economic challenges, reinvesting profits back into the local economy and supporting other local initiatives. This commitment to the community fosters a cycle of growth and strengthens the social fabric that binds residents together.

TRADITIONS AND CULTURE

Small businesses are critical in preserving local traditions and heritage, acting as custodians of unique cultural practices and knowledge. Family-owned businesses, constituting one in three of all small businesses, are particularly instrumental in this

role. These enterprises, employing an average of fourteen people each compared to the ten hired by non-family-owned businesses, often embody legacies passed down through generations. This intergenerational transfer ensures the continuation of specialized craftsmanship, time-honored skills, and authentic recipes that might otherwise be lost to modernization or mass production. For example, a family-run bakery might continue to use traditional methods and local ingredients, preserving a region's culinary heritage.

Beyond preserving tangible skills, these businesses often serve as social anchors within their communities. They become gathering places where residents connect, share stories, and celebrate local customs, fostering a strong sense of belonging and community identity. These establishments provide a sense of continuity and stability, anchoring communities in their past while looking forward to the future and contributing significantly to the vibrancy of the area. Their deep roots often translate into a strong commitment to the local community, with owners actively participating in local events, supporting community initiatives, and contributing to the unique character of their neighborhoods.

ADVANCEMENT OF SERVICES

Often, small businesses are at the forefront of innovation, developing new products, services and technologies that drive progress and create a dynamic workforce. Their agility and responsiveness to market demands allow them to adapt and innovate in ways that larger corporations often cannot. They can

pivot their products or services more easily to meet evolving customer needs and market conditions. They can take risks and experiments with new ideas more readily than large corporations. Furthermore, small businesses can advance their services by fostering deeper customer relationships through personalized attention and tailored solutions. Their proximity to their customer base allows for invaluable feedback loops, enabling them to refine offerings and anticipate future needs with greater accuracy.

In conclusion, the statistics and stories clearly demonstrate that small businesses are far more than just economic engines; they are the vital threads that weave the fabric of our communities. Their profound impact on job creation, economic growth, community identity, the preservation of traditions, and the advancement of services underscores their indispensable role in American society. As we recognize their contributions, it is crucial to continue supporting and fostering the growth of these essential businesses that enrich our lives and shape our nation's future.

NORTH DAKOTA SBA

sba.gov/district/north-dakota /SBAgov

@sbagov /us-small-business-administration @SBAgov @sbagov

How Veterans and Spouses Launch Thriving Businesses Through SBA Entrepreneurial Training Programs

By Michael Danielson, Veterans Business Outreach Specialist

About the VBOC

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has 22 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as VBOCs.

When military service members transition from active or guard duty to civilian life, they often carry with them a powerful set of traits; leadership, discipline, resilience, and a mission-first mindset. Increasingly, these qualities are finding a new home in the world of entrepreneurship. Across the United States, thousands of veterans and their spouses are using these attributes to build small businesses, pursue independent ventures, and contribute to local economies in powerful

Photo Courtesy of VBOC of the Dakotas

ways. At the center of this growing movement are a series of training and support programs created and backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), designed specifically to guide members of the military community through the process of starting and growing a business.

One of the most prominent and widely used resources is the Boots to Business (B2B) program. Offered as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Boots to Business introduces active-duty service members and their spouses to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. This program begins with a twoday “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” course, which covers business ownership basics, market research, legal structure selection, financing, business planning, and the wide range of SBA and partner resources available to veterans. After completing this initial course, participants can continue their education through an optional six-week online program, “Boots to Business Revenue Readiness,” administered by the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) at Mississippi State University. This extended course goes deeper into business modeling, marketing, and financial forecasting, giving veterans the chance to create a strong foundation for their entrepreneurial journey. At the end of the six-week class, each attendee graduates

with a completed business plan to support their entrepreneurial venture.

Since its inception in 2013, more than 150,000 veterans and military spouses have participated in the Boots to Business program. Many graduates go on to start companies in diverse fields such as construction, consulting, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and the service industry. By offering both in-person and online instruction, B2B provides flexibility and access, making it easier for service members to explore entrepreneurship during their transition out of the military.

For veterans who are no longer on active duty and are not participating in TAP, the SBA offers a parallel program called Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR). This version of the program is nearly identical in content but is delivered in local communities instead of on military installations. Veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and military spouses can attend Reboot sessions at universities, community centers, libraries, and through Veteran Service Organizations. Reboot ensures that the same highquality entrepreneurial training is available to those

lson, Veterans Busine

who may have separated from the military years ago but are still eager to pursue business ownership. The accessibility of Reboot is especially important in rural areas, where inperson military transition resources may be limited, but local interest in small business ownership is strong.

Beyond Boots to Business, the SBA and its partner organizations offer a wide range of entrepreneurial training programs designed to meet the specific needs of veterans at different stages of business development. These include the Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (WVETP), which helps female veterans navigate gender-specific challenges in business; the Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (SDVETP), which provides specialized support for veterans living with service-related disabilities; and the Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneurship Training Program (VFPETP), which prepares veteran-owned businesses to compete in the lucrative world of government contracts. Each of these programs is delivered through nonprofit organizations, universities, or small business development centers that have expertise in veteran entrepreneurship. They offer advanced workshops, business coaching, and opportunities to connect with procurement officers, potential investors, and other business owners.

Complementing these programs is the Military Spouse Pathway to

Business Program, which helps veteran spouses move from the idea stage to full business launch. Military spouses make great entrepreneurs, and small business ownership can be a transportable vocation that supports frequent relocations that many military families experience. The Pathway to Business course introduces military spouses to the key elements of entrepreneurship at no cost. In this course, military spouses are introduced to a broad spectrum of entrepreneurial business topics such as market research, economics, legal considerations, and finances. Attendees also learn about additional resources available for accessing startup capital, receiving technical assistance, earning contracting opportunities, and more. Throughout this process, participants are typically matched with a business counselor from a VBOC, ensuring they receive personalized, hands-on guidance at each step.

The Veterans Business Outreach Centers play a crucial role in the SBA’s network of support for military-connected entrepreneurs. There are 31 VBOCs located throughout the U.S., each providing regional coverage and specialized services for veterans. These centers offer one-on-one business counseling, feasibility analysis, business plan support, mentorship, access to capital, help with government contracting, and training workshops. In the Dakotas,

the VBOC headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota, serves veterans and military spouses in both North and South Dakota. Staffed by experienced business counselors, the center provides critical support to those launching everything from ranching operations and mobile repair services to technology startups and boutique retail stores.

One of the most valuable aspects of the VBOC network is its ability to provide not only technical assistance but also emotional support and community. Veterans transitioning to civilian careers often face challenges related to identity, purpose, and stability. Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially without a roadmap. VBOCs address this by offering longterm mentoring relationships and peer support, which many veterans find just as helpful as business templates or funding options.

In addition to instructor-led training and in-person assistance, the SBA offers a robust Learning Platform online that serves as a 24/7 educational resource. This platform includes free video courses, downloadable tools, and interactive templates that walk users through the nuts and bolts of running a business. For example, veterans can learn how to write a business plan, apply for SBA loans, register their business, build a website, or hire their first employees, all at their own pace and from anywhere in the world. The Learning Platform

includes a dedicated “Veteran Track” that focuses on resources specifically for the military community, acknowledging their unique background and needs. Whether a veteran is deployed overseas, managing a busy household, or juggling a full-time job while building a side hustle, the SBA Learning Platform offers accessible, no-cost training tailored to their lives.

The path from military service to entrepreneurship is not always easy, but it is increasingly wellsupported. Thanks to programs like Boots to Business, Reboot, the Pathway to Business Program, specialized training for underserved veteran populations, the VBOC network, and the SBA Learning Platform, veterans and their families no longer have to navigate business ownership alone. They are stepping into a supportive ecosystem built specifically for them; one that values their leadership, honors their service, and believes in their potential.

For many, entrepreneurship is not just a new career, it’s a new mission. One where they continue to serve, lead, and uplift their communities through hard work, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose. As more veterans make the leap into business ownership, these programs

ensure they are not only prepared but positioned for long-term success. And in doing so, they are not just creating jobs, they are redefining what it means to serve.

VBOC of the Dakotas

701-738-4850

und.edu/dakotasvboc

/dakotasvboc

@DakotasVBOC

4200 James Ray Dr Grand Forks, ND

SOCIAL MEDIA & CUSTODY BATTLES

What Every Parent Needs to Know

today’s digitally connected world, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X are deeply woven into our daily lives. While they offer avenues for connection and self-expression, for parents navigating child custody disputes, these platforms can become a powerful and often detrimental force. What was once a private post can quickly become a public exhibit in court, significantly impacting custody decisions. Understanding how your digital footprint can influence your case is no longer optional; it’s essential for every parent.

BY SAPIR SELA Attorney, SW&L Attorneys

THE "DIGITAL FOOTPRINT" IN COURT

When parents are engaged in a child custody dispute, courts prioritize the child's best interests. This involves evaluating each parent's fitness, stability, judgment, and ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment. Social media can offer a revealing, unedited glimpse into these very aspects of a parent's life.

WHAT COURTS LOOK FOR

Judges and attorneys may scrutinize social media for evidence that could reflect negatively on a parent's judgment or parenting capacity. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Disparaging Remarks

Posts or comments that criticize, insult, or badmouth the other parent, stepparents, or extended family members.

• Evidence of Neglect or Irresponsibility

Photos or videos showing excessive partying, substance abuse, dangerous activities, or situations where children appear unsupervised, supervised by the “wrong” person, or in inappropriate environments.

• Inconsistent Statements

Posts that contradict sworn testimony or financial disclosures (e.g., claiming poverty while posting about lavish vacations).

• Inappropriate Content

Sharing sexually explicit material, violent content, or hate speech that raises concerns about a parent's character.

• Child Privacy Violations

Posting sensitive information about the children, or images/ videos that exploit their privacy or put them at risk.

TYPES OF SOCIAL MEDIA EVIDENCE

Almost anything you post, share, like, or comment on can be used against a parent in court. This includes:

• Public Posts

Photos, videos, or status updates.

• Private Messages

Direct messages or messages in private groups can be discoverable.

• Location Tags

Indicating a parent's whereabouts at specific times.

• "Friends" Lists and Interactions

Who you associate with online can sometimes be relevant.

• Deleted Content

Even deleted posts can often be recovered.

COMMON SOCIAL MEDIA PITFALLS DURING CUSTODY DISPUTES

Many parents, even with good intentions, make critical errors on social media that can undermine their custody case.

• Badmouthing the Other Parent

This is one of the most damaging mistakes. Any negative comments about the co-parent, directly or indirectly, can be interpreted as alienationon—an inability to foster

a positive relationship between the child and the other parent, which is often a factor in custody determinations.

• Misrepresenting

Lifestyle/Parenting

Posting about frequent nights out, excessive spending, or portraying an irresponsible lifestyle can contradict claims of stability or financial hardship made in court documents and testimony. Similarly, if you claim to be severely ill or injured, but are seen on social media engaging in strenuous activities, it can harm your credibility.

• Over-sharing

About the Children

While proud parent moments are natural, constant public posting of children's activities, locations, or personal details can raise privacy concerns, especially if the other parent objects or if it puts the child at risk. Photos showing a child out late on a school night, or dressed inappropriately, can also be problematic.

WHAT ABOUT SNAPCHAT?

Many parents assume that platforms like Snapchat, which are designed for disappearing content, offer a safer outlet for venting or sharing. However, this is a dangerous misconception. Snapchat records, just like Facebook messages, Instagram DMs, and other digital communications, can be subpoenaed and used in court. The company retains metadata and, in some instances, even message

content for a limited time. If a court orders it, these records can be retrieved. Even if a message is set to disappear in seconds, it is never truly gone. Assume that anything sent, no matter how fleeting, can resurface during a custody dispute.

PROTECTING YOUR CASE WHILE NAVIGATING YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE

The best defense is a strong offense, which in this case means extreme caution and proactive management of your online presence.

• Think Before You Post (or send)

Assume anything you post, send, or receive could potentially be seen by a judge. If you wouldn't want it read aloud in a courtroom, don't post it—and definitely don’t message it. This applies to all content: text, photos, videos, memes, and even reactions. It's not just public

posts that can hurt your case, private messages and group chats can also be discoverable. Courts can subpoena conversations from social platforms, and screenshots shared by others are common in custody litigation. Even informal messages sent in the heat of the moment can be taken out of context and used to challenge your judgment or temperament.

• Adjusting Privacy Settings (and Understanding Limitations)

While setting profiles to "private" is a good first step, it's not foolproof. Friends can screenshot and share and opposing counsel can often gain access through legal means. The safest approach is to limit what you post, regardless of privacy settings.

• Documenting Positives (Carefully)

While avoiding negative content is crucial, remember that social media can also present a positive image. Posts showing healthy, appropriate activities with your children can be helpful, but ensure they are genuine and do not invade the child's privacy or appear staged for litigation.

IN CONCLUSION

In an age where our digital lives are increasingly intertwined with our personal ones, the implications of social media on sensitive matters like child custody cannot be overstated. A misstep online can have profound and lasting consequences for your family. If you are involved in or anticipate a custody dispute, it is crucial to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you on managing your digital footprint and navigate the complexities of your case. Taking proactive steps to ensure your online presence supports your position is vital to protecting your child’s best interests.

SW&L ATTORNEYS

4627 44th Ave S, Ste 108, Fargo, ND

701-297-2890

swlattorneys.com /SWLattorneys /company/swlattorneys

Meet The

MAKER

By Ashley Morken, Owner, Unglued

Free Soul Candle Co

M y candle obsession right now revolves around the scents that Free Soul Candle Co. is creating in Fergus Falls, MN! From the Earl Grey reed diffusers to the Pineapple Eucalyptus candles—they are what scent dreams are made of. We’ve been burning Sam’s candles in our house and gifting them for awhile! Read on more for some candle inspo and story below!

Who is the soul behind Free Soul Candle Co.?

Hi, I’m Sam—the wax alchemist behind Free Soul Candle Co. I grew up in St. Paul, MN, and now live in a cozy little pocket of Fergus Falls with my husband Vince, a flock of quirky chickens and turkeys, and our mini pack of dogs, cats, and a ball python.

Vince has been my biggest supporter from the start— helping me problem-solve, encouraging my wild ideas, and charming customers at markets. He always says, “Candles are meant to be held and smelled.”

I’m a nature-loving introverted homebody at heart. I love gardening (even if I don’t get to it as much as I’d like), and road-tripping through small towns. Before moving back to Minnesota, Vince and I lived in Florida, and then on the road in a van for a bit and traveled, then moved into a tiny house in Colorado. We then spent several years in Colorado building community and chasing inspiration. When we returned to Minnesota, it was under tough circumstances—and I’ll be honest, I lost a little of my creative spark. But that transition led to something bigger than I imagined. Free Soul Candle Co. took root, and slowly, steadily, began to grow.

Photos provided by Ashley Morken

What do you create under Free Soul Candle Co.?

I hand-pour small-batch soy candles using organic wax and cotton or crackling wood wicks. Many are infused with dried botanicals—either grown in my own garden or gathered from local florists—along with curated crystal accents and phthalate-free, non-toxic, clean burning candles. Every blend is meant to evoke a feeling of nostalgia, magic, or memory.

In addition to candles, I also offer car diffusers, reed diffusers, wax melts, and room and body aroma mists.

How did your candle journey begin?

It all started with a gift—way too many candles, most of them full of synthetic fragrance and questionable ingredients. I’ve always been sensitive to harsh chemicals; mainstream products often trigger migraines or skin reactions for me. So, in January 2020, I ordered my first set of candle-making supplies and started experimenting, hoping to create something cleaner, safer, and more aligned with how I actually wanted things to smell and feel. I’ve always had a passion for creating something from nothing. Before candle-making, I dabbled in everything from homemade skincare and natural cleaning products to woodworking, resin art, and jewelry design—anything that let me experiment with my hands and imagination. Then, just three months after I poured my first candle, the world shut down. The pandemic hit, and suddenly I had all this time and a pile of hobbies to dive into.

But the one that truly stuck was candlemaking. It felt intuitive—like mixing a cocktail or crafting the perfect latte. With my background in the food and service industry, blending scent profiles and pouring wax came surprisingly naturally. It combined creativity, ritual, and a bit of alchemy—and I’ve been hooked ever since.

After moving back to Minnesota in the summer of 2022, I had to rebuild everything from scratch. I attended a holiday pop-up market at my new job, brought the few candles I had left, and made a couple of new ones. I didn’t expect much—but to my surprise, people connected with them. Some gave them as gifts, and the following year, they came back asking for more.

I still remember walking into every shop in downtown Fergus Falls, handing out business cards, and it was crickets. But that season planted a seed. In Spring 2024, I joined the Fergus Falls Farmers Market—and that’s when things truly started to shift. I joined every event/craft show I could find within the region. And I have now been fully self-employed for ONE year as of July 2024!

What's your personal favorite scent? I’m always drawn to anything earthy/ woodsy.

Smudge Ritual is one that is made of patchouli, cypress, palo santo, sage, amber, and fir.

Most difficult thing you’ve created?

Brand identity. I’ve changed styles, jars, labels—and still am! I design and print everything myself, so sticking to a cohesive look while still evolving creatively has been a challenge.

My most popular scents right now are Flower Child, which is made of grapefruit, melon, jasmine, and cherry blossom; and Sun Goddess, which is made of pineapple, mango, goji berry, and driftwood.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

Creative freedom. I get to choose everything—the scent, the style, the story. I’m learning to express myself through scent and design. Watching people light up when they smell something nostalgic is truly the best part. Hosting candle workshops has been a dream of mine for years, and I finally launched them in early 2025.

What might surprise people about candlemaking?

That not all wax, fragrance oils, or wicks are created equal. It’s taken years of testing and research to make sure my products are clean and safe. I’m prone to migraines and allergic reactions—so being intentional about ingredients has always been a top priority.

Words that describes you: A creative realist.

What advice would you give to aspiring makers?

Just start. Go to the pop-up. Hand out your cards. Even if you don’t sell much at first, the feedback is priceless. Say hello. Show up for yourself. It

can become your full-time job—but it takes time. A lot of time. Don’t rush the process.

What would you tell yourself five years ago?

Don’t overthink it. Just keep going. Keep creating. Trust that your people will find you. You won’t be in the same place forever—growth is inevitable.

What inspires your scents and designs?

I love capturing a mood or memory—a foggy morning, a wildflower walk, the energy of a summer solstice. I’m inspired by nature, moody playlists, vintage apothecary bottles, Pinterest rabbit holes, and magazines like Willow & Sage.

Where can people find your work?

We currently create everything out of our home studio (aka the basement!) in Fergus Falls, MN.

You can find us at local craft markets, farmers' markets, and pop-up events across the region.

Want to make your own candle?

Come join a candle workshop! Each workshop is a cozy, hands-on experience where guests create their own custom candle from start to finish. You’ll choose your jar, build your own unique scent blend, and finish it off with crystals, dried flowers, and botanicals— and connect with other creatives.

No two candles are ever the same, and no prior experience is needed. It’s the perfect activity for birthdays, bridal showers, team-building, girls’ nights, or solo self-care days. I offer both open group classes and private bookings, and I bring everything you need right to the space.

CEO, GREAT PLAINS FOOD BANK

Melissa Sobolik

Melissa Sobolik has spent the last 18 years fighting hunger in North Dakota, but has done so most recently as CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank. Though she grew up in the tiny town of Courtney, ND, Fargo has been her home for nearly two decades—a place where she built a legacy rooted in community, compassion, and determination.

A Nonprofit Journey That Almost Wasn’t

Melissa didn't set out to run a food bank. With a political science degree from Concordia College in Moorhead and minors in sociology and philosophy, she had her sights set on law school and a political career. She even ran for the Fargo City Commission and served a four-year term. But before politics could take hold, she took a job at the food bank. One year turned into nearly two decades.

"I never thought a nonprofit would be for me," she said, "but this is where I found my home."

Leading With Heart

For the past four years, Melissa has led the Great Plains Food Bank as its CEO. Her leadership has been marked by strategic growth, compassionate advocacy, and an unwavering belief that hunger is a solvable problem. But leading a nonprofit comes with challenges—from constant fundraising, to navigating limited budgets, to the emotional weight of knowing that food insecurity still persists.

"There’s enough food to feed everyone," she said. "We just haven’t figured out how to get it to everyone yet."

A New Chapter in Rhode Island

Now, Melissa is packing up and heading east to become CEO of a statewide

food bank in Rhode Island. While the geography is smaller, the organization is larger with more food, more staff, and more impact. One feature she’s particularly excited about is their commercial kitchen, which provides hot meals directly to people in need.

"I’m excited to dig into that and share those learnings back with North Dakota."

Even as she leaves, she’s keeping one foot rooted in Fargo. She plans to maintain connections with the team and community that helped shape her career.

The Legacy She Leaves Behind

Melissa isn’t just leaving a job; she’s leaving a legacy. Over the years, she’s helped transform the food bank into a force for good, staffed with people she personally selected for their smarts and heart.

"They can run circles around me," she laughed. "But that’s the point."

What she’ll miss most? The people. "It’s going to be hard to leave this community. It feels like home."

Advice for the Next Generation

For those considering a career in nonprofits, Melissa offers this: "Don’t rule it out. It’s rewarding in ways you can’t imagine. Even on the worst days, you go home knowing you helped someone."

And politics? While she encourages others to get involved, she acknowledges how much the landscape has changed. "We need good people to run. But I understand why people don’t."

Still, she hasn’t ruled out a return to public service: "It’s in my blood."

The Bigger Picture

Melissa doesn’t have a five-step plan for her future. What she has is curiosity, energy, and a desire to solve big problems.

"I’m always looking for the next bold idea," she said. Whether it's hunger relief or another cause, she knows she belongs in the nonprofit world—a place where change is slow but real, and where impact happens one meal, one family, one community at a time.

Outside the Office

When she’s not leading food security efforts, Melissa is exploring the world. She aims for at least one international trip a year and keeps her calendar full of domestic getaways, too. Back home, she spends time with her two rescue golden retrievers and her circle of close friends.

And while her dogs have never seen the ocean (or even a lake), they’re headed for a new adventure with Melissa. "They’ll adapt," she said. "Our pack is staying together."

A Farewell, Not a Goodbye

Melissa Sobolik may be heading east, but her heart will always be rooted in Fargo. The Great Plains Food Bank will continue its mission with the foundation she helped build—one of integrity, heart, and community-first leadership.

Great Plains Food Bank

greatplainsfoodbank.com

/GreatPlainsFoodBank

@greatplainsfoodbank

/greatplainsfoodbank

@NDFoodBank

10 Questions

Questions 10

ohn Machacek, Chief Innovation Officer for the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, has worked with countless startups throughout our community over the years. He knows their ups, and their downs, but most of all, he knows the questions to ask them. Here are John Machacek’s 10 questions for Melanie Rudd, Founder, Ezer.

By John Machacek

Photo provided by Elisabeth Eden

01

Will you please tell me your elevator pitch for Ezer?

Ezer—formerly She Overcomes— is a strategic planning program empowered by women’s physiology. Our virtual community, curriculum, and productivity program is for highcapacity women who want to biohack their brain and body to optimize their productivity.

Unlike women’s health apps and subscriptions that track data for fertility and period planning, our professional development program trains women how to apply the data they’re already collecting in order to optimize their time, energy, creativity, and focus in business and life.

02

Can you elaborate a bit more on how you mention biohack and empowered by female physiology?

Of course! Here’s a quick biology lesson: men and women both have a daily clock called the circadian rhythm. Men only operate on this clock, which regenerates every twenty-four hours. The work day and most leadership development has been geared toward men, because historically, they are the ones in

leadership. It’s not because men are bad; they’re simply different biologically from women. In essence, if we’re talking agriculture, men harvest and regenerate every twenty-four hours. Women are more complex, which is why this is hugely understudied and researched.

Women’s operating system is on a second clock, called the infradian rhythm, which regenerates every 28-32 days. A monthly harvest, rather than daily. Throughout the course of a month, women’s brains are wired to think differently. Ironically, the female experience could be looked at through that agrarian lens. There is a season to plant, one to work, one to harvest, and one to rest. If you try and plant corn in February, it would be ridiculous, and the crop would fail because it’s out of season. If you don’t understand, you’ll waste time on things that don’t matter or don’t work, you won’t nourish your mind and body the way they need, and you’ll compare yourself to people who don’t even biologically reproduce.

Women have been similarly wired. For example, during a woman's cycle, her brain is extremely analytical. From a leadership standpoint, this is a time when she should be reviewing KPIs, looking back at what’s working, and thinking through what goals need to shift in the next month. It’s a time to reflect on core values and direction. All four phases throughout the month have key strengths. We help women connect their brain and body to track their goals and align those goals to their secondary clock so that they can execute with confidence in their correct season.

10 Questions

That said, I could live every day and eat pizza, drink beer, and go to sleep hours past my bedtime and survive. But if I eat spinach and lean protein, get enough water, and sleep, I will likely live a more optimal life. Women can, of course, do many tasks at any time of that 28-32 day cycle, but it will be an optimal internal experience when they know and understand their personal rhythm and how to adjust it.

the Mosaic District. Practically, the building felt like an extension of what I wanted from She Overcomes, which was to create a community of female entrepreneurs and small business owners.

You have evolved the focus quite a bit from the early days of She Overcomes, which I believe was about five years ago. What has led you to the pivot?

Me and my friend Jennifer started She Overcomes, the non-profit, in 2020 after we read an article in the Forum that indicated female entrepreneurship was increasing across the United States by about 22%, except in North Dakota, where we were on the decline by a percent and a half. It was hard for me to believe, because our community is so amazing at supporting entrepreneurs. The study launched me into research where I discovered that women cited their lack of growth was due to a lack of access to capital, to vertical mentorship, and authentic community.

While we felt good about the pilot, it didn’t feel like what I wanted. Once that first year was completed, me and my business partner from another company I ran, purchased and renovated a 6,000 sq. ft. building just down the street from Brewhalla on 1st Avenue North, which I’ve called

Taking the time away from the original curriculum also gave me the opportunity to do more research around women in leadership and development. I knew I wanted to work with all women, not only entrepreneurs, because in my research I found a study from Forbes saying that 75% of women experience imposter syndrome. I consumed podcasts, books, and studies from Forbes and Harvard Business Review that tried to address the issues, but not many are successful. In one of those podcasts, a man was talking about how leadership development has predominantly been written by men, for men. That phrase stuck with me, and that’s when I began learning about the female mind and the brainbody connection. Men and women both joke about, minimize, or avoid entirely the physiological differences between hormones, and it isn’t usually something talked about in any professional content.

After beginning to write a new program, I met with an intellectual property lawyer, who recommended I write the program as an S-Corp, sole proprietor, or LLC because a nonprofit wouldn’t have ownership of the content. That’s when I founded She Overcomes as a brand-adjacent LLC. This most recent decision to move the program to Ezer was because I felt there was some brand confusion. The other thing is that some of the program can absolutely be consumed by men—and it should be.

Ezer comes from an ancient Hebrew word meaning ‘help in time of need’,

and it’s often used in reference to military support. When paired with another ancient word, Ezer Kenegdo can be interpreted as men and women are equally powerful, yet distinctly different. I don’t think women's empowerment is about silencing men. I think empowerment is supporting each other in ways that help others shine in their strengths.

BCG did an interesting study and discovered that startups founded or co-founded by women are significantly better financial investments. For every dollar of funding, these startups generated 78 cents, while exclusively male-founded startups generated just 31 cents.

Women and men need each other, and it impacts the bottom line. It felt more accurate to have a brand identity around those biological similarities and differences in ways that we complement each other and how to work together. Ezer has more clarity in vision and purpose, and ultimately hope for change in a system that needs some disruption.

As a woman who has struggled to ‘be in my body’ and present with myself and others, when I began to learn about the biological differences as they relate to my work and personal life, things clicked. It built so much selftrust that I didn’t need to outsource my own validity. I want to help women see themselves from a new, more positive viewpoint and help them embody their strengths.

Pivoting can feel uncomfortable, and it has been! As I’ve grown personally and professionally, I’ve discovered that sometimes I want the business to run a certain way, but if it isn’t working, I have to evolve and move on. Sunsetting She Overcomes as a non-profit and the LLC wasn’t an easy or quick decision, but it was the right

choice to make to simplify my life, the work, and its impact.

04

I recall that you participated in an ILT Academy cohort this past year. Did exercises and activities like that play into refining your business plan?

Yes, it played a role. When I joined ILT, I thought I knew how my business should be structured, but it shifted. I also discovered that the problem I was solving wasn’t clear and I struggled communicating with clarity. ILT helped me refine my problem and to stop wasting time on what wasn’t working. Sometimes I’m really hard on myself because I want things to be perfect, but that’s simply not realistic. ILT helped me see that failure in a business doesn’t mean I am a failure. They encouraged me to see the problem from so many different angles. In a way, it depersonalized what I thought failure is and is not.

I started working with Bisblox at the beginning of 2025, and they conducted a DNA review of the business. We spent multiple hours talking about how to scale, what I had that was real, and what we’d need to succeed. I realized that I couldn’t be doing all the teaching and coaching because the program wouldn’t be scalable and would lead to my own burnout. What I loved the most about Bisblox was the 35-page report that walked through each layer of my business, and it basically can become a road map

for the future. It is also so affirming to have such a high-level, non-emotional point of view. I pitched for funding and didn’t get the first round. I was talking to Shawn Riley, the Co-Founder of Bisblox, and his first question was, “What did you learn?” I was so embarrassed and thought not getting the funds was a reflection of me, my idea, or my worth.

That “failed” pitch helped me see that my message still was not clear. I’m not solving the imposter syndrome—that is a symptom of a greater problem. The problem I realized after that failed pitch was that women have disconnected their brains and bodies, and it’s affecting them at work, at home, and in their everyday lives. The problem is that no one is holistically helping them understand that when the two are intrinsically in sync, it will shift how they see themselves, how they see others, and the lasting impact that will make when partnering hormonal balance with the mindset shifts. The body and brain can be rewired, but if women are constantly comparing themselves to men or other women in a different phase of life, they will always feel like they’re behind or failing.

Shawn’s response was so thoughtful and simple when he said, “Well, that sounds like a great pitch!”

Having people who understand entrepreneurs, risk, and failure support you while going through the vulnerable phases of growth is such an amazing gift. I’m so grateful for the support!

With these refinements and pivots to your business model and products, how do you envision what the engagement from the enduser will look like?

The future of Ezer is so exciting! Right now, we’re finalizing the curriculum to submit for medical review. An OBGYN from Sioux Falls has offered to audit it for review on the biorhythmic data and the practices around neuroplasticity. Additionally, I’m sending it to a Ph.D in California to review because I referenced a lot of his research on imposter syndrome and identity.

My goal is to offer the curriculum to women in leadership positions who can be facilitators, rather than me training each one. Once we have our medical legitimacy, we’ll seek licensure for distribution.

As of now, I do have a beta online community that will operate as a SaaS model, but it is currently rudimentary. My goal is to have women input certain data and have our program offer them a schedule for each month that aligns with the Becoming Bold program, which focuses heavily on building new pathways and realigning our mindsets.

10 Questions

In my next few questions, I want to talk about some other endeavors of your work that are outside of the technology and data you’re working on, but are parallel to the mission of your work. First, I’ll ask about the Metamorphosis conference you organized in March. With that 4-5 months have passed since the event, what are your reflections on those efforts?

I’m so grateful to our community, attendees, volunteers, and speakers who made Metamorphosis such an awesome event! The event theme was about understanding what season of life you’re in—there are seasons of rest, planting, work, and harvest. If I compare my chapter two to someone else’s twenty-two, I’ll always feel like a failure. But if I can be present, in my season without comparison or competition, I notice I’m the best version of myself. This theme of metamorphosis was about embracing a life of evolution and transformation throughout each season. The caterpillar could be filled with self-hatred for her body, her lack of movement, or whatever, not even realizing she’ll be a butterfly soon enough. Sometimes I think we, as a culture, are so focused on what’s next that we forget to embrace the beauty of where we are today.

What I loved about the theme was that it also reflected the biorhythms I’ve been studying and working with women to discover. We were able

to introduce conversations about menopause and the effects it has on women in leadership, as well as digging deeper into the hormonal impact of our cycles and how we show up in the places that matter the most to us.

I was so proud of the panels and the diverse industries they represented. I especially loved the one where they discussed the importance of community and belonging. We had leaders from Microsoft, Concordia, Fargo Center for Plastic Surgery, Folkways, Sanford, ND Blue Cross Blue Shield, among so many others.

07

Next, let me ask about your podcast, which is obviously a great way to market more content but also allows for a deeper dive into the topics and guests you have on. What can you tell me about operating a podcast over the past year?

Forum Communications and WDAY have been remarkable to work with in collaboration with the podcast. The production team and marketing manager, Maddy Rinehart, were so professional, thoughtful, and thorough. Forum Communications was one of She Overcomes first stakeholders. It’s awesome to see a family-owned organization like theirs put their financial and practical resources together to support the community and small businesses like mine.

It has been really fun to push the boundaries with the podcast, see what people want to talk about, and what they’re listening to. I adore interviewing people and finding the gold in their stories. Most recently, we posted the panels and talks from Metamorphosis if anyone wants to catch up!

Right now, the podcast is still listed as ‘She Overcomes: Becoming BOLD with Melanie Rudd’ and as we roll out Ezer, listeners can expect some rebranding, but the content is truly about living fearlessly and courageously in community.

I’ve considered doing a couple of other themed podcasts to deep dive into other work I’ve done, but more will be shared at a later date.

The third adjacent thing I wanted to talk about was how you also wrote a book. And now I’m just realizing, too, what a crazy-busy past year or two this must have been for you. I recall reading about it in an InForum story, and it sounds like a deeply personal narrative from you. Aside from its title, so they know where to find it, what would you like the readers of this interview to understand about your book?

The book is “Irreverent: A Memoir of Reckless Hope, Unexpected Love and Finding My Voice.” I’m currently

recording the audible, which will hopefully be available at the end of August or early September. I was amazed to find out the book hit #1 for Deconstruction on Amazon and is currently in the top 20% of Amazon-listed books!

The theme of the book is finding hope and forgiveness. It’s gritty and honest. For much of my life, I felt powerless and broken, and much of that was related to my femininity. My family grew up in a spiritually abusive cult near Lake Park, MN, that weaponized scriptures to control people. I don’t blame my parents at all—they love me and my seven siblings and would do anything for us. The problem was they were controlled and manipulated and felt stuck there too. What happened during those formative years was that I felt I was always to blame and would stay stuck in cycles of shame, self-sabotage, and I would act out in ways that were incongruent with who I truly am. I didn’t feel that

women had a place or a voice because we were inherently less valuable than men.

It took several years to deprogram from the cult and the mindsets that were so automatic. What happened was that I realized I was worshipping certainty or a formula, not God. In my unraveling, I learned that God is way better than I imagined, and the experience restored my faith and deepened my identity as a woman.

My favorite chapter is actually about learning to love and forgive myself and my body—I used to hate how I looked and would wish that my mind didn’t operate the way it does. That chapter was about breaking off the old lies from my past and blessing my mind, body, and soul. That is the beginning of learning that my body wasn’t something to be consumed, controlled, or abused, but it's actually what makes me uniquely femininethis is why I’m so passionate to help women see that nothing is ‘wrong’ with them. We’ve been conditioned

Check Out Melanie's Book,

“Irreverent: A Memoir of Reckless Hope, Unexpected Love and Finding My Voice,” available now!

to believe the lies and filters online of everyone else’s highlight reels that we’re bombarded with, feeling insufficient, insecure, and insignificant. The story is heavy at first because my life was complicated. But there is hope… and a second book coming!

But to your point: I’m taking a season of rest to create a more patterned rhythm for my life. I realized after our event that I haven’t rested in a really long time and need to honor my body and mind. As an entrepreneur, parent, and author, I’m recognizing the absolute need to pause, reflect, and practice what I preach. I’d like to look back at the season I’m in today and think of it as my revival. It will focus on simplification, discarding what doesn’t bring joy and creating a more consistent rhythm of life. It’s a rebirth of forgotten passions, while working on business and books from a more balanced capacity.

10 Questions

09

If you could go back in time to talk to Melanie from several years ago, what kind of hindsight advice would you give yourself about your entrepreneurial efforts?

There are five things I can immediately think of:

• Done beats perfect.

• Failing doesn’t mean you’re a failure; it means you tried and learned. Stop placing unrealistic expectations on yourself.

• My favorite quote from “Meet the Robinsons" is "keep moving forward."

• Don’t let what you think people are thinking about you hold you back. (P.S. They’re not even thinking about you).

• You can have everything you want. You just can’t have it all at the same time - focus on the next right thing, especially when it’s hard.

10

What can we do as a community to help you and Ezer succeed?

I love this community and have been truly blessed by the generosity, encouragement,

mentorship, and people here. There are a few things I’d love:

• Listen to the podcast

• Buy the book…and soon the audible!

• Follow us on social media@ms_melanie_michelle and @sheovercomes

• If your organization wants training, reach out—I’d love to learn how I can serve our community

I’m working on getting on a national circuit for speaking engagements where I can share my experience, strength, and program to inspire and equip today and tomorrow’s leaders. Where there are opportunities where I could add value and hope to women (and men), I’d love a chance to see if my message would resonate. I’m looking to do corporate events, inspirational sales and leadership conferences, and other areas where highcapacity people need to remember not to get in their own way.

About John

Ezer

ezerco.co (coming soon)

Melanie Michelle Rudd

melaniemichelle.co

/melanie.m.rudd

@ms_melanie_michelle hello@melaniemichelle.co