Now that Karl Unterschuetz is on the job, rural Montana entrepreneurs looking for guidance can ramp up their unusual, creative business ideas.

“The good news is that we’re just now taking the five-year grant out to rural Montana to really foster the high-growth startup culture across Montana,” said Unterschuetz, who already has established connections in Missoula and smaller communities like White Sulphur Springs, Polson, Helmville, Harlowton and Lewistown.

A five-year, $730,000 grant will aid distressed rural and tribal communities and help them develop sustainable high-growth “entrepreneurial ecosystems,” according to the University of Montana Center for Rural Economic Development.

By Renata Birkenbuel