New Markets Tax Credit Program
New Markets Tax Credit Program
The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program works to encourage and jumpstart investment in low-income census tracts to create jobs and bring new opportunities to qualifying areas in North Dakota. The goal of the NMTC award is to fill a financing gap for transformative projects which bring opportunities to low-income or distressed areas.
Bringing High-Impact Investment to Distressed Community Areas
History
The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program was created through the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 and is administered through the U.S. Department of Treasury.
How is it Funded?
The NMTC program is funded by DBL Equity Partners, an entity of Dakota Business Lending, through a process of investing in and monetizing tax credits to fill a financing gap.
Want to learn more? Check out our NMTC issue of ACTIVATE Magazine!
Step 1: Allocate
Step 2: Monetize
The funds will flow through DBL Equity Partners (a division of Dakota Business Lending), who will work to monetize the allocation by selling tax credits.
Step 3: Invest
DBL Equity Partners will use this cash (approx. 16-17% of allocation) to fill the financing gap in projects located in low-income or distressed areas.
Qualifications
In order to be eligible for NMTC, projects must be:
- Located in a qualifying census tract in North Dakota
- The size and scale to be transformative to the (re)development of the distressed area
- Adaptable to the unique structure and requirements of the program
NMTC Dollars Allocated
Jobs Created/Retained
Direct Project Impact
Project Example: Business Expansion
Project Total: $10 Million
Bank Loan: $5.2 Million
Owner Capital: $2 Million
Gap: $2.8 Million
Criteria:
- Transformative Project
- Job Creation and Retention
- Low-Income Census Tract
- Unique Structure
- 7 Year Compliance

NMTC Success Stories
There are many stories of how this high impact financial solution has helped communities and businesses thrive. Below are a few examples.

Tecton Products, LLC
Expansion of a manufacturing facility with emphasis to increase product line capacities, upgrade and expand equipment, & add office space.
- 23.9% poverty rate
- Median income 54.34% of area median income
- Urban
- Project cost: $28 million
- 140 direct jobs
- NMTC allocation: $7.5M + $10M

Superior Walls
Leasing of real estate, acquisition, installation of new equipment, & inventory/ working capital for a manufacturing facility.
- 15.6% poverty rate
- Median income 65.58% of area median income
- Urban
- Project cost: $14.9 million
- 40 direct jobs
- NMTC allocation: $8.8 million

Packet Digital
Renovation of a manufacturing facility including leasing of real estate, construction, equipping, development, and operation.
- 23.9% poverty rate
- Median income 54.34% of area median income
- Urban
- Project cost: $16.4 million
- 64 direct jobs
- NMTC allocation: $11.2 million
Had it not been for the NMTC program, these projects would not have moved forward. As you can see from the numbers, the impact on low income and distressed areas is significant in many ways.
Eligible Areas in North Dakota
Projects located in qualifying census tracts are eligible for NMTC, which are represented in green on the map.
You can find eligible pockets throughout the state by zooming in on the map found here.
Creating Impact that Snowballs... Encouraging the "Pay-it-Forward" Concept
One of the ways that DBL Equity Partners and the NMTC program will work to maximize and spread economic impact is by encouraging the “pay-it-forward” concept – an approach that promotes the “repaying” of kindness by passing along assistance and support to others in need. For many small businesses, this entails donating to a specific charity or cause.
Here is an example of a project that was significantly impacted by the NMTC program and used the pay-it-forward concept to further support the workforce in their local community.
Expansion of Clean Label Ingredient Manufaturing Facility

- 23.9% poverty rate
- Median income 54% of area median income
- Urban
- Project cost: $22.7 million
- 27 direct jobs
- NMTC allocation: $7.1 million
- $50,000 pay-it-forward donation to three non-profits
Workforce Development and Diversity
As part of the overall strategy on NMTC projects and the direct concern with workforce and labor, NMTC projects will contribute toward some strategy or program that addresses workforce and the quality of the workforce. One such investment came from a manufacturing company that donated a total of $50,000 to several local community organizations, including YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties, YWCA Cass Clay, and the F5 Project. This helps support diversity in the workforce, expand education and employment resources, and provide immediate impact in Cass and Clay County communities.
Have a NMTC project in mind or want to learn more?
Contact us with questions, download our NMTC flyer for more information, or fill out a project intake form and help us bring this great investment opportunities to our state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of NMTC financing?
NMTC financing provides access to below-market capital, reduced interest rates, and potential equity investment that can convert from debt at the end of the compliance period. These benefits can make otherwise difficult projects financially viable while supporting economic growth in underserved communities. Businesses and developers benefit from improved cash flow and long-term financial stability while contributing to community revitalization.
Can NMTC be combined with other financing programs?
Yes, New Markets Tax Credit financing can be combined with other public and private funding sources, including SBA loans, bank loans, and state or local incentives. Layering programs can lower overall financing costs, increase project capacity, and improve cash flow. Each project must still meet NMTC rules, including location and community impact requirements.
What reporting is required for NMTC projects?
Projects funded with NMTC financing must comply with ongoing reporting and compliance requirements throughout the life of the investment. This typically includes tracking job creation, project completion milestones, and community impact metrics. Borrowers must also submit annual reports to ensure continued eligibility and adherence to NMTC regulations. Dakota Business Lending works closely with borrowers to manage these requirements and maintain compliance from start to finish.
Who is eligible for NMTC financing?
Eligibility for NMTC financing generally includes businesses, non-profits, and developers with projects located in qualified low-income communities. The project must demonstrate clear economic or community benefits, such as job creation or neighborhood revitalization, and must typically exceed $7.5 million in total cost. Investors and lenders also evaluate financial stability and project viability before committing. Dakota Business Lending can guide you through the eligibility requirements to determine if your project qualifies.
How do I apply for NMTC financing?
Applying for NMTC financing begins with submitting a detailed project proposal that outlines location, community impact, financial projections, and compliance with program requirements. Because NMTC is a highly competitive program, the project pipeline is continuously evaluated and prioritized based on demand, estimated impact, and available allocation. It is best to reach out to Dakota Business Lending early to ensure your project is considered for potential NMTC support.
What is the interest rate on a NMTC loan?
Interest rates for NMTC loans are typically below market rates, making financing more affordable for projects in low-income communities. The exact rate depends on project size, deal structure, investor participation, and market conditions at the time of closing. NMTC financing often combines debt and equity components to maximize capital efficiency and reduce overall borrowing costs.
How long does it take to get approved for a NMTC loan?
Approval for NMTC financing typically takes three to nine months due to the competitive application process, investor review, and compliance requirements. The exact timeline depends on project complexity, location, and documentation readiness. Dakota Business Lending works closely with applicants to streamline the process and ensure all necessary materials are complete for faster consideration.
What is NMTC?
The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program is a federal incentive that encourages private investment in low-income or economically distressed communities. It works by providing investors with a tax credit in exchange for funding projects that promote economic development, create jobs, and revitalize underserved areas. NMTC financing is commonly used by businesses, non-profits, and real estate developers to access below-market capital for projects that may not qualify for traditional financing alone.
What projects qualify for NMTC?
Projects eligible for NMTC financing must be located in designated low-income or distressed census tracts and must promote economic development. Common qualifying projects include commercial real estate development, community facilities, manufacturing expansions, healthcare centers, and other initiatives that create jobs and benefit local residents. Projects must generally be large-scale, typically exceeding $7.5 million in total cost. Both for-profit and non-profit projects may qualify as long as they meet the program's community impact and location requirements.
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