Regional Business News

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New Broadband Maps are Coming. Will Agriculture Be Left Behind Again? 

A new federal broadband map is on the way and is supposed to include a list of all buildings that could benefit from broadband access. But a recent change calls into question whether agricultural structures will be included in that list.   

For sale: God, guns and separatism in the American Redoubt in Montana and Idaho

In a preparation checklist, Rawles recommends that new arrivals to the American Redoubt sell or donate extravagances like jewelry and televisions, research the geography and microclimates of their new settlement, and “bring your guns.”

As countries (and states) try to attract digital nomads, locals say ‘not so fast’

Digital nomad culture is clashing with local culture.

Belgrade, Montana Based TowHaul Corporation Acquired by Federal Signal

For over 40 years, TowHaul has been dedicated to designing and manufacturing the most reliable, efficient and adaptable heavy-duty, off-road specialty metal extraction support equipment, including its signature front- and rear-loading lowboy trailers, multi-purpose gooseneck equipment, dragline bucket transporters, and road-conditioning trucks.

Venture Capital Finds Sweet Returns in Bees

At least 15 bee-related startups have raised funding in the past couple years, per Crunchbase data. Collectively, they’ve brought in over $165 million to date for business models that range from AI-enabled robotic beehives to biotherapeutics for ailing bees. We list them below:

SBIR National Conference, M2M Innovation Summit, Regional Events – September news from MTIP

The SBIR/STTR Fall conference, co-located with the DefenseTechConnect in National Harbor, Maryland, will be held September 26 – 29, 2022.  Ann Peterson will be attending and a guest panelist in the SBIR Innovation Conference line up.

Montana State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 Application Portal Opens TODAY!!

Launching a new low interest loan product in participation with your bank or credit union. This product helps small businesses get the support they need to start, expand, innovate, and create jobs. Funds are very limited and will be on a first come first served basis. 

Big Sky Economic Development on Montana This Morning with Steve Arveschoug – Rock 31 is Open

How is Billings, Montana doing?   Big Sky Economic Development Director Steve Arveschoug gives us an update on that and their new headquarters which includes Rock31

MEDA News – Lunch and Learn with Tara Mastel: MT Newcomers Study

Mark Your Calendar For Upcoming Events

Montana community members invited to participate in Reimagining Rural program – 9/8 – 9/22 – 10/6 – Online

The Reimagining Rural virtual gathering includes three statewide sessions, which are broadcast via Zoom to groups gathered in-person in participating towns. Following each session’s speakers, local groups will have a facilitated conversation about how new ideas might work in their communities.

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Working to create a clean and balanced energy portfolio that will provide for a safe and reliable energy future. Learn more at http://www.NorthWesternEnergy.com/BrightFuture

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Great Falls trade area. Competitive for food, ag, bioprocessing, energy, and support. Closest U.S. metro area to Calgary. Untame Your Entrepreneurial Spirit!

Prospera helps businesses and communities find their pathway to success, acting as the navigator, problem solver and catalyst for a strong Montana economy.

Montana Technology Innovation Partnership (MTIP)- Promoting Technology Commercialization in the State of Montana.