Zane Pittsley at Spring Creek Welding Works With Start-Up Grant Recipients

The Dunn County Job Development Authority (JDA) issues multiple grants to small businesses throughout the year. Programs like the startup business grant allow new companies to open their doors, turning entrepreneurs into job creators, while increasing local amenities.

These programs send ripple effects through the Dunn County community, as recipients work with local businesses to open their doors. One of the best examples of this is Zane Pittsley at Spring Creek Welding, who works closely with various companies to use their grant funds.  

“My business allows me to meet a lot of great people and help them out,” says Pittsley. “You get to see a lot of country and work with different industries.”

Several businesses around Dunn County use Spring Creek Welding to improve their operations and attract customers. This grows the economy as a whole and supports long-term development in the region. 

Check Out Pittsley’s Work in Killdeer

Welding isn’t usually glamorous, but Killdeer residents can see some of Pittsley’s work throughout the community. He worked with the Bunkhouse Grill to create their laser-carved signs and developed signage for the Cowboy Golf Foundation. These high-quality graphics make businesses more inviting to locals and can also support tourism efforts in Dunn County.

Pittsley has operated his welding business in Killdeer since 2021 and currently employs five people. His family is here, and he returned to Dunn County after graduating from college. He enjoys working on projects within the community to make it better and supporting the people here.

Spring Creek Welding Has Several Agriculture Clients 

When he’s not creating signage for downtown businesses, Pittsley and his team can be found across Western North Dakota helping farmers and ranchers with their fencing needs. Spring Creek Welding also works closely with Spotters Aerial Ag to build their RoadRunners.

“We’ll work with any company that needs our business, but we focus primarily on the agriculture side of things,” says Pittsley. “I love the ag community; they’re down-to-earth people.”  

Local farmers are often innovators. They have specific needs for their crops or cattle, and develop solutions to improve their operations. These farmers call Pittsley to help implement these ideas, whether it means adding fencing in a certain area or creating a unique gate system. 

Grant Dollars Stay in the Community 

Spring Creek Welding highlights how JDA grant funds stay in Dunn County and continue to circulate among businesses and families. Many recipients of the Young Producers Grant, for example, contact Pittsley for agricultural improvement projects. This means the grant makes the farmer or rancher more effective in their operations while growing Pittsley’s business. He then uses the money from these projects to pay his employees and work with other local companies.

“Many of our programs are funded by taxes, and we pride ourselves on creating opportunities to put that money right back into the community,” says Carie Boster, Executive Director of the Dunn County JDA. “A single grant benefits at least two businesses – the recipient and the local company that provides products and services to them – but we see these dollars stretching even further over time.”

Studies show that for every $100 spent at a local company, $68 stays in the community. That money can circulate up to 15 times through businesses in Dunn County. By investing in the community through business support grants, the Dunn County JDA helps all local businesses grow, from welding companies to nearby restaurants. 

Learn More About Programs Offered by the JDA

The Dunn County JDA offers various grants and scholarships throughout the year, but also has programs to support housing and business development. It strives to be active in the community and help residents achieve their goals, whether it's homeownership or entrepreneurship. Learn more about the JDA and how it can help you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Boster is ready to help in any way she can.