Two Montana groups awarded federal grants for economic development

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced Friday the selection of 51 grant recipients to receive more than $6.1 million in rural
business opportunity grant funds to assist with economic development in rural areas.

From Tribune reports

Veneman pointed out that more than 588 businesses will benefit from the grant funds, which will create or save at least 975 jobs. USDA’s
Rural Development Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) and Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) programs will provide the
grants.

Two Montana organizations were awarded grants totaling $63,260.

Four Times Foundation, Inc., Blackfeet and Northern Cheyenne Reservations will receive a $42,260 grant to provide technical assistance
to Native American business entrepreneurs.

The technical assistance will assist startup and existing small business entrepreneurs in the areas of establishing and improving financial
record systems, creating and implementing marketing strategies, increasing revenue, building revenue generating assists and leveraging
financing. Six businesses will receive assistance.

Ktunaxa Community Development Corporation in Lake County will receive a $21,000 grant. The funds will be used for five members of the
Flathead Indian Reservation to attend the Rural Development Leadership Institute at the University of California in Davis.

The courses will provide community based development training in the areas of business plan development, research and project
identification.

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