Prospera Celebrates 40 Years of Empowering Southwest Montana

Bozeman, MT – Prospera, a local non-profit and a cornerstone of business and community success is proudly celebrating its 40th Anniversary. Since its inception in 1985, Prospera has been a vital catalyst for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community vitality across Southwest Montana and beyond.

Over the past four decades, Prospera has empowered countless individuals and businesses to thrive in a competitive and fast-growing economy. The organization’s commitment to nurturing Montana’s entrepreneurial spirit has resulted in the creation of new jobs, the growth of local businesses, and the strengthening of the regional economy.

Prospera is home to four business development programs to serve Montana entrepreneurs and business owners including the Small Business Development Center, the Montana Women’s Business Center, the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Center, and the Prospera Loan Program.

“Prospera’s work is more crucial than ever because our economy is changing fast,” said Paul Reichert, Executive Director of Prospera. “Our mission is to help local businesses and communities find their pathway to success by being a navigator and problem solver, so we have thriving communities.”

Since 2015, Prospera has served 11,753 individual business clients, facilitated 267 new business starts, secured more than $100 million in new loans and local investments, and completed more than 35 community impact projects. These impressive milestones underscore the organization’s dedication to making a positive impact on the people and communities of southwest Montana.

Reichert added, “Prospera is a unique organization. We help people navigate their business and we support community impact projects that meet a local need. We were deeply involved in business recovery during COVID and the Yellowstone flood, and have also been involved in fiber optic projects, new master plans, and supported affordable housing efforts. Prospera is often working behind the scenes to get things done to help people and our community.”

To celebrate our 40th Anniversary, Prospera is launching the Prospera Legacy Fund, a fundraising campaign to support its work in helping people and their entrepreneurial spirit in Montana. Donations to the Legacy Fund will enable Prospera to sustain and expand its programs, serve rural communities, and provide the tools and resources businesses and communities need to thrive in a fast-changing economy.

Prospera’s impact extends beyond just business metrics. The organization has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for many business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, providing them with the guidance and resources needed to turn their dreams into reality.

Join us for Prospera’s 40th anniversary celebration being held on March 4th from 4 to 7 pm at its office at 865 Technology Blvd. in Bozeman. Please RSVP at prosperamt.org

For more information, please contact Prospera at 406-587-3113 or visit prosperamt.org.

Contact: Paul Reichert, Executive Director

[email protected]  P: (406) 587-3113