The Souris Basin Planning Council (SBPC) continues to strengthen its commitment to entrepreneurs and small businesses through strategic investments in both people and programs designed to meet the evolving needs of the region’s business community.
Recently, SBPC welcomed Braden Lindquist as its new Business Program Specialist. In this role, Braden will focus on business outreach, relationship-building, and strengthening connections with entrepreneurs and lenders throughout the region. His work will help expand awareness of available resources while supporting business development efforts and SBPC’s lending programs.
As an entrepreneur himself, Braden brings firsthand experience and an understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by small business owners. His perspective will help SBPC continue building strong partnerships that support local economic growth and business success.
In addition to expanding its team, SBPC recently launched the Momentum Fund, a new lending product created in response to a challenge frequently experienced by small businesses: access to timely financing.
Traditional lending and review processes can sometimes take longer than the pace at which entrepreneurs need to make decisions, purchase equipment, secure inventory, or capitalize on growth opportunities. Recognizing this challenge, SBPC developed the Momentum Fund to provide a faster, more responsive lending option.
Unlike many traditional loan programs that require review through multiple approval bodies, Momentum Fund applications can be approved directly by SBPC’s internal lending team. This streamlined approach significantly reduces turnaround times and allows businesses to access capital more quickly when opportunities arise.
The Momentum Fund reflects SBPC’s commitment to listening to the needs of local businesses and adapting programs to better serve entrepreneurs. By identifying barriers and developing creative solutions, SBPC continues to strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and support business growth across North Dakota communities.