Governor Bullock Announces Funding to Grow Businesses, Create 310 New Jobs across Montana

Helena, MT – Governor Steve Bullock today announced $266,800 in grants to help businesses in six Montana communities, supporting the creation of 310 new jobs for hard-working Montanans and help Main Street Montana businesses plan for future growth.

"Montana’s economy is poised for growth and we are seeing great opportunities for businesses to grow and expand all across the state," said Governor Bullock. "Continued investment in our state’s economy helps businesses in communities all across Montana create more jobs, train new employees, and create economic prosperity under the Big Sky."

The funds are being awarded through the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) program.

Full List of Grant Recipients:

Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) – Job Creation and Planning Grants

The BSTF program provides state funds to promote long-term stable economic growth in Montana. More information can be found at http://www.bstf.mt.gov.

· The City of Great Falls received $120,000 of BSTF Job Creation funds to assist First Call Resolution, LLC to expand to Montana and create 300 new jobs in Cascade County. The BSTF funds will be used for reimbursement of equipment, construction materials and furniture. First Call Resolution, LLC, which will be located in Great Falls, is a provider of outsourced live agent contact center and businesses process solutions to various sectors of the new economy, including high tech, startup, mobile commerce, wireless, telecom, finance and insurance.

· Lincoln County Port Authority received $75,000 of BSTF Job Creation funds to assist Invizon, LLC to expand to Montana and create 10 new jobs in Lincoln County. The BSTF funds will be used for reimbursement of equipment, software/broadband, lease rate reduction and wages. Invizon, LLC, which will be located in Libby, is a full-service professional provider of software development services and cost-effective web-based solutions.

· Southeastern Montana Development Corporation received $4,300 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Fox Lumber Sales, Inc. with an equipment assessment of two drying kilns. The determination will be made as to whether the kilns, currently owned by the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, are repairable. The kilns will allow the company to expand its market, thus creating additional jobs. Fox Lumber Sales, Inc., which has an office in Ashland, manufactures and sells lumber products.

· BitterRoot Economic Development District, Inc. received $27,000 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Tru-Home Montana, LLC with the creation of a strategic business development plan. Tru-Home Montana, LLC, which is proposing to be located in Bonner, is a business start-up that will construct pre-built housing using sustainable methods and locally sourced materials.

· Montana Business Assistance Connection received $27,000 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Townsend Health Systems, dba Broadwater Health Center, with a campus master plan. Broadwater Health Center, which is located in Townsend, is a nonprofit, rural hospital that provides full services, including a wellness clinic and assisted living center.

· Snowy Mountain Development Corporation received $13,500 of BSTF Planning Funds to assist Friends of the Historic Adams Hotel with an architectural report to determine the current conditions of the building and if restoration is feasible. The Adams Hotel, which is located in Lavina, was built in 1908 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

More funding opportunities are still available. The deadline for submitting an application for consideration at the next Grant/Loan Review Committee meeting is Dec. 28. For more information, contact Section Manager Annmarie Robinson by phone at 406.841.2250 or by visiting http://www.bstf.mt.gov.

The Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development markets Montana’s spectacular unspoiled nature, vibrant and charming small towns, breathtaking experiences, relaxing hospitality, and competitive business climate to promote the state as a place to visit and do business.