Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana

This week, the organization is having its inaugural meetup for its newest chapter, here in Bozeman.

The goal of
Montana Teenpreneur Challenge
is to shine a spotlight on Montana’s promising
high school entrepreneurs, to reward their innovative spirit and to accelerate their business know
–
how.

We provide the necessary tools and support to help women establish, grow and sustain businesses throughout the state of Montana.

The project will send 23 UM undergraduate or graduate students and two supervisors to Japan for a weeklong guided business, culture and policy exchange program managed by the Japan International Cooperation Center.

"You don’t have to be a business major to have a great idea," he said. "That’s all it takes, one great idea. Making (it) into a reality is just details after that, but that’s why the Blackstone LaunchPad is here."

Those organizations selected to receive the funding will provide training, mentoring and SBA resource navigation to veterans, active duty service members, Reserve, National Guard and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.

"You get out what you put into it," he said. "You still have to work hard. But they will recognize you are dedicated if you meet them halfway."

The collaborations also get at a critical aspect of female entrepreneurship: The idea that women in business often devalue their work — charging less than they should, asking for less than their male counterparts or simply not knowing where the barometer is set.

Host Arnie Sherman engages successful Montana business leaders and shares their insights with listeners.

The Blackstone Charitable Foundation selected George Gaines, founder of Chilton Skis, and Kyle Pucko, co-founder of GeoFli, to attend the two-day training camp with workshops and mentoring from Techstars Worldwide Entrepreneur Network and top venture capitalists.