Bismarck\u00a0 (CSi)\u00a0 \u2013 The North Dakota Department of Commerce has announced that the agency received more than 869 application submissions for the Economic Resiliency Grant (ERG) on the program\u2019s first day of opening applications.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Commerce team has diligently prepared for the launch of the ERG application portal,\u201d Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer said. \u201cToday we were proud to see the success of our efforts with more than half the funds, a total of more than 35 million dollars, requested through the program. We did experience some technical issues with our vendor that were out of our control, however, working together we were able to get the system functioning at full capacity, processing four applications per minute.\u201d<\/p>\n
Commerce will continue to accept applications until the program\u2019s first round closing date of Aug. 28.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommerce would like to thank everyone for their patience and persistence to get the applications submitted,\u201d Kommer said. \u201cWe look forward to seeing the impact made through this grant, bringing customers back to the marketplace safely, to\u00a0 help North Dakota businesses thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ERG is a grant opportunity designed by Commerce to enhance revenue in both the immediate and long-term future by growing consumer confidence. The grant will provide funding to private companies operating in North Dakota for costs associated with the business improvements to reduce the spread of infection and instill consumer confidence in the marketplace.<\/p>\n
Eligible applicants may qualify to receive grant funding up to $50,000 per business and up to $100,000 per business with multiple locations for direct investments that help create a safe environment for both employees and consumers.<\/p>\n