Business financing in Burleigh County.

Small business financing is money you borrow or receive to start, grow, or stabilize a business or a small investment property. It can take many forms: a term loan you pay back monthly, a line of credit you draw from as needed, a microloan for smaller amounts, or a lease for equipment.

In Burleigh County — home to Bismarck, the state capital — the financing landscape reflects a mid-sized regional economy anchored by government employment, healthcare, agriculture-adjacent services, construction, and small retail. Lenders here tend to know this market well, which can work in your favor if you walk in prepared.

Most small business loans in this area are not made directly by the federal government. Instead, local banks, credit unions, and community development organizations use federal backing (like SBA guarantees) to reduce their own risk and offer better terms to borrowers. That local intermediary layer is the key — and it's what this guide focuses on.

There is no single qualification standard — each lender sets its own rules — but here are the factors most local lenders in Burleigh County weigh:

**Business type and sector:** Construction subcontractors, home-service businesses, small retail shops, agricultural supply businesses, and residential real estate investors are all common borrowers in this area. Healthcare-adjacent sole proprietors (medical billing, home health aides, interpreters) are also active in Bismarck's economy.

**Time in business:** Many conventional lenders want 2+ years of operating history. However, CDFIs and microlenders often work with newer businesses — sometimes as new as 6 months — especially if you have a solid business plan.

**Credit profile:** Local credit unions and CDFIs are more flexible than national banks. Some programs accept credit scores in the 580–620 range. A few ITIN-based lenders and CDFIs do not require a Social Security Number at all.

**ITIN borrowers:** If you do not have a Social Security Number but do have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you are not automatically disqualified.

Several CDFIs and nonprofit lenders in the region specifically serve ITIN-holding entrepreneurs.

North Dakota has a growing Hispanic and immigrant small-business community, particularly in Bismarck and the broader Missouri River corridor.

**Revenue and cash flow:** Lenders want to see that your business generates enough income to repay a loan. Even informal income records — bank statements, invoices, contracts — can help when tax returns are limited.

**Collateral:** Not always required, especially for microloans under $50,000. For larger loans, real estate, equipment, or business assets may be used.

Gathering your paperwork before you meet with a lender saves time and shows you are serious. Below is a standard list — individual lenders may ask for more or less depending on the loan type:

**Personal identification**

- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID card)

- ITIN letter or Social Security card

**Business basics**

- Business license or registration (filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State)

- Articles of organization or incorporation (if applicable)

- EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — you can get one free at IRS.gov

**Financial records**

- Last 2–3 years of personal and/or business tax returns (or 1 year if newer)

- Last 3–6 months of business and personal bank statements

- Current profit-and-loss statement (your accountant or bookkeeper can prepare this)

- List of any existing debts or loans

**For real estate investors**

- Purchase agreement or property address

- Rental income history or pro forma projections

- Property appraisal (lender may order this themselves)

**Business plan (for startups or newer businesses)**

- A simple 1–3 page description of your business, your market, and how you will repay the loan — the Bismarck SBDC (see below) can help you write one for free.