Burgum’s Business Capitalizes on PPP loans meant for Struggling Main Street Businesses

BISMARCK, ND – Today, it was reported that Gov. Burgum’s company, Kilbourne Group, was awarded between $350,000 to $1 million from the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP. This news comes as small business owners, who have struggled to access this same loan funding, are trying to keep their lights on and workers employed. This continues a concerning trend of loans intended for small businesses benefiting large corporations with ties to political officials.

Rewind to June 10th when it was reported that Burgum infused $1.85 million of his personal cash into his Dakota Leadership PAC, which also raised well over $2 million, much of it from out-of-state donors.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Executive Director Michael Taylor said:

“Catch phrases like ‘support our small businesses’ or ‘small businesses are the backbone of our economy’ seem to be nothing but lip service from Burgum and the NDGOP. While Burgum was busy buying elections in North Dakota, he was also busy applying for loans intended for small businesses that do not have a billion dollar budget to keep them afloat. If Burgum had $1.85 million in his pocket to buy elections in the state, why didn’t he use those same riches for his own company? What about those hair salons, mom-and-pop diners, and other local businesses that are at risk of permanently shutting down? PPP loans should be going to small and micro businesses that are struggling to keep their doors open, not billionaire Governors. If Burgum wants to push his Main Street Initiative, he should put his money where his mouth is and support communities and businesses in need.”