About Business Resources
The Business Resources Division is comprised of a variety of programs aimed at improving, enhancing, and diversifying Montana's economic and business climate. Working closely with the private sector, the Governor's Office, the Legislature, economic and community development partners, other department divisions, state agencies, and federal and private programs; the division strives to enhance the economic base of Montana through business creation, expansion, and retention efforts.
Business Resources Division responsibilities are mandated primarily in Title 30, Chapter 16; Title 17, Chapter 6; and Title 90, Chapter 1 and 10, MCA.
Census & Economic Information Bureau (CEIC):
The Census and Economic Information Center (CEIC) the official source of census data for Montana, provides a comprehensive economic and demographic information resource for the department, businesses, community groups, government, educators/schools, and families. In addition, CEIC is Montana's lead agency for the federal-state cooperative State Data Center (SDC) and Business/Industry Data Center (BIDC) programs with the U.S. Census Bureau. As the SDC lead, CEIC supports a statewide 29-member network. CEIC also provides access to and education on using Census data and other federal and state statistical resources, as well as supporting a special library collection of historical and current census documents in print and electronic format.
CEIC offers a variety of mapping, geographic, and GIS (geographic information system) data and services. CEIC staff provide assistance to identify, acquire, and use data in a GIS; act as a clearinghouse of data and maps from the Census Bureau and other agencies; and provide technical assistance to develop GIS applications related to demographic and socioeconomic needs
MT Board of Research & Commercialization Technology:
The Board of Research and Commercialization Technology was created by the 1999 Montana Legislature to provide a predictable and stable source of funding for research and commercialization projects and to expand and strengthen research efforts for the state's basic industries to increase their economic impact on the state economy; and to expand research efforts into areas beyond the scope of the basic industries to diversify and strengthen economic security through the creation of technology-based operations and long-term quality jobs.
Regional Development Bureau:
The Regional Development Bureau is responsible for managing several federal and state business lending programs that provide expansion funding for Montana companies. In addition, the Bureau provides outreach and technical assistance to Montana communities, counties, local development organizations, and businesses through five regional development officers strategically located to cover the state. The Bureau manages the state contracts with the Certified Regional Development Corporations in Montana that deliver state-sponsored development programs throughout 12 regions of Montana. All of the information on the resources and services of the Department of Commerce as well as other state and federal agencies are disseminated through the Montana Finance Information Center that is managed in this Bureau.
Small Business Development Center Bureau:
The Small Business Development Center Bureau provides technical assistance to existing and new Montana businesses through a network that includes 10 sub-centers that are located in local host economic development organizations across the state. In addition, the Bureau works with several other partners to provide counseling and technical assistance that helps Montana companies access significant federal research funding for their product development and commercialization. The Bureau also manages the Micro Business Finance Program that acts as a state revolving loan fund for regional micro-lending organizations that are generally housed in the sam host organizations as the SBDC's.
Trade & International Relations Bureau:
The Office of Trade and International Relations identifies opportunities for worldwide and domestic trade and provides representation, information and technical assistance. The program helps Montana businesses pursue trade opportunities for the purpose of diversifying their customer base and increasing the sales of Montana products and services. The program coordinates the activities of the state's trade offices in Taiwan and Japan, works in cooperation with Montana business promotion efforts, manages the Made In Montana program, coordinates international cultural and educational exchange programs, serves as an international liaison and protocol resource for the Office of the Governor, and works in conjunction with the product promotional efforts of the Department of Agriculture and the Montana Promotion Division.
