Williston Works

Williston Economic Development

Williston Works brings you in-depth discussions with entrepreneurs, small business owners and investors that are getting it done in Western North Dakota. Hosted by Shawn Wenko, the Executive Director of Williston Economic Development, Williston Works finds out what it takes to make it in the Bakken.

59 Episodes

Closing the Capital Gap: Financing for North Dakota Businesses | Williston Works 2.0
10/20/2026
37:07
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.Learn more about Dakota Business Lending:https://www.dakotabusinesslending.comLearn more about Built on Grit:https://dakotabusinesslending.com/built-on-grit/ Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.comChapters:00:00 - Intro01:12 - Meet Roxi Pfliiger03:00 - About Dakota Business Lending04:54 - Three Buckets of Financing06:20 - The SBA 504 Program07:42 - Direct Business Loan Program08:40 - New Markets Tax Credits Explained15:43 - Williston's Eligible Census Tract16:10 - Job Creation and Community Impact17:50 - You Don't Have to Be the Expert19:28 - What Is Gap Financing?20:26 - Built on Grit: ND Business Hall of Fame23:12 - How to Nominate a Business27:59 - Collaboration and the Capital Stack31:18 - Advice for Williston Business Owners32:50 - How to Connect 36:17 - Final Thoughts36:45 - Closing
Building Momentum: The EDND Fall Conference Comes to Williston | Williston Works 2.0
9/24/2026
31:10
On this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Laura Lacher, Executive Director of the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND). They look beyond Williston at economic development across the state and preview the EDND Fall Conference, coming to Williston October 6–8.Learn more about the Economic Development Association of North Dakota:https://ednd.orgLearn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com
Don't miss an episode of “Williston Works” and subscribe to it in the GetPodcast app.
How a Family Built Two Businesses in Williston | Williston Works 2.0
8/4/2026
26:47
In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Laila and Qamar Badwan, co-owners of Fleur Cafe and Don Pedro's Family Mexican Restaurant, to share their inspiring journey from Jordan to Williston and how hard work, perseverance, and community support helped them build two thriving businesses. From learning a new language and adapting to a new culture to opening Fleur Cafe and taking ownership of Don Pedro's, Laila and Qamar share what it means to dream big, embrace opportunity, and create a welcoming place where everyone feels they belong. Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com
What Investors Look for in a Community: Insights from SelectUSA | Williston Works 2.0
6/17/2026
35:47
In this special episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson records live from the SelectUSA Investment Summit, where leaders from around the world gather to discuss business growth, investment, and economic opportunity.Featuring guests Joe Wiegand, Margaret Rose, Susan Donkers, and Ann Rybka, this conversation explores what makes communities stand out to investors, the importance of relationships in economic development, and how communities like Williston compete on a national and global stage.Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com
Powering North Dakota's Future: The Next Era of the Bakken with Ron Ness | Williston Works 2.0
3/23/2026
54:10
In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Ron Ness, President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, to discuss the evolution of the oil and gas industry and what’s next for the Bakken.From workforce needs and new technologies to “Bakken 2.0” and long-term economic impact, Ron shares how the industry continues to drive growth, innovation, and opportunity across North Dakota.Learn more about the North Dakota Petroleum Council:https://www.ndpetroleum.orgLearn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com
Solving the Rural Healthcare Talent Gap: Inside Williston State’s Workforce Expansion | Williston Works 2.0
2/20/2026
44:41
In the Season 8 premiere of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Dr. Zahi Atallah, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Williston State College, to discuss how the college is expanding healthcare programs to meet growing workforce needs in northwest North Dakota.From a new state-of-the-art facility to expanded nursing, EMT, and medical assistant programs, Dr. Atallah shares how partnerships, innovation, and local investment are helping train and retain the next generation of healthcare professionals right here at home.Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com
Funding the Dream: How Williston Helps Businesses Grow | Williston Works 2.0
12/17/2025
50:27
In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Taylor Grundstad of American State Bank and Jackie Duke of Bank of North Dakota to talk about how funding tools like the STAR Fund and Flex PACE are helping local businesses thrive in Williston.Learn how public-private partnerships are making financing easier, what makes Williston’s approach to economic development unique, and how business owners can tap into interest buy-down programs, startup resources, and grant funding.Plus, hear how collaboration between local lenders, the STAR Fund Board, and state-level programs is fueling long-term investment in Northwest North Dakota.Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com
Built for the Community: Inside Williston Water World & the Team Behind It | Williston Works 2.0
11/25/2025
49:08
In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with members of the Williston Community Builders, Brooke Mapes, Lexi Halvorson, Heather Stevens, and Nick Lippert, to talk about the story behind Williston Water World and the mission that drives their nonprofit.They share how this community-led project came to life, what it took to earn two statewide awards, and how public-private partnerships are creating lasting impact across the region.Learn how grassroots efforts, local pride, and volunteer energy are shaping Williston’s future—one project at a time.Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com
Brewing Success & Growth: Entrepreneurship in Williston | Williston Works 2.0
10/22/2025
37:53
In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Louise Skaare, founder of Young Bucks Coffee and The Cabin, to talk about entrepreneurship, expansion, and community in Williston. Louise shares how her business grew from a single idea into multiple thriving locations and why connection, faith, and perseverance have been at the heart of that growth. The conversation also highlights her work with Brew Your Business, a local network supporting entrepreneurs across the region. Learn how Louise’s story reflects the small-town values, collaboration, and creativity driving Williston’s business community forward. Learn more about Williston Economic Development: https://www.willistondevelopment.com
Shaping the Future: Real Estate Growth in Williston
9/9/2025
26:08
In this episode of the Williston Works Podcast, host Anna Nelson sits down with Lucas Natwick, Realtor with eXp Realty and president of the Williston Board of Realtors, to break down the state of Williston’s housing and commercial markets.They cover why the average list price has shifted to just under $400K, what a two-month absorption rate means for buyers and sellers, and how a renter-to-listing imbalance is tightening supply.The conversation also highlights the Board of Realtors’ community education efforts and the major projects on the horizon that could further increase demand. Learn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.com

More Episodes

Get the whole world of podcasts with the free GetPodcast app.

Subscribe to your favorite podcasts, listen to episodes offline and get thrilling recommendations.

A company from

Williston Works

Williston Economic Development

59 Episodes

Closing the Capital Gap: Financing for North Dakota Businesses | Williston Works 2.0

Building Momentum: The EDND Fall Conference Comes to Williston | Williston Works 2.0

How a Family Built Two Businesses in Williston | Williston Works 2.0

What Investors Look for in a Community: Insights from SelectUSA | Williston Works 2.0

Powering North Dakota's Future: The Next Era of the Bakken with Ron Ness | Williston Works 2.0

Solving the Rural Healthcare Talent Gap: Inside Williston State’s Workforce Expansion | Williston Works 2.0

Funding the Dream: How Williston Helps Businesses Grow | Williston Works 2.0

Built for the Community: Inside Williston Water World & the Team Behind It | Williston Works 2.0

Brewing Success & Growth: Entrepreneurship in Williston | Williston Works 2.0

Shaping the Future: Real Estate Growth in Williston