There’s Space for You to GROW

Rock31 was created to help startups thrive. Rock31 is the region’s next generation of entrepreneur and business-building strategies. We connect entrepreneurs to peers and mentors and offer informal encounters where these innovators, inventors, small-business owners and successful business leaders collaborate to make things happen.

Building Remarkable. Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) is a public-private partnership. The Big Sky Economic Development Authority (EDA), the public agency, evolved from the Montana TradePort Authority launched in 1989 by the Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners. Big Sky Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the private business side, was started in 2002. Over 145 of the county’s top businesses are member-investor partners in the EDC. Together, the organization’s 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.

If you are a transitioning or active duty service member, Veteran, national guard or reserve member, or military spouse aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner in Montana, Wyoming or Utah seeking to start, purchase, or grow your business, the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program is your one-stop shop and can assist you by providing transition assistance programs, business training and workshops, business tools and resource referrals, tailored business counseling and mentoring in-person and online. Funded in full by a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

The goal of the SBDC is to provide tools and guidance to help small businesses succeed. For an individual that is looking to start a new business or expand their existing business, the SBDC network is the best place to start. The SBDC network supports ten regional centers across the state, focusing on free one-on-one counseling and low cost training in areas such as financial analysis, business planning, strategic planning, loan packaging, financial projections and market research to help small businesses achieve their goals of growth, innovation and success. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Montana Department of Commerce.

Federal, state and local agencies need Montana businesses. Small businesses often have a competitive advantage. PTACs can show you how to pursue government contracts to diversify your customer base and grow your business. Dedicated to showing your company how to find, bid and win government contracts. Our team of specialists help make the contracting process clearer and easier so you can concentrate on pursuing opportunities. Montana PTAC is made possible by Big Sky Economic Development and its partner organizations across the state. This procurement technical assistance center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency.

Big Sky Finance is a statewide certified development company licensed by the SBA to administer the SBA 504 Loan program in Montana. The SBA 504 Loan program is designed to provide long-term, below-market, fixed asset financing to small, for-profit businesses. The SBA 504 Loan program represents permanent financing and is an economic development program utilizing job creation.