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2026 Code Girls United Virtual App Challenge (we need 54 judges! and your support) – 4/25 – Virtual
These girls are building real apps. Solving real problems. Thinking BIG. And over 350 MT girls are competing for scholarships that total over $17,500 each year. That’s right, you can support future innovators in our Minnow Tank environment. See them solve the problems they care about using technology! Please volunteer or Sponsor or both….
Request for Volunteers for the $50,000 2026 University of Montana Ruffatto Startup Challenge (Please Share!)
This year, we expect to receive 75-100 total submissions from student teams across the state. We would be absolutely thrilled if you might be able to serve as an evaluator, judge, and/or mentor for this upcoming 2026 competition.
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Prospera – Upcoming Virtual Trainings
Small business owners are constantly told to do more. More platforms. More posts. More tools. More trends. This seminar is about doing less, but doing it better. Smarter Marketing, Not More Marketing is a 90-minute,…
Montana PBS purchases three TV stations in eastern Montana, allowing residents access to free public television for first time
In October 2025, Montana PBS finalized purchase of KYUS-TV in Miles City, KXGN-TV in Glendive and K13IG-D (a translator relaying the KXGN signal) in Sidney. The PBS programming on the three stations went live in February.
Polson Chamber of Commerce to take action. – Polson businesses learn strategies to boost year-round revenue at prosperity conference
One key strategy discussed at the conference involves rethinking how customers find businesses online.
High Plains Financial
SBA 504 Loans offered statewide! Real estate and equipment, acquisitions, renovation, and new construction. Low, fixed-rates up to 25 years with as little as 10% down. Call Jolene at 406.750.4481 to discuss your project.
Don’t Miss February Events! Kalispell Chamber TODAY – Business Matters! Luncheon Tuesday, Feb 17th, 11:30-1:00
Business Matters! Luncheon Tuesday, Feb 17th, 11:30-1:00 Only a few seats remaining! Join us for the February Business Matters Luncheon focused on strengthening STEM education in the Flathead Valley. Hear from Kalispell Public Schools and the Kalispell Education Foundation on local classroom and career-pathway efforts.
Center for Digital Education – Montana High Schools, Colleges Prepare Students to Work with AI
High schoolers are learning about AI through peer-to-peer work and after-school programming like Code Girls United, and higher education institutions in Montana are prioritizing introductory lessons in AI for students.
Here’s How the AI Crash Happens – The U.S. is becoming an Nvidia-state.
For Montana, which has been actively recruiting data center development due to its cool climate, available land, and energy potential, this dynamic carries serious weight. A surge in AI driven construction could bring high paying tech jobs, new tax revenue, and infrastructure upgrades, but it could also strain local power grids, water supplies, and housing markets, especially in rural communities unaccustomed to large scale industrial expansion.
GFDA Top Ten for 2-16-26
We announced formation of the new regional defense advocacy effort, the Central Montana Defense Coalition.
Governor’s Energy Task Force to host public open houses in Butte 2/25, Miles City 3/25 and Colstrip 4/15
According to the governor’s office, the open house format will allow attendees to speak directly with task force members, ask questions and provide feedback on energy-related topics. There will be no formal presentations. Staff from state agencies will be available to discuss their regulatory roles tied to energy development.
Prospera Business Network – Where ideas and opportunities connect.
Prospera helps businesses and communities find their pathway to success, acting as the navigator, problem solver and catalyst for a strong Montana economy.
Bear Paw Development Annual Meeting Hosts Marta Bertoglio, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce – 2/26 – Havre
“As we recognize and celebrate Bear Paw Development’s economic and community development work over the past year, including through the release of our Annual Report for 2025, we are very pleased that Montana Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio will be joining us to discuss the State of Montana’s efforts to enhance the economic competitiveness of rural Montana and the solid partnership that exists between state government and regional economic development organizations such as Bear Paw Development,” said Paul Tuss, Executive Director.
11 Of The Best Affordable Towns To Retire In Montana + 10 Where You can Live on $1200 a Month
Montana is as rugged as it gets. It’s 147,000 square miles and includes landmarks such as Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and Flathead Lake. The views are spectacular, and the weather can be tough, especially during the winter. But for retirees looking to spend their golden years among the wilderness with all the scenic beauty the state can offer, Montana never falls short.
Spring enrollment rates show consistent growth for University of Montana
This spring marks the 11th consecutive semester of enrollment growth at UM, holding 11,064 enrolled students, including online, Missoula and Bitterroot College students.
Glacier National Park superintendent reiterates that there will be no Sun Road reservations this year
The problem was that many people were already accessing the park outside the reservation system. They had various reservations already, whether it was campgrounds, hotels, boat tours, etc., or they were coming in early (before 7 a.m.) before park staff were there to enforce a reservation system.
Prospera Business Network – Where ideas and opportunities connect.
Prospera helps businesses and communities find their pathway to success, acting as the navigator, problem solver and catalyst for a strong Montana economy.
Farmers (and Ranchers) are aging. Their kids don’t want to be in the family business. The American Prairie Reserve Is an Option in Northern Montana
For Montanan farmers and ranchers North of Fort Peck Lake, the implications extend beyond tradition and heritage to economic viability, recreational opportunities, public health, and community stability. Aging farming and ranchers with fewer successors could drive more land into consolidation under large agribusinesses, or, even worse, ownership by rich out of state entities that then close the properties to hunting and recreation in favor of “hobby ranches and private hunting reserves. The American Prairie is an excellent alternative.
NorthWestern Energy to provide free impact studies for up to 100 projects within our service area in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.
NorthWestern Energy will provide the grants valued at approximately $1,500 each to fund eligible studies that are conducted by Circle Analytics.
Aquaponics in Action at Swanky Roots in Billings Brings Fresh Greens to Montana in Winter
By producing food locally, Swanky Roots keeps dollars circulating within the Montana economy, supports local jobs in aquaponic farming, and reduces transportation and water costs associated with conventional agriculture.
As Maintenance Backlog Burdens Northwest Montana’s Public Land Managers, USFS Lays Plans to Hire Seasonal Workers
Historic workforce vacancies, hiring freezes and budget cuts continue to have a negative impact on trails and public access. On Friday, months after seasonal hiring typically begins, national forest officials opened applications for the upcoming…
Montana Career Opportunity – Account Director – commonFont
The Account Director is responsible for driving net-new revenue growth within an assigned region or vertical. This role blends direct sales execution with partner alignment, pipeline development, and disciplined prospecting. Account Directors own the full…
MTIP
Montana Technology Innovation Partnership (MTIP)- Promoting Technology Commercialization in the State of Montana.
How federal micromanagement by its “Leaders” is undermining Montana’s prairie revival by The American Prairie Reserve
It’s time to let the buffalo roam—and stop letting bureaucracy stand in the way.
The Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (WIEC) at the Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, Montana
We help entrepreneurs and innovators succeed in Northwest Montana.
The American made hemp shirt experiment starts in Fort Benton, Montana with IND Hemp and Smith & Rogue
For the Montana economy, projects like this signal long term potential for agricultural based manufacturing growth, strengthening supply chains, encouraging entrepreneurship, and building resilience in communities such as Fort Benton that depend on steady economic opportunity.
Growing evidence points to link between autism and wildfire smoke
Two major studies have identified an alarming connection between exposure to wildfire smoke during pregnancy and higher rates of autism diagnoses in young children, a finding that carries serious implications for Montana where significant forest fires blanket communities in smoke almost every year.
Three donations totaling $3.5 million expand trades education at the Flathead Valley Community College Trades Institute
The gifts — $3 million from Gil and Joyce Lynch, $400,000 from Bill and Sue Schottelkorb, and $100,000 from Mike Kartsonis — will fund the first phase of facility expansion and renovations, as well as student scholarships in the trades.
Missoula’s Targeted Economic Development District Workforce Housing Program Guidelines
The purpose of Missoula County’s Targeted Economic Development Districts (TEDDs) is to use tax increment financing (TIF) to build public infrastructure that encourages economic development within the boundaries of those districts (e.g., industry, manufacturing, tourism, recreation, etc.).
MTIP
Montana Technology Innovation Partnership (MTIP)- Promoting Technology Commercialization in the State of Montana.
Historic Izaak Walton Inn Near Montana’s Glacier National Park to Close Due to LOGE Bankruptcy
Its closure threatens reduced visitor spending, fewer employment opportunities, and added strain on small businesses already navigating seasonal fluctuations. At a time when Glacier National Park remains a cornerstone of the Montana economy, the loss of a historic, year round lodging hub underscores how financial instability at a single property can reverberate across regional tourism networks and impact the state’s broader economic health.
Data centers and Montana’s energy future – Northwestern Energy
Data centers bring new jobs, tax revenue and long-term investment to towns and cities.
Nominations are now open for the Fire Within 2026!
We are looking for women who:
Have started or purchased and are running a business in North Central Montana.
Have been in business over one year.
Who are impacting our region with their goods and services.
Submitting is easy. We want their name, business name, email, phone, and for you to tell us why you believe they should receive the Fire Within Award. You can nominate yourself! All submissions must be made prior to March 31.
Montana Department of Commerce Weekly Roundup – Volume 3, Issue 6
The Weekly Roundup is a summary of events, news and information important to Commerce’s constituents this week. Click on any topic for more information.
Great Falls Development Alliance
Great Falls trade area. Competitive for food, ag, bioprocessing, energy, and support. Closest U.S. metro area to Calgary. Untame Your Entrepreneurial Spirit! Aggressive, award-winning economic development support for business attraction, expansion and retention through financing…
Awesome job openings we have here at Northwestern Energy! They might be a great fit for you.
You’ve Got Jobs! Check Them Out Below: Ground Worker Electric Northwestern Energy – Helena Read the full job description: CLICK HERE! Journeyman Lineman Northwestern Energy – West Yellowstone Read the full job description: CLICK HERE! Ground Worker…
Montana State announces record spring enrollment of 16,373 students
“Montana State’s a special place for a lot of reasons, and the biggest reason of all is our students,” said MSU President Brock Tessman. “They have chosen MSU, and in return everyone at MSU is proud to do everything we can to help our students achieve their educational and career goals.”