| After several challenges including some changes in personnel, a little surgery, a lot of inquiries for technical assistance from budding cooperatives across Montana, and a pandemic the Montana Cooperative Development Center is excited to announce the launching of our MTCoop101.info online cooperative course and website. The Montana Cooperative Development Center, a non-profit, state-supported organization serving all 56 counties whose mission is to “To promote and develop cooperatives to meet the economic and community needs of rural Montana”. In this effort, we have created the MTCoop101 website and curriculm to reach more people about the Power of Cooperatives. |
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This site will be available free-of-charge to all Montana faculty and students interested in learning about the Cooperative Business Model as well as to our Cooperatives across the State, and the general public. We have recorded content presentations and have included some activities and custom-made videos of Montana cooperatives into a one-week, self-paced, online Montana Cooperatives 101 course. We even have “Co-op Fritz” on staff to answer any questions about cooperatives that you might have during your time in the course. A CHS Foundation contribution to the Montana Cooperative Development Center made it possible for MCDC to create the website, develop the content, and spread the word about the project. We are very grateful to CHS Foundation for their generous support and interest in education, and to the Montana Council of Cooperatives for their permission to use their video series. We have made the website as user friendly as possible and when first visiting the site you will find a simple registration. Once registered, you will be directed to the opening page with an instructional video from our Program Director Maryiln Besich to walk you through the site. We hope that this website is used by our Montana Cooperatives for membership and employee training and outreach. In addition, we have added a Resource Page to our website MCDC’s website to access other cooperative information. Please contact us if you have any problems accessing our sites or the content there. We have been working hard to fix any “bugs”, and we appreciate you alerting us to any issues you may encounter. Please feel free to contact us at (406) 727-1517. We hope that you will help us spread the word about the beauty of the Cooperative Business Model. Thank you, and we look forward to meeting you in MTCoop101.info! |
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A note from the Montana SBA Director Electric Cooperatives are now Eligible for Payroll Protection Program Please distribute information about the PPP to your membership. - The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses (and cooperatives) with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
- Fully Forgiven. Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll) in accordance with program requirements.
The Reason – We want to make sure Montana businesses understand: - They can still apply for PPP funding which may be forgivable. There is still over $100 billion available.
- Additional eligibility criteria and guidance. Since the initial Interim Final Rule was published, additional guidance has been published on a variety of topics, including but not limited to, additional eligibility clarifications, loan amount calculations, eased restrictions on gaming income, hospitals, independent contractors and sole proprietors, agriculture, seasonal employers, loan increases, electric cooperatives and many more.
- How they can apply. At an PPP participating SBA lender (at their bank).
So Far – As of May 8, 2020, over 21,500 Montana small businesses have been approved for PPP loans for over $1.7 billion. The Details – What is the PPP? Below are links to the SBA and Treasury websites with detailed PPP guidance/forms/etc. Also, below are key points on PPP program parameters from the initial borrower information sheet. Please feel welcome to share this email, the links below and attachment with anyone that may have interest. Questions – If you wish to apply for the PPP and/or have questions on the PPP program, we encourage you to contact your lender. Additionally, you are welcome to contact the Montana District Office staff at 406-441-1081 and we will be glad to assist. For More information please see our PPP Fact Sheet and our PPP Overview Document. Thank you, -Brent. Brent E. Donnelly District Director – Montana U.S. Small Business Administration 10 West 15th Street – 1100 Helena, MT 59626 Desk: 406-441-1083 Mobile: 406-439-7613 http://www.sba.gov |
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| Please share the webinar information your community leaders, area nonprofits, chambers etc. and help us reach the people who are interested in learning more. Stay Tuned the next webinar will be on the Montana Housing Coalition and how cooperatives in Montana are addressing housing shortages. |
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| Montana State University- Extension Survey Still Open |
| We want to know how COVID-19 is impacting the food habits and health of everyday Montanans. This survey is for everyone, no matter your situation. We are interested in learning about your experience with food during COVID-19. Please complete the survey at the following link: https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9pIBZMGUu3F3Xi5 [montana.qualtrics.com] Please SHARE this survey with others. We need as many Montanans to complete it as possible. By completing this online survey, you are eligible to win a $200 online VISA gift card. The winner will be selected randomly after the conclusion of all surveys and will be notified by e-mail or phone. |
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USDA Programs Are Announced |
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| - USDA is preparing to open the application period for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program HERE.
- USDA hosted Webinar for Producers interested in Applying for Direct Payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Watch the webinar HERE and for more information visit: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap
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Board Training Opportunities for Montana Cooperatives: Prior to COVID-19, MCDC/MCOC staff had begun the development of a Board Training Service for Montana Cooperatives. The staff is available to discuss your Cooperative Board’s (or staff’s) specific training needs and will work with you to design trainings that fit your Cooperative. There is a fee associated with MCDC’s training programs with discounted rates for the Montana Council of Cooperative members. MCDC can also help with development of strategic planning or connect your cooperative with other technical assistance providers across Montana and beyond. With travel still being limited we want to bring to your attention to free On-line Board Training Opportunities that you may find useful. Please remember when it comes to financial training that Montana has very specific Cooperative Laws and there are different Cooperative Chapters for Incorporation in Montana. We still believe these trainings below are valid and helpful but make sure you are working with your Cooperative CFO/Controller and Financial Advisors to understand Montana Cooperative Rules. |
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