Add new wealth to the economy by creating, retaining, and expanding rural cooperatives and other primary sector business enterprises.

The rural development center has been providing federally-supported technical assistance to rural areas since 1994. Operating under the umbrella of NDAREC and the Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND), the Center has come to be recognized as a major development player in North Dakota. We are networked with 16 electric cooperatives and 12 telecommunications co-ops in a statewide effort focusing on sustaining and growing rural areas. The local cooperatives assist the Center with rural development activities and community outreach. North Dakota’s rural electric and telecommunications cooperatives have been providing matching funds for the Center since 1994.

We promote and support development of cooperatives and economic development through consultation, technical assistance, financing programs and education.