Training
Our training tools include offerings from allowing you to assess your business's cybersecurity status and access follow-up training to HR and financing options - and much more!
Upcoming Events
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Events - Sept 2026
- Business Builder Workshops: Minnesota PFML: Understanding the Law and Navigating Your Options - Sept 8
- Start Up Minot Academy - Sept 16 - Nov 18
- SBA - Supplier Matchmaking Exp - Sept 18
- ND Next: The Future Grows Here - Sept 30 - Oct 1
- Business Builder Workshops: From Heated to Productive Conversations: Successful Communication in Tense Situations - Oct 13
- Business Builder Workshops: Validate Demand Before Building - Nov 10
Recordings
Many virtual training options have been recorded and remain available to watch on-demand at your convenience.
Ascent Digital Learning Platform
Ascent, a first-of-its-kind, free digital e-learning platform is geared to help women entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses. Ascent has valuable content such as tips on preparing and recovering from disasters, strategic marketing and business financial strategy development. While the platform was built with women in mind, it is free and open to anyone that would like to take advantage of the digital training opportunity. Get started!
Cybersecurity
See our specific cybersecurity page for more information.
Exit & Succession Planning
See our specific exit & succession planning page for more information.
Exporting Your Business
Export-U offers export training webinars, an exporter's resource database, and an export exam to test your international trade knowledge.
Government Contracting
In addition to training options from the SBA, the ND SBDC works closely with the ND APEX, which provides a monthly webinar series on a range of topics and is here to assist with local, state, and federal contracting.
Intellectual Property Resources
Intellectual property can be an important business asset. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers tools, information, and assistance to help small business owners and entrepreneurs better understand patents, trademarks, and other forms of intellectual property. Explore the resources below to learn more and find the type of assistance that fits your needs.
- Identify your IP assets by answering six brief questions
- Learn basic information about your identified IP
- Access additional information and links to helpful resources
- Get tips on how to use your IP to strengthen your business
The Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program manages a nationwide network of academic, public, and state libraries that have been designated a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC). These resource centers provide the public with various trademark and patent assistance.
PTRC librarians can:
- Explain the application process
- Demonstrate patent and trademark search tools
- Assist with historical research on patents and trademarks
The Pro Se Assistance Center provides outreach and education to applicants (also known as "pro se" applicants) who file patent applications without the assistance of a registered patent attorney or agent.
Through increased assistance and resources for independent inventors and small business communities, the Pro Se Assistance Center aims to increase the quality of pro se applications and assist pro se applicants with making informed decisions regarding their patent applications.
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) employees cannot give legal advice.
One-on-one assistance is available via video conference or telephone. Pro se personnel can meet with applicants to answer patent-related questions and assist in filing their applications.
For more information about the Pro Se Assistance Center, visit the Filing a patent application on your own page.
The Trademark Assistance Center (TAC) is the main support center for all customers, from first-time filers to legal professionals and experienced trademark applicants. Make sure you’re familiar with and abide by our code of conduct when communicating with USPTO personnel.
When you contact us, be ready to share:
- Your application serial number or registration number
- Your name, as well as your phone number or email address
- The problem or issue that you’re having
We can’t give legal advice. This includes:
- Advising applicants on proper responses to USPTO office actions
- Conducting pre-filing searches for potentially conflicting trademarks
- Analyzing or pre-approving documents before filing
- Advising applicants on examination issues, such as what are acceptable specimens and classification of goods and services
- Advising about the administrative sanctions process
Consider hiring a U.S.-licensed attorney if you need legal advice.
Email: TrademarkAssistanceCenter@uspto.gov Phone Toll free: 1-800-786-9199 (press 1) Local: 571-272-9250 (press 0) International: 1-571-272-9250 (press 0)
The Inventors Assistance Center (IAC) provides patent assistance and information to the public. The IAC is staffed by former supervisory patent examiners and primary examiners who are available to answer questions and to help you make filing a patent application simple and efficient.
What the IAC can do for you
- Answer general questions regarding patent examining policy.
- Answer questions concerning necessary formats and items needed for your patent application.
- Assist you with forms needed and with filling out the forms.
- Provide you with general information concerning patent examining rules, procedures, drawings and fees.
- Send you patenting information and forms via email or facsimile.
- Direct your calls to appropriate USPTO personnel or USPTO.gov webpages, as necessary.
Looking for additional learning opportunities?
The Inventor’s Patent Academy (TIPA, for short) is a self-paced course designed to help inventors better understand the patent process. The course includes three modules and features inventors sharing their experiences with inventions and patenting. See this short intro video to learn more.
Please visit the USPTO - North Dakota site for a list of resources and assistance from the state,
Watch our Demystifying IP for Small Business video to learn more!
SBA Learning Center
The SBA Learning Center has several courses on topics that range from planning and launching your business to managing and growing your business. Each section has multiple objectives that you can work through at your own pace.
SCORE Online Courses
SCORE offers on-demand business courses for small businesses allowing you to learn at your own pace on a variety of small business topics. SCORE aims to answer your questions with a variety of business topics available.
Smart with My Money
Smart with My Money is a free, state-sponsored financial literacy platform (backed by the Bank of North Dakota and in-state matching funds) that helps North Dakotans better understand and manage their finances. Users take a short “money personality” assessment, then receive tailored lessons and resources based on their financial profile and knowledge level.
Additional Options
Can't find what you're looking for? The U.S. Small Business Administration's Learning Center has a range of free trainings and webinars that can help your small business be successful. Additional federal resources and nearly 200 online classes and videos are available through USA.gov to guide emerging entrepreneurs and exporters through the basics of starting and managing a business.