Marketplace for Entrepreneurs is a collaborative effort to develop home-based businesses, small businesses, agricultural diversification, value-added agriculture, information technology, new business ideas, marketing skills and stronger communities. Often described as "a supermarket of ideas, information and resources," Marketplace is also a showcase of innovation, a public forum, a classroom and much more.

U.S. Senator Kent Conrad and Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, the organizing sponsors, believe Marketplace gives participants the tools, ideas, encouragement, advice and support they need to boost income and help communities revitalize their economy. Marketplace presents information, resources and training that are useful to all, regardless of where they live and work.

Marketplace provides countless opportunities to learn and try new skills, gather new resources and explore and create new ideas in a spirit of mutual sharing and cooperation.

A PROVEN TRACK RECORD

For more than nineteen years, Marketplace has attracted thousands of people: farmers, ranchers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, students and others eager and enthusiastic to learn how they can be part of North Dakota's promising future. The success and growth of Marketplace has been nothing short of phenomenal. The first Marketplace in 1989 drew about 700 people. Since then, attendance has averaged over 7,000 people.

BOOTHS

Marketplace for Entrepreneurs provides education through enterprising idea and assistance provider booths. They are manned by people who have developed their ideas into successful businesses. These booths provide direct interaction among proven innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs and the public.

They share their successes and their mistakes, helping others understand the rewards and risks of bringing new ideas and products into the marketplace. Many of the businesses represented at the idea booths are on-farm operations, enterprises that can be run side-by-side with an existing farm or ranch.

CLASSES

Classes are an integral part of the Marketplace experience. Many are taught by representatives of private businesses, government agencies and institutions of higher learning. They cover a wide range of agricultural and business topics, including advertising, export regulations, new crops, farm diversification, patents, copyrights, and information technology to name just a few.

Other classes are led by farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs and others who are "doing their own thing" and doing it well. In addition, a number of businesses, professional organizations and colleges offer free consultations, as well as resource material for future use.

RESOURCE DIRECTORY CD

The annual Marketplace Resource Directory CD is a comprehensive reference guide to economic development resources, offices, personnel and services available in North Dakota. This directory is packed with descriptions and contacts for help with regulations, financing, employee training, statistics, research, planning, exports and much, much more.

NETWORKING

Marketplace for Entrepreneurs provides an educational conference and year long process for interested parties to meet, share ideas and information, form associations, conduct capital equity campaigns and learn about opportunities for marketing.

To schedule a special event or activity to be held in conjunction with Marketplace, please contact Marketplace Headquarters at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 888-384-8410 or 701-663-0150.

SHOWCASE OF TALENT

Spotlighting our creative community, Marketplace is recognition that every person has a role in our development efforts. Click below for more information on the Marketplace Talent Search.

MARKETPLACE TALENT SEARCH

TODAY AND TOMORROW

Marketplace for Entrepreneurs is an enormous, year-around undertaking. Hundreds of people are needed to stage our events, which draw thousands more. The impact of Marketplace lasts far beyond the actual day of the event. The ideas, resources and information gained at Marketplace are used throughout the year and beyond.

FUNDING

Marketplace of Ideas/Marketplace for Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization whose funding relies solely on grants, and public and private donations. If you would like to partner with Marketplace, please contact Marketplace Headquarters at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or call 888-384-8410 or 701-663-0150.