Prospera’s Top 10 of the Week

Prospera’s Top 10

We are here to help you and your business!

Here is our Top 10 for this week celebrating southwest Montana’s economy. Our goal is share business resources and skill-building opportunities to empower your business.

1) 2023 USDA Value-Added Producer Grant now open!

This program helps independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer businesses to start or expand processing operations or marketing of processed ag products. Applications are due May 11. Check out the 2022 Award winners – many which we helped in the southwest MT region. Reach out to Suzi at [email protected] for details.

2) Supporting Local Businesses

Read how Prospera helped Genuine Ice Cream reopen expand with grant money.

3) Investing in Montana Conference

Raising Capital & Finding Investment Opportunities Event Coming to Bozeman on June 27

There are a number of investment options in Montana. Most require some form of filing with a governmental entity. Join the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance to learn more about investment opportunities in our great state, from angel funds and public companies. You will hear first-hand success stories from Montana companies and develop an understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding capital formation. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and start growing your business and investing the right way. Open to the Public. Reserve your ticket here.

4) Prospera’s Economic Profile Now Available!

The Economic Profile of Gallatin and Park Counties is a comprehensive description of the regional economy. It emphasizes economic, population and demographic trends; area cost of living and employment dynamics; and major industry sector data. Feel free to share and add to your website! Download your copy today or view online.

5) Women’s Business Center Grant Finalists

Each year Prospera designates funds raised from the Prosperity Party fundraiser each September to the MT Women’s Business Center Impact Grant to benefit four business owners in the state with a $3,000 or $6,000 grant. We had more than 140 applications – thank you to all who took the time to apply. Watch the finalists at the pitch contest on Thursday, April 13th. Open to the public. Register here.

And the finalists are…

6) Scaling Up: Entering the Wholesale Market Workshop

April 6 from 12-2:30pm at Prospera

Panel includes:

Aaron Parker – Owner of Jam!, Revelry Plates & Pours, and Dave’s Sushi

Mitch Bradley – Former owner of Heebs Fresh Market

Randy Lindberg – Owner of Quality Foods Distributing

Is your farm or food business ready to explore new wholesale markets? This training will offer strategies and skill-building for successfully entering wholesale markets such as grocery stores, food hubs, and institutions. Topics will include identifying consumer trends, choosing and evaluating market channels, and building relationships with buyers. Open to the Public. Register here. Presented by Stockman Bank.

7) HB212 Business Equipment Tax Exemption Signed Into Law

HB212 exempts businesses from paying the state’s business equipment tax on equipment valued up to $1 million. (The current exemption is at $300,000.) Read more here.

8) Women Owned Business Tour at Spruce Design Cooperative

April 4th from 12-1pm at Spruce Design

Open to men and women! Join us for networking and hearing more from the Owners of Spruce Design about the Co-Op model and how they started and grew their business. This event is open to the public! RSVP here.

9) Business Management Workshop

May 15 from 9am – 3pm (includes lunch) at Prospera

Are you growth oriented? Want to learn how to grow your company using systems and tools? You and your team should join us at the EOS Overview and Implementation Workshop! The Entrepreneurial Operating System, or EOS®, is a set of concepts and tools that comprises a complete business management system that empowers entrepreneurs to reach their business goals and improve the lives of every individual the business affects. Open to the Public! RSVP here.

10) Top 10 Business Law Headaches + How to Avoid Them

April 20 from 1-3:30pm in Big Sky or on Zoom

With Kelley Lewis of KLH Advisors – Attorney at Law

Best deal around! $25 Training! Learn from a business attorney about Business Formation, Trademarks, Formation Documents (Operating Agreements, Bylaws, Shareholder Agreement, etc.), Insurance, and Employees. Open to the Public. RSVP here.

We have more grants and loan options too! Please note, most grant opportunities start once you have been in business for more than a year and have a proven, successful business!

Scan our annual training calendar to explore all of the ongoing education events offered by Prospera, month by month. We have so many no trainings coming up!

Do you want discounts on trainings and be a part of our business community?

Did you know Prospera offers almost 800 online classes?

Our Ed2go classes are affordable, convenient, and geared just for you. Some of our top classes include Accounting Fundamentals, A to Z Grant Writing, Real Estate Investing, Effective Business Writing, and many more! We also offer certifications as well!

Questions about our trainings and programs?

Connect with Suzi Berget White

Director of Business Development