Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana

Cross-pollination is the key.

The first event of its kind in Montana is aimed at bringing developers of various experience levels – as well as entrepreneurs – together to move technology in Montana.

"Our search for a Regional Director attracted many high-caliber candidates who were inspired by the chance to help make this program a success. We are thrilled that someone of Pam’s caliber is willing to lend her extensive experience and knowledge to support entrepreneurship and job creation in Montana." Amy Stursberg, Executive Director of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation

The Blackstone Charitable Foundation’s three-year, $2 million grant will establish a partnership between Montana State University, The University of Montana and Headwaters RC&D to introduce entrepreneurship as a viable career option and provide university students with a network of venture coaches and entrepreneurial support to transform new ideas into sustainable companies.

Since opening his store in Helena, Rincon has been honored as a "Champion of Change" by the White House and as Montana’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the US Small Business Adminstration. However, Rincon does not seem to be in it for the accolades, but instead because of his love for Montana. This sentiment is reflected by fourOsix’s slogan, "Love where you live."

Powered by word of mouth and social media, Headframe grew faster than its owners ever imagined.

S&K Technologies Inc. http://www.sktcorp.com/ , was awarded a nearly $1 billion U.S. Air Force contract for S&K Aerospace in 2012.

"There’s the America where entrepreneurship is celebrated and supported. Places like Silicon Valley and Boston. And there’s the rest of the country where the culture tends to be kind of risk averse."

"studies showing that subsistence entrepreneurship is fairly common among lower-income Americans, but growth entrepreneurship is troublingly rare"

Whether entrepreneurs found companies, find a cofounder, meet someone new, or learn a skill far outside their usual 9-to-5, everyone is guaranteed to leave the event better prepared to navigate the chaotic but fun world of startups.