Governor Bullock Announces Funding for Main Street Businesses Across Montana

Press Release

Governor Steve Bullock today announced $548,344 in economic development grants to add 53 jobs in communities across Montana and help Main Street businesses plan for growth and expansion.

"Main Street businesses are the driving engine of Montana's strong economy, and these funds will help business owners and entrepreneurs expand their operations and plan for future growth," Governor Bullock said. "These projects are creating new job opportunities for hard-working Montanans and bringing increased economic prosperity to communities across the state."

The funds are being awarded through the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) program at the Department of Commerce, Office of Tourism and Business Development.

BSTF provides state funds to promote long-term stable economic growth in Montana through two categories: Job Creation and Planning. More information can be found at www.bstf.mt.gov.

Full List of Grant Recipients:

Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) -- Job Creation

Butte-Silver Bow County received $255,000 of BSTF Job Creation funds to assist Synesis 7 Corporation to expand, which will allow the company to create 34 new jobs within the first year in Silver Bow County. The BSTF funds will be used for purchase of equipment, software and wage reimbursement. Synesis 7, which is located in Butte, is a solutions integrator that helps its clients transfer and improve enterprise-wide operations, logistics and business processes through the way data, information knowledge and technology is brought together and used.
Missoula County received $142,500 of BSTF Job Creation funds to assist TOMIS, LLC to expand, which will allow the company to create 19 new jobs within the first year in Missoula County. The BSTF funds will be used for purchase of equipment, software, furnishings, lease rate reduction, construction materials and wage reimbursement. TOMIS, LLC, is a software development startup that provides digital marketing assistance for tour operators, businesses offering guided activities such as river rafting and fly fishing, and other outdoor recreation-based industries.

Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) -- Planning

Missoula Economic Partnership received $13,500 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Adelos, Inc. with a Phosonic manufacturing plan. The plan will help determine the best location and necessary details to manufacture a Phosonic product. Adelos is located in Missoula.
Prospera Business Network received $10,800 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Federation of Fly Fishers with video production plan and rebranding. Federation of Fly Fishers, which is based in Livingston, offers a variety of services and was established as a way to connect fly fisherman and fishing groups and support education and skills building and to grow the sport.
Headwaters RC&D Area, Inc. received $27,000 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Montana Craft Malt, LLP with a facility design and evaluation report. Montana Craft Malt, currently constructing in Butte, is Montana's first malting business that is catering to the needs of craft brewers.
Missoula Economic Partnership received $10,800 of BSTF Planning funds to assist The Montana Distillery, LLC with the completion of a sales and marketing strategic plan. The Montana Distillery, which is based in Missoula, has a distinctive distilling process and has made flavored vodkas the focus of its operations.
Montana Business Assistance Connection, Inc. received $15,550 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Montana Preservation Alliance, Inc. with the creation of a sustainable and replicable process for the long-term success of its newly created Historic Properties Redevelopment Program. Montana Preservation Alliance, based in Helena, is a grassroots advocacy organization that promotes historic preservation across the state.
Montana Business Assistance Connection, Inc. received $5,750 of BSTF Planning funds to assist On the Fly Brewery, LLC with building analysis of the Berg Mercantile Building. On the Fly Brewery is looking to establish a brewery in Townsend.
Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. received $18,900 of BSTF Planning Funds to assist Northern Plains Resource Council Inc. with a study that would focus on how to launch a food hub coop in Yellowstone County. Food hubs actively manage the aggregation, distribution and marketing of source-identified food products primarily from local and regional producers to strengthen their ability to satisfy wholesale, retail and institutional demands.
Montana Business Assistance Connection, Inc. received $2,000 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Red Ants Pants with website optimization plan. Red Ants Pants is located in White Sulphur Springs and has designed pants that are made in the United States for working women.
Snowy Mountain Development Corporation received $17,604 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Research Assistants, LLC with an architectural and engineering study for the Reid's Building on Main Street in Lewistown. Research Assistance, LLC has been purchasing and restoring historic structures in the Lewistown Business Historic District.
Headwaters RC&D Area, Inc. received $16,200 of BSTF Planning funds to assist The RL Winston Rod Co, Inc. with completion of a pre-production plan for a series of videos. Winston Fly Rod Co is located in Twin Bridges and is one of the world's premier fly rod manufactures, manufacturing both graphite and bamboo fly rods.
Montana Business Assistance Connection, Inc. received $5,750 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Tina and Jim Edelblut with the completion of a feasibility study for the redevelopment of the historic Masonic Lodge building in Townsend.
Prospera Business Network received $6,990 of BSTF Planning funds to help the Town of West Yellowstone conduct a report and site plan for 80 acres newly acquired by the town. The grant will allow for proper planning for the future needs of the Town of West Yellowstone that will provide for opportunities to strengthen the local economy.

More funding opportunities are still available. The deadline for submitting a Job Creation application is Aug. 27, and the deadline for submitting a Planning application is Oct. 9. For more information, contact Section Manager Annmarie Robinson at 406.841.2250.

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