MicroBusiness Finance Program
MicroBusiness of the Year Awards
Each year the Montana Department of Commerce MicroBusiness Finance Program solicits nominations from MicroBusiness Development Corporations (MBDCs) throughout Montana for successful micro-businesses in their region. A micro-business is a Montana-based business with less than 10 employees and their gross annual revenue is less than $500,000. The MicroBusiness Finance Program was established in 1991. Montana is consistently among the leaders in the nation on new business formation. The MicroBusiness Finance Program received the 1999 Presidential Award for Excellence in Micro-enterprise Development from President Clinton at an award ceremony held in Washington D.C.
The following small businesses have received MicroBusiness of the Year awards:
2004 MicroBusiness of the Year
BRYAN & GINGER KNAFF, OWNERS OF GINGERBEE CREATIVE, INC. LOCATED IN HELENA
Bryan & Ginger Knaff are the recipients of the 2004 MicroBusiness of the Year Award. Nominated by Sheli Jacoby for their award-winning communications materials designed to effectively translate the client's business objective into successful marketing solutions. Pictured above: (left to right) Evan Barrett (Chief Business Officer from the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity), Sheli Jacoby (Loan Officer at Gateway Economic Development Corp.), Bryan & Ginger Knaff (owners of GingerBee Creative, Inc.), and Tony Preite (Department of Commerce Director).
2003 MicroBusiness of the Year
KEITH AND KIMBERLY DYKMAN, OWNERS OF D & J, INC., LOCATED IN HARRISON, MONTANA
Keith and Kimberly Dykman, owners of D & J, Inc. in Harrison, received the 2003 Montana Department of Commerce MicroBusiness of the Year Award. D & J, Inc. is a family-owned small business that began in 1974 as an automotive repair shop and gas station previously owned by Keith's father. Keith purchased the business in 1993 and over the years has transformed the business into a hardware store/gas station/grocery store. Located in Harrison, Montana, southeast of Bozeman, D & J, Inc. is the only source of gasoline in the Harrison/Pony area.
The Dykmans don't expect to get rich in this business, but they have found their niche by enjoying their quality of life, raising their family in a small town and giving back to their community anyway their business can. Known by the locals as the "Harrison Mini Mall", the Dykman's provide a service that goes beyond your basic customer service. They provide a delivery service for seniors and shut-ins and have opened their business after hours to help customers in emergency situations.
