Frequently Asked Questions

Small to medium-sized businesses of all types, including startups and established businesses, are eligible. Specific eligibility may depend on the type of loan funding available.

Typical documents include a loan application, business plan, financial statements, and tax returns. A full checklist will be provided during the application process.

The review process usually takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the application and the completeness of the submitted documents.

Yes! We offer free business consulting, assistance with business plan development, financial planning, and workshops. These resources are designed to improve your eligibility or business management skills.

Absolutely! Our workshops are open to the public and are geared toward business owners and employees, whether or not you are applying for a loan.

They cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Business planning
• Marketing
• Microsoft Office Suite
• QuickBooks/accounting
• Financial management… and more! 

Yes. Mission West Community Development Partners manages multiple Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) that provide direct loans to borrowers and support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community-based projects across Lake, Sanders, and Mineral Counties.
Our loan funds are used to:
Provide direct financing to eligible businesses and projects

• Fill critical financing gaps when traditional bank funding alone isn’t sufficient
• Support startup, expansion, equipment purchases, real estate, and working capital
• Work alongside local banks and lenders to help projects move forward

Mission West loans are often paired with technical assistance, business planning support, and lender coordination to support long-term success.

These loan funds are designated for supporting tourism development and enhancement, the program will:

Create good-paying jobs for Montana residents
Promote long-term, stable economic growth in Montana’s tourism economy
Retain or expand existing tourism-related businesses
Provide a better life for future generations through greater economic growth and prosperity in Montana
Encourage workforce development in Montana’s tourism economy

For more information about any of the loans listed above, contact us at (406) 676-5901 or info@missionwestcdp.org.

Designed to provide flexible, low-cost financing to underserved communities, focusing on supporting:

Small businesses
Affordable housing
Community facilities
Other economic development initiatives

Managed by certified CDFIs, these funds aim to promote economic equity and opportunity by offering loans to individuals and businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing.

As loans are repaid, the funds are recycled into new loans, ensuring a sustainable and ongoing source of capital to address the specific needs of disadvantaged or low-income communities.

Designed to foster economic development and job creation in rural communities by providing low-interest loans to intermediaries, such as nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, or public agencies.

These intermediaries then re-lend the funds to small businesses, nonprofits, and other eligible entities to support projects that improve local economies.

The revolving nature of the fund ensures that as loans are repaid, the capital is reinvested into new loans, creating a sustainable funding source to address the ongoing needs of rural businesses and communities.

Designed to provide financial assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural areas.

It supports microenterprises (businesses with 10 or fewer full-time employees) by offering low-interest loans and technical assistance to help them start, expand, or sustain their operations.

These funds are typically managed by intermediary organizations, such as nonprofit organizations, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), or economic development entities, which use the revolving loan fund model—recycling loan repayments to fund new loans and ensure ongoing support for rural economic development.

Designated to support economic growth and job creation in Montana by providing flexible, low-interest loans to businesses and organizations.

Managed by local or regional development entities, this fund focuses on projects that:

Stimulate private investment
Enhance community infrastructure
Promote business expansion, particularly in underserved or economically distressed areas

Loan repayments are reinvested into the fund, creating a sustainable resource to support future development projects and strengthen Montana’s economy.

Designed to promote economic growth and resilience in communities by providing gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The RLF provides flexible, low-interest loans that complement traditional financing, and as loans are repaid, the funds are reinvested into new loans. This creates a sustainable mechanism for fostering ongoing economic development and addressing long-term community needs.

Managed by local or regional economic development organizations, the fund supports projects that:

• Create or retain jobs
• Stimulate private investment
• Enhance local economies, particularly in underserved or distressed areas 

The Montana Local Food Financing Partnership (MLFFP) is an initiative led by Mission West Community Development.

Supported by the Healthy Food Financing Initiative and administered in partnership with Hopa Mountain and the Montana Department of Agriculture, the MLFFP is dedicated to:

• Improving access to nutritious food in underserved communities
• Creating good quality jobs
• Revitalizing low-income areas across the state

Designed to support small businesses in Montana by providing access to affordable financing. It is part of a broader federal initiative aimed at strengthening small businesses and fostering economic growth.

Managed by the state or local intermediaries, this revolving loan fund provides loans to small businesses, particularly those unable to secure traditional financing.

The program focuses on helping businesses:

• Expand
• Create jobs
• Enhance economic development within Montana

Loan repayments are reinvested into the fund to ensure continuous support for future small business needs.

Mission West Community Development Partners is your trusted ally in driving economic growth, community resilience, and long-term prosperity across Lake, Sanders, and Mineral Counties, as well as the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Rooted in the heart of Western Montana, we are committed to improving the quality of life for all residents by supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and organizations through customized assistance and strategic collaboration. 
We believe vibrant communities thrive through innovation, teamwork, and a shared vision for success. We invite you to partner with us in building a stronger, more resilient region where people, place, and opportunity come together.

You are welcome to contact us at (406) 676-5901 or info@missionwestcdp.org.

With more than 25 years of dedicated service, we have delivered over 11,000 hours of consulting, supported 900 clients, and managed a loan portfolio exceeding $6 million. 
Our core programs include: 

• Business Development Center
• Food Enterprise Center
• Cooperative Development Center
• Community Development Center

Each offers a wide range of services, from business planning and financing to food processing, cooperative development, grant management, and regional economic strategy.

Yes! Our team offers support with financial analysis and projections as part of our business development services. We’ll work with you to develop realistic financial forecasts, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections.

We can. We provide expertise in securing financing, including loans, grants, and investment, to support your business expansion and operations. 

Our services are supported through a variety of grants which allow us to offer these services to you free of charge.

We assist with all aspects of business registration, including selecting the right legal structure (LLC, corporation, etc.), ensuring compliance with local regulations, and preparing the necessary documentation for a smooth registration process.

Absolutely. We can help you get insights into market opportunities, competition, and risks through tailored market research and feasibility studies to assess the viability of any new or existing business ideas.

We recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure availability. However, walk-ins are welcome during our office hours if staff is available.

Our services are supported through a variety of grants which allow us to offer these services to you free of charge.

Yes! We provide hands-on help with developing comprehensive business plans, including defining goals, market strategies, financial projections, and growth tactics to set your business up for success.

This includes:

• Business Plan Writing
• Business Technology
• Small Business Marketing Strategies
• Feasibility Studies
• Website Development
• Financial Projections
• AI/Chat GPT
• Budgeting
• Project and Service Development 
• Training in QuickBooks and Excel
• Effective management practices 

Employee recruitment, retention, compliance and organization development… and more!