The Rough Rider Fund is a one and a half cent city sales tax that was established in 2004 to support projects that develop, promote, and enhance the welfare of the community by increasing and enhancing community amenities and growing the local economy.

 

The Rough Rider Fund committee, appointed by City Council, works under the HANDBOOK of POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, REVISED January 4, 2023:  CLICK HERE

 

All Rough Rider Fund programs are explained below.  The CBD Façade Incentive Match grant, First Year Business Boost – Mini Match grant, Flex Pace / Pace Match grant, and Business Startup and Expansion grant all require consultation with the Small Business Development Center.

Our Team - McKenzie County Economic Development  

To schedule a consultation appointment:

Contact Keith Olson, Region 1 Director: (701) 570-4260 or keith.r.olson@willistonstate.edu

 

All programs are subject to funding on an annual basis and may not be available at all times, depending on budget and usage in any given year.  All project and program applications are available online at:  https://www.cityofwatfordcity.com/Forms/Applications-and-Forms

 

PROGRAMS:

All program details are listed in the Handbook of Policies and Procedures linked above.  

CBD (Central Business District) FAÇADE INCENTIVE MATCH GRANT 

• 50% match for commercial buildings in the downtown CBD zone
• To design and build façade that adds vibrancy to downtown
• Up to $50,000 for corner businesses or two-sided fronts / Up to $30,000 for single side fronts businesses
• All design and plans must be approved by city Planning and Building departments
•   Applicants must consult with SBDC

 

LICENSED CHILD CARE RENEWAL GRANT 

• Grant for licensed child care facilities, by reimbursable receipts, licensed children and longevity of licensed service
• Facilities outside city or ETA subject to reimbursement at 50%

COMMUNITY BUILD GRANT 

• Grant for projects sponsored by Local Political Subdivisions or Non-profit organizations

 

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT GRANT 

• Annual vibrancy grants to support quality of life projects and events
• Max grant amount per project or event - $2,500 in McKenzie County and $3,000 in Watford City
•   Applications are due to City Hall in February.  Call (701) 444-2533 for specific due date

 

FIRST YEAR BUSINESS BOOST – MINI-MATCH GRANT 

• For Business Startup:
• 2:1 receipt reimbursable grant - between 6-12 months of business for qualified business expenses – up to $5,000
• For Child Care Startup:
• 1:1 receipt reimbursement grant – between 6-12 months of business for qualified business expenses – up to $5,000
• Applicants must be compliance with all City ordinances
• Applicants must consult with SBDC

 

FLEX PACE / PACE MATCH GRANT 

• Interest buydown grant for new or expanding businesses, childcare facilities, or affordable housing projects who are qualified into the BND programs
• Applicants must be compliance with all city ordinances
• Applicants must consult with SBDC

 

BUSINESS STARTUP AND EXPANSION GRANT 

• 1:1 receipt reimbursable grant for qualified business expenses for business startup or expansion – up to $20,000
• Applicants must be compliance with all city ordinances
• Applicants must consult with SBDC

 

Please email with any questions or concerns:  Vawnita Best, Workforce Development Director:  vbest@nd.gov or (701) 580-1862 

Handbook of Policies and Procedures