Biz Briefs: Main Street Program; Commerce Awards

Montana Main Street coordinator visits Ronan

Mission West Community Development Partners in Ronan is hosting a site visit with Montana Main Street Program Coordinator Mickey Zurcher at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, in Mission West’s large conference room.

According to a press release from Mission West, this visit marks the first step in the organization’s transition into the role of Montana Main Street representative for Ronan. The Ronan Chamber of Commerce, which was integral in establishing Ronan as a Montana Main Street Community, is stepping down from that position.

“It's an exciting opportunity to connect, learn more about the program, and share ideas for the future of our downtown,” said Brittany Simonich, Mission West’s Community Development Coordinator.

During lunch, community stakeholders will discuss the following questions:

• What is the current state of downtown and your organization?

• What are you hearing from the community?

• How can we think bigger, be more strategic, and have more fun?

• How do we celebrate wins along the way?

Following lunch, participants will embark at 2 p.m. on a walking tour of Ronan’s Fourth Block and hear project updates.

For details on how to participate, call Simonich at 406-676-5919 or email [email protected].

Mission West receives Commerce grant

Mission West Community Development Partners in Ronan will receive $65,000 from the Montana Department of Commerce through the ORE Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant Program.  

Mission West is among 17 economic development organizations chosen to share more than $700,000 in grant funding. These organizations, which are actively engaged in economic development and business assistance in rural areas, will use the funds to purchase and install software and hardware, offer trainings and workshops, improve their websites and cover marketing costs.

According to Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio, “By strengthening our economic development organizations, we’re ensuring rural Montana has the capacity, expertise and momentum to turn opportunity into lasting impact.”

Lake County businesses receive Indian Equity grants

The Montana Department of Commerce has allocated $320,000 in grant funding to 26 Native American businesses, including three in Lake County. 

The funding is through Commerce’s Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant Program and may be used for a variety of business-related activities, including the purchase of new equipment, the development of a new product line or expanding Native American businesses in Montana.

IEF awards for individual businesses can be up to $14,000 with a minimum dollar-to-dollar cash or in-kind match. Among the Flathead Reservation recipients:

• Rollin Bean V2 in Polson will receive $13,000 to purchase espresso equipment, refrigeration and a generator.

• Shiny Suds Car Wash in Arlee will receive $14,000 to upgrade wash equipment, install modern payment systems and improve signage.

• Water People Tours in Ronan will receive $13,000 to upgrade tour boat equipment, safety gear and marketing/booking tools.