North Dakota Century Code Title 10. Corporations § 10-30.5-02. Purpose and fund uses

1. It is the purpose of this chapter to create a statewide nonprofit development corporation that will have the authority to take equity positions in, to provide loans to, to form a management and operations entity related to the beyond visual line of sight uncrewed aircraft system program under section 54-60-29.1, and to use other innovative financing mechanisms to provide capital for new or expanding businesses in this state, or relocating businesses to this state. The corporation's principal mission is the development and expansion of primary sector business in this state. The corporation may form additional corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and joint ventures related to the beyond visual line of sight uncrewed aircraft system program under section 54-60-29.1, or other forms of business associations in order to further its mission of primary sector economic development.

2. The exclusive focus of this corporation is business development in this state; however, it is not excluded from participation with other states or organizations in projects that have a clear economic benefit to state residents in the creation of jobs or secondary business. Emphasis should be to develop jobs that provide an income adequate to support a family above the poverty level.

3. Moneys in the development fund may be used to provide working capital or for financing the purchase of fixed assets but not to refinance existing debt. Moneys may also be used to make matching grants to county-authorized or city-authorized development corporations for the acquisition, leasing, or remodeling of real estate facilities for locating a prospective new primary sector business. A grant must be made as part of a package of financing in which the state is a participant.

4. The commissioner of commerce shall adopt rules, subject to the approval of the board of directors, necessary to implement the administration of the fund. The rules to implement the grant program must be developed to encourage local fundraising initiatives for developing locations for businesses financed by the corporation.

5. Moneys in the development fund may be used to provide financing to early childhood facilities licensed under chapter 50-11.1. Moneys also may be used to make grants or loans to match grants or loans made by county-authorized or city-authorized development corporations, job development authorities created under chapter 11-11.1 or 40-57.4, and regional planning councils for acquiring, leasing, or remodeling of real estate facilities or for acquiring equipment for establishing or expanding a licensed early childhood facility. In providing financing under this subsection, the corporation shall ensure funds are distributed fairly among for-profit early childhood facilities, nonprofit early childhood facilities, and public early childhood facilities. An award under this subsection may not exceed one million dollars per award.