Sami Zoss · Zoss CollaborationsApplication deadline: August 7, 2026
South Dakota · State AI Funding

South Dakota will help pay for your team to get AI-ready.

Real money for local organizations, and the deadline is August 7. Here's what's offered, whether it's worth your ten minutes, and how to apply — with the application language written for you and sent to your inbox.

What the state is offering

Category 1
up to
$5,000
AI Discovery
You pay, the state reimburses 50% — up to $5,000 back on a professional assessment of where AI fits
Category 2
up to
$20,000
AI Training
You pay, the state reimburses 50% — up to $20,000 back on training built around your team's work
Category 3
up to
$10,000
Free Certifications
$1,000 per W2 staffer or owner (part-time counts) for free courses — paid to you
One application. Check the categories you want. Reimbursements typically arrive 1–2 weeks after you submit proof of payment.

Which one represents you?

Same program — what it looks like depends on your world. Pick the closest fit.

Nonprofits
Mission work, lean teams, and more to do than hours to do it.
This is us →
Businesses
Owners and teams wearing five hats, looking to work smarter.
This is us →
Schools & Public Sector
Districts and public offices — yes, you qualify (in writing).
This is us →

Not sure you even want to do this?

Fair. Here's the honest math before you spend another minute.

"I don't know if I actually want to commit."

Then apply anyway — applying isn't the commitment. DLR confirmed it directly: approved and haven't signed an agreement? No obligation at all. Even after signing you can notify DLR to end it, and they'd rather know early so the funding can go to someone else. The only cost of applying while unsure is ten minutes. The cost of not applying and later wishing you had is the whole opportunity — gone until maybe November, maybe not at all.

"I don't know which category I need."

Then you want Category 1, Discovery — the category built for "we're not sure yet." It ends with a recommendation, and Discovery applicants get first access to Category 2 funding afterward. You're not choosing discovery vs. training. Discovery is how you choose.

"Do I need a separate application for each category?"

No — this trips up almost everyone. It's one application. You check the box for each category you want on the same form. (A second application only comes up later and optionally: do Discovery now, add Training afterward through November 12.)