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University of Montana Launches Workshop and Coworking Space in Downtown Missoula to Boost Startups
The VBX Entrepreneurship Workshop Series offers mentorship and practical training to local entrepreneurs. A new downtown coworking space provides a hub for startups to collaborate and grow.
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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and PNWER to Host 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena
Transportation, business, government, Tribal, and community leaders from across the United States and Canada will gather in Helena August 25–27 for the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit. Registration is now open.
2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit and BSPRA Annual Conference August 25-27 Helena, MT
Taking place August 25–27, 2026, in Helena, Montana, this three-day event will feature timely discussions on the future of passenger and freight rail throughout Montana and the region. Attendees will explore how strategic rail investments can strengthen commerce, expand mobility, create jobs, support tourism, and better connect communities across the Greater Northwest.
Does Your Organization Have Leaders Who are Good Story Tellers? – Leaders Must Embrace Authentic Engagement to Build Trust and Credibility
Senior leaders are moving away from polished messages toward authentic, consistent engagement. This shift helps leaders connect meaningfully and maintain trust in today’s digital and dispersed environments.
Trump budget slashes passenger rail funding by 82% . ‘A dramatic step backward’
The White House’s proposed FY2027 budget makes drastic cuts to public transit and eliminates high-speed rail funding altogether.
New Amtrak trains coming soon to Pacific Northwest
“We considered what we could do, but I think it’s really important to make sure that the trainset is really fit and ready for service, and that the crews are ready to operate it,” Mason said. “That’s why we are recognizing that it’s not going to be here for the World Cup.”
Montana Department of Commerce Quarterly Newsletter: Q1, 2026
Welcome to the “Commerce Quarterly,” a newsletter designed to provide constituents and stakeholders with long-form updates on the Montana Department of Commerce’s success stories, as well as innovative opportunities to engage with the department and participate in building the future of Montana’s economy. This newsletter is delivered four times per year covering a variety of topics to showcase the many ways Commerce is working with businesses and community leaders across the state.
University of Montana College of Business
Make Your Future in the College of Business The College of Business at the University of Montana is a special place focused on making students feel engaged, supported and connected. Students receive access to opportunities…
Montana passenger rail advocates mark progress toward restored service – The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority
Dave Strohmaier, a Missoula County commissioner and chair of the rail authority, said new legislation introduced by Sen. Tim Sheehy and efforts in Congress to reauthorize the Surface Transportation Bill could also play a significant role in the route’s return to Montana’s largest cities.
Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Strengthen and Restore the Nation’s Long-Distance Passenger Rail Network.
The bill clarifies that a non-federal match is not required for long-distance corridors participating in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program.
Hi-Line Community Engagement Report Highlights Strong Regional Support for Restoring Passenger Rail
A new Hi-Line Community Engagement Report highlights strong public interest in restoring passenger rail service across northern Montana and reconnecting communities to the national passenger rail network.
Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Strengthen and Restore the Nation’s Long-Distance Passenger Rail Network
A bipartisan Senate bill introduced by Senators Tim Sheehy and Jeff Merkley would remove a major funding barrier for long-distance passenger rail corridors, potentially accelerating efforts to restore passenger rail service across the Northern Plains
The age of AI co-workers in Montana
Just as our timber, software, and manufacturing sectors have embraced new tools to stay competitive, every Montana business can begin integrating AI in small, practical ways. The companies that succeed won’t be the ones with the most algorithms, they’ll be the ones that pair these tools with the talent, grit, and problem-solving instincts Montanans are known for.
The Leading Edge, February 2026 Leadership Montana – LAST CHANCE TO APPLY! Flagship Class of 2027 Applications Close February 28th
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY! Flagship Class of 2027 Applications Close February 28th
Time is almost up to share the magic of Leadership Montana. Flagship applications close February 28th, and this is the final opportunity to help us build another exceptional class.
ADROIT Employer Resources
ADROIT Employer Resources is a Montana-based workforce and talent solutions partner that helps employers solve complex hiring challenges through recruiting, workforce strategy, and employment consulting. We specialize in supporting organizations including deep tech, advanced technology,…
The Montana Department of Commerce has launched the 2026 grant cycle of the newly created Rural Tourism Asset Grant.
This grant is open to rural, local and Tribal governments; economic development organizations and nonprofits in good standing. The TAG Program is accepting applications March 2-26, 2026. A 10% match is required.
What is the REAL Co-Lab at the University of Montana?
The Rural Entrepreneurship and Leadership Co-Lab (REAL Co-Lab), is an initiative of the University of Montana. We are committed to better understanding and supporting the unique challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs, leaders, and their communities nationwide. Our mission is to deliver actionable insights through studies, experiments, and pilot programs to support U.S. rural economies.
Leadership Montana Flagship Class of 2027 – Applications are OPEN – Deadline: February 28, 2026
We are a collaboration of leaders from business, labor, healthcare, education, nonprofit, and government coming together to form a strong partnership for the betterment of our state. Leadership Montana offers participants a program that strengthens leadership skills while fostering personal growth and reflection. Participants gain a deeper awareness of issues affecting Montana all while building powerful and personal connections with their classmates and network of committed alumni.
ADROIT Employer Resources
ADROIT Employer Resources is a Montana-based workforce and talent solutions partner that helps employers solve complex hiring challenges through recruiting, workforce strategy, and employment consulting. We specialize in supporting organizations including deep tech, advanced technology,…
Why the First 3 Months of 2026 Will Decide the Future of US Passenger Rail
Three events likely to occur in the first 90 days of the year will have major impacts on U.S. train travel.
We’d appreciate it if you would consider becoming a MATR Sponsor, Supporter or Donor.
Thank you for your interest in helping MATR continue it’s mission! MATR is supported solely by individual donors and companies and organizations that advertise on the site. We welcome your participation if you believe, with us, that Montana is an enviable place to live and work.
The 51st Annual Montana Economic Outlook Seminar Coming to 9 Cities January – March 2026
Sales Tax in Montana. Is It Time?
The Montana DoC Destination Event Grant Program application cycle will close Dec. 18.
The purpose of the Destination Event Grant Program is to assist Montana’s communities with destination events and new events that will increase tourism, including regional, national and international visitors; promote Montana’s unique attributes and generate additional community revenue.
Climatewire highlights Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s bipartisan momentum
POLITICO’s Climatewire spotlights the bipartisan durability of intercity passenger rail and names BSPRA’s Big Sky North Coast Corridor as a leading Corridor ID project.
Passenger rail is having a moment—and Montana is squarely in the frame.
Subscribe to the MATR Newsletter. It’s Free
The Montana Associated Technology Roundtable (MATR) is dedicated to fostering economic growth and innovation in Montana and the Inland Northwest Region. Our mission is to provide valuable information, events, and career opportunities to entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals, while showcasing Montana’s potential to the world.
Great Falls Development Alliance
“Anything Business – Think GFDA. The Great Falls trade area offers a strategic location, competitive operating costs, and strong industry advantages in food and agriculture, value-added processing, bioprocessing, energy, and advanced support services. As the…
Voices of Montana Tourism Newsletter
The fall is a time when the travel and tourism industry invites partners together and network to share best practices as we support everyone’s success.
Is U.S. Passenger Rail Having a Big Moment?
We brought in an expert to unpack some of the biggest rail headlines of the day — and a few you might have missed.
Opinion: Ohio is the Poster Child for Why We Need a Stronger Federal Approach to Passenger Rail
Ohio’s reluctance to build new passenger rail has made them a bottleneck in the national network, and an emblem of bigger national problem.
Great Falls Development Alliance
“Anything Business – Think GFDA. The Great Falls trade area offers a strategic location, competitive operating costs, and strong industry advantages in food and agriculture, value-added processing, bioprocessing, energy, and advanced support services. As the…
City of Belgrade Joins Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s Government Partners Program
The City of Belgrade has joined the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s Government Partners Program, becoming the latest Montana community to help lead the push to restore long-distance passenger rail service across the Northern Rockies and Plains.
A Montana Giant Has Passed – John Patrick “Pat” Williams October 30, 1937 – June 25, 2025
May his life inspire us to work for the public good, take care of each other and remember we have much more in common than that which divides us.
Prospera Business Network
Prospera Business Network is the lead non-profit organization advancing and supporting community-centered economic development in southwest Montana. Our focus is helping people start and grow their business – in turn strengthening our region’s economy and…
ND Legislature allocates $150,000 for passenger rail service project
Sen. Terry Wanzek, R-Jamestown, said allocating the $150,000 to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority gives the state the ability to participate in the planning of the passenger rail route.