What is Automate ND?
Automate ND is designed to provide financial support to North Dakota PSC businesses who are facing a workforce shortage. The funds may be used for the purchase or lease of machinery, equipment, and software (upfront configuration/setup costs) to automate existing processes to increase output per employee and provide opportunities for upskilling.
Automate ND aims to achieve several key objectives:
Increase productivity per employee: Automation can help businesses produce more goods and services with fewer workers.
Create upskilling opportunities: Businesses can use grant funds from the Technical Skills Training Grant (track C) to conduct a feasibility study on the purchase of automation equipment and train their employees on how to operate and maintain the new equipment.
Improve employee satisfaction: Automation can help to reduce repetitive tasks and create a safer work environment for employees.
Boost state GDP: Increased productivity from automation can lead to higher company profits and increased economic growth for North Dakota.
To be eligible for the Automate ND Grant Program, businesses must:
1. Be registered in North Dakota.
2. Be a Primary Sector Certified business.
3. Have fewer than 500 employees regardless of location (tourism businesses are not eligible).
4. Complete a third-party feasibility study that assesses the project's impact on productivity, workforce needs, and return on investment (ROI). Impact Dakota is a ND Department of Commerce Approved provider. Contact Lyle (701-425-3286) or Reese (701-450-8979) to learn more and get added to the schedule.
Timeline:
- Applications will be accepted from March 21st to May 30th, 2024.
- Evaluation period June 1st – July 1st.
- Notification of Awards – July 15th.
HELPFUL LINKS |
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Automate ND Background |
Automate ND Eligibility |
Automate ND Grant Program |
Automate ND Application |
Technical Skills Training Grant |