MATR Newsletter – April 10, 2020
The state with the best education wins!

Next Frontier Capital Announces $40m 1st Close of Fund III: the Fund III Target is $70m

We are humbled and inspired by the support of our investors and by the vision and grit of the founders and employees that we work with.

Internet-based program used to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms to be offered to hundreds of Montanans for free

A program delivered entirely online that aims to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms will be offered for free to hundreds of adult Montanans.

Today’s MATR Newsletter is sponsored by:

Corona Virus Information

Today’s TED Talk – Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates – What coronavirus means for the global economy
“I’m a capitalist. I believe in the system. I believe you can increase the size of the pie and you could divide it well,”
Today’s Fast Break: This tool screens your happiness while you work, and keys to a thriving relationship while quarantined
The new tool that lets you monitor your mood throughout the work day so that you can keep track of exactly which activities really put you down, and advice for maintaining a good relationship while you live and work in the same space with your significant other.
The Lifeblood of America – small businesses
A federal response will be neither fast enough nor big enough to help all the businesses that need it, in time to save them. Washington’s effort must be supplemented by local responses. Thankfully, these are already under way.
University of Montana Launches Initiative to Aid Businesses Affected by COVID-19
UM President Seth Bodnar welcomed the opportunity for UM to use its expertise and resources to serve the business community.
The Hibernation Toolkit offer tools that will aid you in dealing with immediate needs and preparing for the future.
The toolkit walks you through building your bail team, identifying your business KEYS, cashflow monitoring, and preparing for the future.
Try not to smile or be inspired
Netflix is seriously trippin! Instead of posting “Are you still watching?” message. It posted, “You should go shower and brush your teeth!” WTH?! 😳
Town Pump donates $1 million to Montana food banks
The money will be sent directly to 100 food banks, food pantries and shelters in 83 Montana communities.
Small Business Administration official blasts big banks, accusing them of dragging their feet on coronavirus assistance for struggling companies
“Some of the big banks that had no problem in taking billions of dollars of free money as bailout in 2008 are now the biggest banks that are resistant to helping small businesses so that should tell you something,” he said.
What do Montana Nonprofits Need? – COVID-19 Impact on Montana Nonprofits :: 434 Responses to MNA’s Flash Poll
“How do we, as a nonprofit community, act in solidarity to protect organizations that will be hardest hit by this without sacrificing sustainability (but maybe sacrificing growth?)?” – Montana nonprofit organization
Working-Class People Hold Society Together: Class and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted class inequalities. Commentators in the US, UK, and Australia are acknowledging that working-class people are more likely to suffer as a result of both the virus and the measures put in place to contain its spread.
Why You Need a Post-Pandemic Plan Now
“We’re at a tipping point for a whole generation. The pandemic just proved we don’t need to be in the office every day,” Vance says. “If employers are not smart enough to recognize that, they will lose a significant competitive advantage when this is over.”
Good News – Stevi firefighters responding to “birthday calls” in the Bitterroot
Firefighters are coming to the rescue.
PPP loan plan a mess so far for small businesses riding out coronavirus crisis
Disaster. Fiasco. Debacle.
Montana Department of Labor Opens Unemployment Applications to Self-Employed, Independent Contractors, and Others
Utilizing guidance from the SBA, IRS, and our invaluable partners, you may now gain more guidance on PPP loans, EIDL loans, Employee Paid Leave options, and Unemployment Insurance options.
As Rural Hospitals Face up to 80 Percent Revenue Drop, Montana Senator Jon Tester Warns ‘tens of thousands of rural patients will lose access’
Senator calls on Department of Health and Human Services to set aside funding for rural hospitals that are struggling to stay open amid COVID-19 crisis
Senator Tester Urges Senate Leadership to Pass Bill with More Funding, Flexibility in Paycheck Protection Program for Montana Businesses
With news Senate may consider new funding for program, Senator pushes for more flexibility for small businesses shut out of program on technicalities & for inclusion of outdoor industry, Tribal businesses & taverns
Internet-based program used to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms to be offered to hundreds of Montanans for free
A program delivered entirely online that aims to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms will be offered for free to hundreds of adult Montanans.
Next week will feature three Western Governors’ Association-hosted webinars in connection with the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative of Gov. Doug Burgum.
The Western Governors’ Association represents the Governors of 19 Western states and 3 U.S.-flag islands.

Come Home Montana

Montana Rural Development Job Recruitment Webinar – 4/15 – 11AM MST
USDA Rural Development in Montana is hiring loan technicians and paid interns.
Montana Career Opportunities – USDA Job Recruitment – 7 Positions Available
Montana Rural Development Job Recruitment Webinar USDA Rural Development in Montana is hiring loan technicians and paid interns. These positions will support Rural Development’s mission to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Montanans. Join our webinar to learn about these job opportunities and hear from our staff about why they enjoy working…
Helena to release community survey on city manager search
They expect to start advertising the job in May, have the commission narrow down its list of candidates in June, and hold final interviews by July.

Northwestern Energy

NorthWestern Energy – Decoupling – The Need to Break The Link Between Sales And Revenue
Selling electricity and providing reliable service is no longer enough; customers want good customer-centric service and control of their usage, bills, and electricity supply. Utilities must change to meet this new reality.

Montana Department of Commerce

4 Montana Communities to Receive Coal Trust Funding to Develop Affordable Rental Homes Funding will help rehabilitate 166 affordable homes in four communities
“Now more than ever it is crucial we provide support for communities, infrastructure and the development of affordable homes,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said.
Montana 2020 Census Newsletter
Remember: All kids count in the 2020 Census, no matter how old they are. Make sure to count your entire household when you fill out the Census.

MEDA -Montana Economic Developers Association

Start Positioning Your Firm as a Leader Now
While many organizations are struggling with new challenges now, dedicating extra time to improving your firm’s brand identity could pay dividends in the long haul.
Museum of the Rockies launches new online learning resources
The online library of resources comprises lessons, curriculum guides, games and videos intended for school-aged children, families, museum members, caregivers and the community to help stay engaged with the collections, exhibits and programs the museum has to offer.
Podcast from Guy Kawasaki – Why nostalgia is overrated, understanding the impact of negative bias, and figuring out who to trust 🎧
In this episode, Dr. Steve Pinker of Harvard University will help you understand very important and oh-so-timely topics such as nostalgia, negative bias, and true expertise.

The Telecommuting and Gig Workforce in Montana

Why remote work makes people less productive, and what to do about it
A behavioral scientist notes that working from home during coronavirus quarantine offers a privacy around what we’re doing that could make us less accountable and less productive. Try these tactics to stay on track.
Microsoft thinks coronavirus will forever change the way we work and learn
“It’s clear to me there will be a new normal.”

Montana Business

Montana issues permits for mine on Smith River tributary over advocates’ protests
DEQ director Shaun McGrath cautioned against judging the project against historical mines in the state that are now Superfund sites.

Developing Funding Opportunities in Montana

Next Frontier Capital Announces $40m 1st Close of Fund III: the Fund III Target is $70m
We are humbled and inspired by the support of our investors and by the vision and grit of the founders and employees that we work with.

Funding and Building your Business

Use this time to inject innovation into your company
There’s a silver lining in this de facto pause on new product launches that allows companies large and small to innovate through technology transfer.
Leading for maximal productivity
If we are going to get more from our people, we need to use our leadership position to motivate others, create a healthy work environment and engage others in meaningful work.

Wyoming Business

Lawmakers discourage out-of-state visitors from recreating in Wyoming
During a recent press conference, Gov. Mark Gordon said border communities had witnessed “an influx of out-of-state visitors seeking refuge in Wyoming.”

2020 Montana Politics

You Can Watch Montana State Legislature Legislative Meetings Online
What’s of interest to you?

Careers

Shopify is sponsoring free computer-science educations—at $110K a pop
Students get no-cost university degrees—and paying jobs at a hot company. But is it smart for schools to place such a big bet on one corporate partner?