Small Business Grants in Montana (MT)

Securing a small business grant in Montana involves identifying the right opportunities, understanding the eligibility criteria, and preparing a compelling application. Here are some of the most relevant grant opportunities for small businesses in Montana:

Indian Equity Fund (IEF) Small Business Grants

This program provides funding for Native American businesses in Montana. The grant amount for individual businesses can be up to $14,000. The funds can be used for various activities such as purchasing new equipment or expanding the business. The application period typically runs from September 1 to October.

Montana SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program

This program provides grants of up to $30,000 per phase on a yearly basis to assist technology-based Montana companies. The program aims to foster job creation and economic development. The funds can be used for feasibility research (Phase I) and to expand and develop Phase I results into commercially viable innovations (Phase II).

Amber Grants for Women

This program offers three Amber Grants of $10,000 each month to women-owned businesses. At the end of the year, one of the monthly winners is selected for an additional $25,000 grant.

Montana STEP Grant

This grant provides 50% reimbursement of international eCommerce and website fees, up to $10,000, and 50% reimbursement of international digital marketing expenses, up to $10,000. To be eligible, businesses must have been in operation for more than 1 year, meet the SBA’s definition of a small business, and market products that are of U.S. origin or have at least 51% U.S. content.

Big Sky Trust Fund Program (BSTF)

This program supports basic sector businesses with a grant up to $5,000 for each new full-time job and $2,500 for each new part-time job. The program also provides a matching grant up to $25,000 for planning activities that support business.

Growth Through Agriculture Program

This program works to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agricultural sector. Project funding up to $150,000, in the form of grant funding up to $50,000 and loan funding up to $100,000, are eligible.

Incumbent Worker Training Program

This program provides grant funding to help eligible Montana small businesses with training for their employees. The grant allows up to $2,000 per year per full-time employee, and up to $1,000 per year per permanent part-time employee.

CDBG Economic Development Program

This program can assist businesses by awarding grants to local governments and making fixed-rate financing available to those businesses at low interest rates.

Carefully review the eligibility criteria and application guidelines. Make sure to provide all required documentation and clearly articulate how the grant will help your business grow and contribute to Montana’s economy. It may also be beneficial to seek assistance from local business development centers or economic development agencies to strengthen your application. Join POTD to Explore more about other Small Business Grants like Small Business Grants in Oklahoma (OK) and Small Business Grants in Alabama (AL).