Montana Department of Commerce - Business Resources Division - Offering resources and tools aimed at improving, enhancing, and diversifying Montana's economic and business climate, delivering information, technical assistance, and financial resources to businesses & communities in Montana. Working with many valued partners, these efforts result in more robust business development and prosperity for our state.
Existing, start-up, and entrepreneurial businesses can find confidential free business counseling and low-cost training through a network of ten statewide Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offices located in local economic development organizations. Services include business plan development writing and market analysis, marketing, management, and financial analysis.
The Montana Technology Innovation Partnership (MTIP) promotes technology commercialization as a viable economic development strategy for the State of Montana. Its mission is to help build the short-term benefits of technology R&D into the long-term rewards of improved economic growth for businesses serious about moving technology to commercialization. The Primary Sector Workforce Training Grant (WTG) program and a wide variety of additional Business Finance Programs provide additional paths to growth.
Made in Montana is part of the Office of Trade & International Relations and includes Grown in Montana and Native American Made in Montana branding and services with the goal to build recognition for products that are "authentically" Montana.   The splendor of Montana is reflected in the products made and grown here from fine arts, crafts, foods, agricultural and wood products to tools, machinery, software, and high-tech materials.
CHECK OUT THE 100 FT PRODUCT SHOWCASE at  at Compete Smart!

JOBS for MONTANA'S GRADUATES (JMG) to undertake the mission of assisting students to stay in school, graduate and successfully transition from school into employment, post-secondary education, other training or the military.JMG is the program of choice for middle and high schools seeking to improve their students’ success in staying in school through graduation, having a meaningful career plan and becoming contributing members of the workforce and economy.

The Incumbent Worker Training program is a competitive grant program, that provides grant funding to help eligible Montana small businesses train their existing (incumbent) workers. It also helps preserve existing jobs for Montana residents. Training can be customized to meet specific needs. Training must be skill-based or result in a certificate or accreditation and improve productivity, efficiency, or wages in the worker's existing job. Learn more about qualifying business requirements, qualifying cost reimbursements, how to apply and other information at Incumbent Worker Training Program web page.

The Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) is a catalyst to grow Montana's economy through collaboration with our public and private partners for the benefit of all Montanans. The GOED team is working hard to achieve its goals through a number of initiatives such as the Main Street Montana Project. The Main Street Montana Project, led by some of Montana's most well respected business leaders, is seeking input from all corners of the state to develop a bottom-up self-sustaining economic blueprint to support the creation, recruitment, and retention of Montana jobs. 

Governor’s Office of Economic Development working in collaboration with Montana’s business community and other stakeholders through Main Street Montana Project. The goal is to promote and market opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to invest in Montana’s growing economy. 

  Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) & Big Sky Economic Development Corporation (EDC) -- Our mission is to sustain and grow Yellowstone County’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life, by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, retention, new business recruitment and community development. At BSED you will find a wide variety of partner services for Business Plan Consulting, Financial Analysis, Loan Packaging, Training, Funding, Marketing, Tax Incentives, Grant Seeking, Project Planning,Selling Your Goods and Services to the Government, & Manufacturing Expertise.

Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is just one of the services at Big Sky Economic Development. PTAC helps businesses understand how to tap into the profitable market of selling goods to federal, state and local governments. The counselors at PTAC help clients to learn the ins-and-outs of government contracting while learning to avoid potential pitfalls that plague many government contract holders. From understanding the market to the bidding process and how to conduct business online with government agencies, assistance is offered at no cost.

First Interstate Bank is a $7.6 billion community banking organization, operating 74 banking offices, along with online and mobile banking services, throughout Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota. First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. has been named one of the most trustworthy in America by Forbes Magazine for the third year in a row. As a recognized leader in community banking services, First Interstate remains a family business whose culture is driven by strong family and corporate values, as well as a commitment to exemplary customer service, exceeding customer expectations through its products and services and supporting, with leadership and resources, the communities we serve.

CHECK OUT THE 100 FT PRODUCT SHOWCASE at Compete Smart!

back to top 

BRONZE SPONSORS

AlphaGraphics--Bozeman. From hot lead to offset to multi-color offset to a full scale digital center with every type of possible print technology, you can count on AlphaGraphics Bozeman to stay on the edge of the newest technologies and capabilities to serve our customers. AlphaGraphics  has since grown into a global leader in print and marketing communications. Expert design and marketing services and have a vast array of solutions to meet business’ needs, AlphaGraphics drive results for businesses of all sizes using an individualized approach to planning, executing and tracking each client’s communications. From Simple Roots to a Global Leader.

 

 Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C. is a full-service accounting and business consulting firm offering audit and accounting, tax, litigation support, human resources, and technology consulting services to a broad spectrum of business and individual clients throughout the United States.  Anderson ZurMuehlen was established in 1957 and has offices in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Helena, Great Falls and Missoula, Montana.  The firm employs over 200 individuals, 40 of whom are shareholders.

Your Success is Our Business -- Since 1916, Associated Employers has been providing expert business
and human resource advice, support, information, education, consulting and training. Montana Chamber Choices recently partnered with and endorses the AE Group Benefit Plan & Trust coverage. Montana Safety Services Council is dedicated to the enhancement of the region’s safety culture through education and training programs. Our goal is to serve and assist business owners, contractors, labor, as well as the general public to advance and improve worker safety knowledge. We strive to reduce worker fatalities and injuries furthering reduction in worker’s compensation insurance costs and to enhance productivity.  

Cascadia Business Development is a strategic operation’s consulting firm committed to creating lean, conscious growth though operational excellence. Our specialty is in working with businesses that are experiencing growth challenges due to working with insufficient systems. Colleen Rudio recently formed Cascadia Business Development, LLC and launched StrongestLink™ software system. Combining over 50 years of business and software experience, Cascadia Business Development serves clients across the nation and is committed to delivering services and software that enhance an organization’s people, performance, and profitability.

VISIT BILLINGS.COM Billings – Montana’s TRAILHEAD -- Air service, lodging (4,200 sleeping rooms) and convention accommodations, including a 10,000 seat arena and proximity to natural wonders and historic sites, help make Billings a choice destination. Retail and corporate opportunities, attractions and amenities allow the tourism industry to be competitive regionally and nationally. Billings’ tourism partners invite visitors to enjoy the river to the Rimrocks and everything in between. Stop by the Visitor Center, 815 S. 27th St., or call 800.735.2635 and let us help you plan your stay in Billings and the surrounding area. Enlist the help of one of our knowledgeable volunteers, pick up a map, a phone book, and a variety of visitor guides and begin your trek through Billings, Montana’s Trailhead.

Blackfoot Telecommunications Group

Moss Adams provides accounting, tax, and consulting services to business owners and entrepreneurs. We can advise and assist with strategic and operational solutions to help manufacturers and distributors enable growth, profitability, and competitive advantage:

•       Tax credits and incentives

•       Business assurance audits and reviews

•       Growth strategy and revenue enhancement

•       IT system selection and consulting

Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) – providing electric and natural gas utility service and a wide range of other related products and services to the Northern Great Plains. MDU distributes natural gas and provides related value-added products and services. MDU also generates, transmits and distributes electricity and provides related value-added products and services. MDU has developed an Energy Center to provide customers with access to incentive plans and conservation tips for more efficient energy use.

                                             PacifiCAD is an Autodesk Authorized Value Added Reseller and Training Center that  provides manufacturing customers with industry leading 3D modeling CAD software, CAM solutions, support, implementation, data management, PLM solutions, IT services, training and certification. We have 25 years experience helping our manufacturing partners realize the full potential of their software investment with a full staff of technical professionals that are ready to help you at a moment’s notice.

 
Port of Montana -- Your one-stop source for transload shipping and intermodal logistics services through Montana by rail and truck. Whether an import, export, or domestic move, we can arrange the door-to-door delivery and advise you on documentation, loading configurations and equipment requirements, and any combination of carriers needed to ensure the most economical transit time.  We are strategically located at the only rail interline of the BNSF and Union Pacific Railroads in Montana, and the intersection of two major interstates: I-15 North-South and I-90 East-West. The Port’s Intermodal Hub is ideally positioned to serve all shippers through the Montana corridor.   Please Fill Out Our Survey During the Conference;Your Feedback is Appreciated!

Ryerson for more than 170 years -- Our business is built on metals, but it’s what we know
about it that sets us apart. We offer one of the industry’s largest metals inventories and the widest variety of processing and fabrication capabilities. Along with our size and scale, we have dedicated teams that specialize in a range of products, services and industries. These experts approach your challenges head-on, giving you insight and solutions that make life easier and business better. It’s a commitment that comes alive in every problem we solve—Put simply, we have the know-how to create meaningful value for the
people, industries and communities we serve. It enables us to go beyond the products
and services we offer and build a more resourceful and productive world.

Town Pump Inc.

IT'S A BIG WORLD -- LET US BRING IT CLOSER
Since 1976 Watkins & Shepard has been a pioneer in logistics planning, technology implementation and asset utilization that is the foundation of our business model today. From virtually anywhere in the world, our logistics team can bring you closer to your goals. Whether your needs include LTL freight management, distribution, consolidation or warehousing.