Technical Assistance
The Montana Department of Commerce has severy programs that provide techinical assistance services to individuals and businesses:
Small Business Development Center
For an individual that is looking to start a new business or expand their existing business, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network is usually the best place to start. The SBDC also provides intensive business development programs and courses through Entrepreneur Montana. The entrepreneurs starting a business and the business owner growing and professionalizing his or her businesses find these programs very useful.
Small Business Innovation Research
Technical assistance is also provided in applying for federal research & development grants through the Montana Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
Montana Technology Innovation Partnership
The Montana Technology Innovation Partnership (MTIP) is a Montana Department of Commerce initiative created to promote technology commercialization as a viable economic development strategy for the State of Montana.
The Montana Indian Equity Fund is a program that focuses on developing the capacity of Indian organizations on the Reservations to mentor and support Indian business owners through classroom training, workshops, counseling and lending.
Trade & International Relations Bureau
For an individual or business interested in export trade, the Trade and International Relations Bureau is a good resource that can also connect you to many other resources in this category of assistance.
For those individuals or companies interested in using the Made in Montana logo for their product marketing, the Division maintains a contract with a Montana printer to provide those logos for qualifying Montana made products.
Export Montana, through the Office of Trade and International Relations, is committeed to helping Montana companies pursue commercial opportunities abroad.
Montana Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR)
The BEAR program pulls together local business and community leaders to form a volunter assessment team to address local needs. Local area businesses who request the free service are visited by interviewers from the Team to conduct on-site sureys of the issues and needs of their local business.
Certified Regional Development Corporations (CRDCs)
CRDCs are local development offices responsible for helping local officials, communities, and businesess assess, plan and facilitate action within their regions. There are 10 CRDCs in Montana.
State Tribal Economic Development Commission (STEDC)
The STEDC works with Native Americans to expand economic development opportunities on eah of the seven Indian reservations in partnership with tribal governments and the federal government.