The Montana Department of Commerce announced that 17 economic development organizations across the state will share more than $700,000 through the ORE Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant Program.
The funding is aimed at helping local and regional economic development groups expand their ability to serve rural businesses and communities. Grant dollars will be used for software and hardware upgrades, staff training, workshops, website improvements and marketing efforts.
State officials said the program is designed to strengthen the organizations that play a key role in business assistance and economic development in rural Montana. The grants are intended to improve local capacity to reach underserved businesses, support loan applications and provide technical assistance tied to long-term economic growth.
Among the larger awards, Bear Paw Development Corporation in Havre will receive $62,380 for technology upgrades, equipment purchases and staff training, while Great Falls Development Authority will receive $65,000 for rural business marketing, destination workshops and economic development events. Great Northern Development Corporation in Wolf Point, Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development in Butte, Mission West Community Development Partners in Ronan and Snowy Mountain Development Corporation in Lewistown will also each receive $65,000.
Other recipients include Beartooth Resource Conservation and Development in Joliet, Big Sky Economic Development in Billings, Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation in Baker, HWY 10 Synergies in Miles City, Montana Business Assistance Connection in Helena, Montana Cooperative Development Center in Great Falls, Montana West Economic Development in Kalispell, Ravalli County Economic Development Authority in Hamilton, Sanders County Community Development Corporation in Thompson Falls, Southeastern Montana Development Corporation in Colstrip and Sweetgrass Development in Great Falls.
The grants reflect a continued focus on building the infrastructure and expertise of the economic development groups that often serve as the first point of contact for rural entrepreneurs, small businesses and local community leaders.
Commerce officials said the ORE EDO Capacity Building Grant Program is intended to ensure rural economic development organizations have the tools and training needed to help convert business opportunities into lasting economic gains in their regions.