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Rural Montana Communities
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NorthWestern Energy to provide free impact studies for up to 100 projects within our service area in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.
NorthWestern Energy will provide the grants valued at approximately $1,500 each to fund eligible studies that are conducted by Circle Analytics.
The Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (WIEC) at the Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, Montana
We help entrepreneurs and innovators succeed in Northwest Montana.
The American made hemp shirt experiment starts in Fort Benton, Montana with IND Hemp and Smith & Rogue
For the Montana economy, projects like this signal long term potential for agricultural based manufacturing growth, strengthening supply chains, encouraging entrepreneurship, and building resilience in communities such as Fort Benton that depend on steady economic opportunity.
Growing evidence points to link between autism and wildfire smoke
Two major studies have identified an alarming connection between exposure to wildfire smoke during pregnancy and higher rates of autism diagnoses in young children, a finding that carries serious implications for Montana where significant forest fires blanket communities in smoke almost every year.
Three donations totaling $3.5 million expand trades education at the Flathead Valley Community College Trades Institute
The gifts — $3 million from Gil and Joyce Lynch, $400,000 from Bill and Sue Schottelkorb, and $100,000 from Mike Kartsonis — will fund the first phase of facility expansion and renovations, as well as student scholarships in the trades.
Historic Izaak Walton Inn Near Montana’s Glacier National Park to Close Due to LOGE Bankruptcy
Its closure threatens reduced visitor spending, fewer employment opportunities, and added strain on small businesses already navigating seasonal fluctuations. At a time when Glacier National Park remains a cornerstone of the Montana economy, the loss of a historic, year round lodging hub underscores how financial instability at a single property can reverberate across regional tourism networks and impact the state’s broader economic health.
Data centers and Montana’s energy future – Northwestern Energy
Data centers bring new jobs, tax revenue and long-term investment to towns and cities.
Nominations are now open for the Fire Within 2026!
We are looking for women who:
Have started or purchased and are running a business in North Central Montana.
Have been in business over one year.
Who are impacting our region with their goods and services.
Submitting is easy. We want their name, business name, email, phone, and for you to tell us why you believe they should receive the Fire Within Award. You can nominate yourself! All submissions must be made prior to March 31.
Montana Department of Commerce Weekly Roundup – Volume 3, Issue 6
The Weekly Roundup is a summary of events, news and information important to Commerce’s constituents this week. Click on any topic for more information.