Resources

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.

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.

Our team offers expert guidance in reviewing financial statements, cash flow analysis, and creating future financial projections to guide business decisions and secure funding.

Get insights into market opportunities, competition, and risks through tailored market research and feasibility studies to assess the viability of new or existing business ideas.

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, and 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, and enhance economic development within Montana. Loan repayments are reinvested into the fund to ensure continuous support for future small business needs.

Designed to promote economic growth and resilience in communities by providing gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Managed by local or regional economic development organizations, the fund supports projects that create or retain jobs, stimulate private investment, and enhance local economies, particularly in underserved or distressed areas. 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.

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, and 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.

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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.

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 flexible, low-cost financing to underserved communities, focusing on supporting small businesses, affordable housing, community facilities, and 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.

These loan funds are designated for supporting tourism development and enhancement, the program will: (a) create good-paying jobs for Montana residents; (b) promote long-term, stable economic growth in Montana’s tourism economy; (c) retain or expand existing tourism-related businesses; (d) provide a better life for future generations through greater economic growth and prosperity in Montana; and (e) encourage workforce development in Montana’s tourism economy.

Assist clients in creating comprehensive business plans that include market analysis, marketing strategy, and operational planning.

If you have other important business-related skills not represented on this list, we would love to hear from you as well.

Offer insights into effective management practices, including leadership, organizational structure, and operational efficiency.

Provide expertise in securing financing, including loans, grants, and investment, to support business expansion and operations. 

Help clients create and manage budgets that align with their business goals and ensure financial stability. 

Assist businesses in designing and developing new products and services that meet market demands and drive growth.

Advise on selecting and implementing the right technology tools and systems to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and support growth.

Provide guidance on integrating AI and Chat GPT into business operations to improve efficiency, customer service, and decision-making processes.

Help businesses develop realistic financial forecasts, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections. 

Guide businesses in crafting effective marketing plans, including digital marketing, social media strategies, and brand development. 

Support small businesses in building and maintaining websites that are user-friendly, visually appealing, and optimized for search engines.

Provide training and support in QuickBooks for bookkeeping, payroll, and financial reporting.

Offer expertise in Excel for budgeting, financial analysis, and data management.

Advise on HR best practices, including employee recruitment, retention, compliance, and organizational development.

A: 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. 

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

A: 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.

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

A: 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.

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

A: Yes! Our team offers support with financial analysis and projections as part of our business development services.

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