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Commission funds $15,000 Vision Fund awards to launch a Bismarck business pitch program
Summary
The commission approved a proposal from the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC to create a Bismarck Business Pitch program and authorized $15,000 from the Vision Fund for three entrepreneur awards, modeled on a successful Mandan program.
The Bismarck City Commission voted Dec. 16 to provide $15,000 from the Vision Fund to support a new Bismarck Business Pitch program administered by the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC.
Brenda Nagle, president and CEO of the Chamber EDC, described the program as a locally adapted version of Mandan’s pitch event that offers coaching, application management and three forgivable‑loan awards ($10,000 first place, $3,000 second place and $2,000 third place) to help entrepreneurs launch or scale businesses.
Commissioners asked about Vision Fund availability and confirmed the Chamber had received a recommendation from the Vision Fund panel; the motion to approve the program funding passed unanimously. Commissioners and the presenter also discussed workforce and recruitment challenges and the Chamber’s ongoing workforce development activities.
Next steps: Chamber staff will open applications, select finalists, provide coaching and stage the pitch event as an annual program; the governing body and staff will coordinate award administration and reporting required by the Vision Fund.
