Rural Communities

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Montana Economists Don’t Predict Recession Despite Slowdown

The state saw significant GDP and employment growth in 2021, but inflation spiked interest rates

Facing Labor Shortages, Pella Reinvents the Company Town in Rural Iowa – What is Missing In Your Community to Attract Talent?

“If you’ve got a dual-career household, of your top 10 priorities, the first five are child care,” says Mr. Kreifels. “I vividly remember saying to my now-manager, ‘It’s just too much, I don’t think we can do it.’”

Montana State University’s Mountains and Minds Magazine – Spring 2022

This issue includes several long-form stories of state-wide and regional interest with accompanying photos.

To Retain Nurses and Other Staffers, Hospitals Are Opening Child Care Centers

Nationally, only about 1 in 10 workers have access to employer programs that cover some or all of the costs for child care services — either on the job site or off — according to a report published last year by the U.S. Department of Labor. The health sector seems to be doing more: About one-third of U.S. hospitals offer child care benefits.

John Oliver takes a troubling look at the state of mental health care in the U.S. – New Montana study highlights first-hand experiences with mental health and addiction services

“If we want to be a society that truly respects and values mental health, we have to respect and value mental health care.”

Mad about inflation? Blame your local officials.

Biden gets the blowback. But bad local decisions have helped drive prices of housing, energy, and everything else higher.

GFDA – Upcoming trainings: Is a Franchise Right for You? Customer Service Automations that Save and more!

Whether you’re just getting started, looking for new customers, wanting to grow sales through e-commerce, or focusing on workforce.
We’re here to help.

‘Make this place a destination’: The Blackfeet Nation in Montana aims to attract tourists

For local businesses and artists on the Blackfeet Reservation, there is no bigger event than North American Indian Days.

‘Who will take care of us?’: Financial strife closes 7 nursing homes, state officials decline pleas for short term funding

Nearly 500 beds have closed since January, seven facilities shutter

Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund – Planning – Job Creation

Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis. The funding deadlines for Job Creation and Planning Projects are September 14, 2022, December 14, 2022 and March 15, 2023

MATR Sponsor (view all)


Bear Paw Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization created for the purpose of administering programs to help improve regional economic conditions in Hill, Blaine, Liberty, Chouteau and Phillips Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations.

MATR Supporters (view all)


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

For over 25 years, Montana World Trade Center® has served Montana as a trusted business adviser.

SBA 504 Loans offered statewide! Real estate and equipment, acquisitions, renovation, and new construction. Low, fixed-rates up to 25 years with as little as 10% down.