Introdution to inBusiness 4

Dear Readers:

In this our fourth issue of inBusiness, we dedicate our pages to small business, which in Montana covers nearly all business. However, Montana is not
the only state that is making the transition from larger industries Ð such as mining and forestry Ñ to small business. According to officials in the
Department of Commerce, that trend is moving across the nation, with more and more small business driving the economy.

People in southwest Montana who are looking to start a business, or those already in business looking toward expansion, have a multitude of
resources to help guide them through the process. They also have a plethora of options for financing, including many, many programs offered by
the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Starting with John Donovan, director of the Small Business Development Center in Butte, we will look at the business plan, which is essential if the
owner needs financing and experts consider a highly important part of starting a business. Robert J. DeDominic, a professor of business at Montana
Tech and a private business consultant, offers his thoughts on different aspects of running your business, from market research to turning the business
around during tough times. Dan Berube, former Montana Power Co. executive and current chairman of the Butte chapter of SCORE (Service Corps
of Retired Executives), explains about the volunteer organization and the kinds of help it offers businesses.

Our features this issue look at a variety of small businesses in southwest Montana, from a homegrown doll clothes business in Deer Lodge that has
taken off over the Internet to a women-owned construction company looking to take on $5 million in contracts this year.
On our pages you will also find charts, graphs, lists of resources and figures on small business in our region as well as the state.

We hope you find it informative and helpful.
If you have suggestions for stories, or thoughts on articles already published, please contact Heidi Wright at 496-5521 or Gerry OÕBrien at 496-5513.

Or e-mail to: [email protected].
Sincerely,
Heidi Wright
Publisher, The Montana Standard
and inBusiness