Are You Interested In Staying Involved In The Conversation?

Throughout the year, Williston Economic Development works with a wide range of partners to hold community listening events such as open houses, industry roundtables, and other engaging events to ensure opinions and feedback are received in a timely manner through natural conversation. Are you interested in joining the conversation? Please fill out our form below!

Williston Parks & Recreation District Earns National Accreditation

Williston Parks & Recreation District (WPRD) is proud to announce its achievement of national accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)!

After years of dedication, preparation, and hard work, WPRD was recognized in late September during the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marking one of the most significant achievements in our District's history.



This national recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, leadership, and Park Board Commissioners, who have worked together toward a shared goal of providing exceptional parks and recreation services to the Williston community.

North Dakota Reached Record Number of Oil-Producing Wells

According to numbers released earlier this week by the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources, the state had 20,177 producing oil wells in August, up from 20,072 in July. Additionally, Oil Production had increased to 1.161 million barrels per day, an increase of around 3,000 barrels per day from July. Active drilling rigs have also increased, reaching a total of 36, up from 34 in September.

Annual Bonuses Proposed For North Dakota Teachers To Improve Recruitment And Retention

Earlier this month, North Dakota lawmakers and state officials announced a proposal that would award yearly bonuses to teachers to boost recruitment and retention. Estimated bonuses for the first year would be around $3,400 per teacher if lawmakers support the proposal in the upcoming 2027 legislative session.

The proposed bonuses would be funded through the Common Schools Trust Fund, which is funded through mineral rights leasing, oil and gas royalties, rent from agricultural land leases, and a portion of the oil extraction tax.

Photo provided by Michael Achterling of the North Dakota Monitor.

Triangle Electric Invites Community To Celebrate 80 Years Of Business

Triangle Electric is inviting the community to celebrate 80 years of providing electrical services to the Williston area. Since 1946, they've had the opportunity to serve Williston and the surrounding communities, building lasting relationships with their customers, business partners, and friends they've made along the way.

They will be having a Customer & Community BBQ on October 28, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at their office, located at 2644 1st Ave E, Williston, ND. For questions regarding the event, please contact Triangle Electric at 701-572-6783.

Williston STAR Fund Announces Community Enhancement Grant Applications Are Open

Williston Economic Development is pleased to announce that the application period is now open for the 2027 Community Enhancement (CE) Grant Program. The program provides $50,000 annually to eligible nonprofit organizations within the Williston trade region.

The application window will run from October 1, 2026, through December 18, 2026. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, December 18th at 5 p.m. CT. The STAR Fund Advisory Board plans to review applications on January 19, 2027, with grant awards anticipated during the first quarter of 2027.

For more information and to apply for the grant, please visit the Community Enhancement Application.

Department of Commerce Announces Automation Tax Credit Program Portal Now Open

The North Dakota Department of Commerce has announced that the Automation Tax Credit Program Portal is now open for applications. Eligible North Dakota primary sector businesses can receive an income tax credit of up to 15% of qualifying automation investments that improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness in manufacturing or animal agriculture.

The Application deadline is February 2, 2027, at 5 pm CT. Businesses are encouraged to get started early and allow up to three working days to receive a portal invitation.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the Tax Credit and Portal can be found here.

Department of Commerce Announces Opening Of Legacy Investment for Technology (LIFT) Application Round

The North Dakota Department of Commerce has announced the opening of the Legacy Investment for Technology (LIFT) application round, which will be open from October 5 to November 9, 2026.

LIFT is an innovation loan fund that supports technology advancement by financing the commercialization of intellectual property in North Dakota. Loan funds are designed to enhance capacity and, to the extent possible, leverage state, federal, and private sources of funding.

For more information, application guidelines, and program details, please visit the button located under the flyer.

Goldman Sachs Announces North Dakota-Based Small Business Development Cohort

Local business owners are encouraged to apply for Goldman Sachs' Small Business Development Cohort. Businesses with revenues over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year, have been in operation for 2+ years, and have 2+ employees are eligible to apply for the program.

The Program contains a 12-week curriculum taught by experts, one-on-one business advising, a national peer learning network, and a customized growth plan that you can implement. The program will run from February 24 to May 14, 2027, with in-person sessions on February 24 - 26 and May 11 - 14, 2027.

Interested businesses are encouraged to visit the Goldman Sachs Cohort page, located under the flyer.

Closing the Capital Gap: Financing for North Dakota Businesses | Episode 806

On this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Roxi Pfliiger, Senior Business Development and Commercial Loan Officer with Dakota Business Lending, to talk about access to capital and how the right financing partners can turn an idea into a fully fledged business. They also dig into Built on Grit, the new North Dakota Business Hall of Fame.

Williston Business, Electric & Magneto Celebrates 80 Years Of Doing Business

Congratulations are in order for Electric & Magneto, a staple of the Williston community, as they officially celebrate 80 years of dedicated service. Located at 24 1st Ave E, this long-standing local business has been a trusted provider since 1946, specializing in everything from electric motors, magnetos, and small engines to generators, starters, alternators, and diesel and gas injection services. Reaching this remarkable eight-decade milestone is a true testament to their enduring commitment to quality craftsmanship and reliable support for the Williston area.

Learn more about the business below.

Amazon Delivery Station Opens In Williston

Amazon officially celebrated the grand opening of its new DAV6 Delivery Station in Williston, bringing significantly faster shipping speeds and a major economic boost to the region. Aiming to deliver on its "two-day promise", slashing previous wait times from 5 to 10 days down to just two. The new facility serves a 50-mile radius that covers surrounding North Dakota towns like Tioga and Watford City, as well as nearby Montana communities like Sidney and Fairview. The delivery station currently employs 36 staff members (expected to grow to 50 by the end of the year) alongside over 100 flex-drivers, with processing capabilities ramping up to handle up to 6,000 packages daily during peak holiday seasons. Mayor Cory Swint and local community members joined Amazon leadership for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the site, which represents a key piece of Amazon's broader investment in North Dakota's workforce and infrastructure.

Learn more below.

DBAT Breaks Ground In Williston Square

Exciting news for local athletes and families! Earlier today, D-BAT officially broke ground on its brand-new facility at Williston Square.

As the premier indoor baseball and softball training academy in the region, D-BAT’s state-of-the-art facility will feature climate-controlled batting cages, professional instruction, fully equipped training spaces, and a pro shop. Whether you have a young ballplayer taking their first swings or an experienced athlete sharpening their skills year-round, no matter what North Dakota winter throws our way, D-BAT is set to be a true game-changer for youth sports in our community.

Learn more below.