MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The Business Technical Assistance Bureau connects businesses and entrepreneurs with the tools to create and grow market opportunities and jobs.

Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network

For an individual that is looking to start a new business or expand their existing business, the SBDC network is usually the best place to start. The SBDC network supports ten centers around the state, focusing on assistance in areas such as financial analysis, business planning, training and workshops and loan packaging assistance to help small businesses achieve their goals of growth, expansion, innovation and success.

Indian Entrepreneur Program (IEP)

The IEP collaborates with a network of Native American business organizations to provide business technical assistance to Native entrepreneurs and business owners. The IEP funds Indian Equity Fund application workshops and trainings for Native businesses. 

Indian Country Programs

The family of grant program under Indian Country Programs awards funds to projects that strengthen Montana’s economy through the development and enhancement of business opportunities on reservations, in tribal communities, and for Native American businesses. The grant program offers funding in three categories:

• Indian Equity Fund (IEF) Small Business Grant (up to $14,000 per award)
• Native American Business Advisor (NABA) Grant (up to $15,000 per award)
• Tribal Business Planning Grant ($28,000 per tribal government)

Native American Collateral Support (NACS) Program

The NACS Program addresses the lack of access to capital for Native American-owned businesses.  This program was developed from the feedback of a diverse set of stakeholders that prioritized the development of a financial product and pathway for Native businesses to access financing and capitalize the launch and growth of their businesses.

State Tribal Economic Development Commission (STEDC)

The State Tribal Economic Development Commission (STEDC) works in a government-to-government relationship to expand and improve economic prosperity opportunities for each of the eight tribal nations through business expansion, capital access, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture and community development. The Governor appoints 11 members, including one from each of the eight tribal nations in Montana.

Commerce Tradeshow Assistance Program

The Department of Commerce Tradeshow Assistance Program assists Montana-based companies to explore new domestic and international wholesale markets by encouraging first-time exhibition at new tradeshows.

Montana / Regional Wholesale Trade Shows:

• The Made in Montana Wholesale Tradeshow, Montana's premiere Made in Montana wholesale tradeshow, takes place annually in Helena.
• The Billings Market Association hosts a wholesale merchandise show three times a year in Billings, MT, and features Made in Montana products.
• Spanning 240,000 square feet with 800 exhibitors, Las Vegas' ACRE (American Craft Retail Expo) features American and Canadian hand made products in a full range of price points. Product lines include stationery, tabletop, jewelry, furniture, decorative accessories, seasonal and garden, toys, fashion and fashion accessories, and more.

Montana hosts many retail shows including arts and craft fairs, farmers markets, and home and garden shows. These are great selling opportunities for businesses that aren't ready or don't want to enter the wholesale market but still want to reach buyers. International Trade and Gift Shows can help expose your product to buyers all over the world.

International Marketing Assistance Program

A state-federal partnership providing financial assistance to qualified Montana small businesses for international marketing efforts in beginning exporting or market expansion.

It is designed to help increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to raise the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting so they can grow and create more jobs. 

Export Montana

Export Montana, through the Office of Trade and International Relations, is committed to helping Montana companies pursue commercial opportunities abroad.

An export specialist provides technical export assistance to Montana companies with information and training to address issues such as:

• export regulation and compliance;
• methods of shipment;
• methods of payment;
• market research;
• responding to trade leads; and
• follow-up communication with overseas clients.

Export Montana coordinates the state's protocol and foreign relations with foreign diplomatic office representatives. This includes providing briefings, scheduling meetings and arranging receptions for visiting dignitaries. Maintaining good relations with the various foreign diplomatic missions that serve the Montana region is essential to assisting Montanans with international business connections.