MEDA -Montana Economic Developers Association

• Two-thirds of Montana’s private land is in the hands of a few thousand owners

  A recent study highlights what that means for wildlife management, recreational access.

• Join Us This January for Practical Marketing Workshops – Mission West Community Development Partners

  Mission West Community Development Partners is partnering with Celtic Winter Digital Marketing to offer a three-part online workshop series focused on real-world marketing challenges. Each session builds on the last, but participants are welcome to attend a single workshop or the full series.

• 2026 RMT-REACH Pilot Award Preapplication Submissions Open Wednesday, January 7

  The Rocky Mountain Research, Evaluation, and Commercialization Hub (RMT-REACH) is seeking proposals for the 2026 RMT-REACH Pilot Awards to support the translational advancement of promising health innovations. This award is open to researchers affiliated with academic institutions across Montana, Alaska, Idaho, and Wyoming. The program supports proof-of-concept and go-to-market strategy activities through milestone-driven funding. Supported innovations may span the spectrum of health outcomes, including therapeutics, preventatives, diagnostics, devices, methods, or research tools that move the needle forward on unmet patient and public health needs.

• The 51st Annual Montana Economic Outlook Seminar Coming to 9 Cities January – March 2026

  Sales Tax in Montana.  Is It Time?

• 2026 HSBC innovation horizons report

  As the AI revolution continues to unfold, we examine the nuanced geopolitical implications in the battle for compute, with nations vying for dominance in the AI-powered future. We’re also taking a look at the venture-backed exit and IPO environment to get a more comprehensive analysis of the current state and future trajectory of the venture ecosystem, offering valuable insights for early-stage audiences, ecosystem investors, and key players at every level.

Northwestern Energy

• NorthWestern Energy Warns Scammers Targeting Montanans

  NorthWestern Energy is receiving widespread reports of scammers attempting to steal money from Montanans. These criminals are calling Montanans and falsely claiming energy service will be shut off unless an immediate payment is made.

Montana Manufacturing Extension Center

• Montana manufacturing outpaces most other sectors, generating $2 billion in wages

  Montana’s manufacturing sector remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy, according to three reports on the state of manufacturing recently released by the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center at Montana State University and authored by BBER.

Montana World Trade Center

• Montana World Trade Center’s World Trade & Investment Day 2026 – 5/12 – Butte

  Join us for morning training and an afternoon general session focused on understanding and enhancing Montana’s international trade and investment portfolio from ag to critical minerals and more. We’ll feature Montana business and industry leaders alongside representatives from key trading partner nations and other globally recognized experts as we map global trade and investment trends, share updates on key trade agreements, and focus on impacts and opportunities for Montana firms and communities.

Montana Business

• Montana Career Opportunity – Chief Marketing Officer – Murdoch’s

  The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) leads the effort to grow Murdoch’s by building strong customer loyalty, connecting with customers across all channels, and strengthening our brand. This role requires a practical, creative leader who puts customers first, uses data to make smart decisions, and encourages teams to work together and adapt to change. The CMO helps ensure Murdoch’s is the top choice for rural and ranch lifestyles by inspiring others and delivering measurable business results in a fast-changing retail world.   Full Opportunity

• Montana Career Opportunity – Senior Product Manager – onX

  As a pioneer in digital outdoor navigation with a suite of apps, onX was founded in Montana, which in turn has inspired our mission to awaken the adventurer inside everyone. With more than 400 employees located around the country working in largely remote / hybrid roles, we have created regional “Basecamps” to help remote employees find connection and inspiration with other onXers. We bring our outdoor passion to work every day, coupling it with industry-leading technology to craft dynamic outdoor experiences. Through multiple years of growth, we haven’t lost our entrepreneurial ethos at onX. We offer a fast-paced, growing, tech-forward…

• Montana Career Opportunity – Montana Free Press – Director of Revenue and Growth

  This position is based in Helena or other locations in Montana with some travel required. As the state’s leading digital-first newsroom, Montana Free Press is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to producing in-depth public-service journalism that holds power accountable, illuminates critical issues, and empowers Montanans with information that drives positive change. Based in Helena, Montana, our nearly 30 staff members and contributors work from communities across the state. As we prepare to celebrate our 10-year anniversary, MTFP is poised for significant growth. Our loyal and highly engaged audience presents a unique opportunity to expand earned-revenue streams, innovate in how we…

Visit Montana

• DOI cracks down on stickers covering Trump’s face on national park passes

  Your American the Beautiful pass could be voided.

Funding and Building your Montana Business

• How the Best Companies Turn Their Employees Into Entrepreneurs

  Intrapreneurship programs aren’t for show; they’re about ensuring future revenue. As one expert says, ‘If incumbent firms don’t do this, they die.’

City Club Missoula, Montana

• Montana Nonprofits by the Numbers – We’re hitting the road in February!

  We’ll break down the data, highlight what’s changing for services, fundraising, and employment, and offer clear takeaways you can use with your board, donors, and community. Following the one-hour presentation, we’ll have an opportunity for discussion with fellow nonprofit attendees, AND a chance for meeting with staffers from Montana’s congressional delegation.

• City Club Missoula – The What and When of the Wye: Updates on Development in the Missoula Wye – 1/12

  Panelists: Jeff Smooth, Matt Mellott, and Andrew Hagemeier will discuss the plans for developing commercial and residential properties in the Wye area, West of Missoula.

Hellgate Venture Network

• Hellgate Venture Network – Guest Speaker: Jill Demers, Founder of ReWild Ranch – 1/15

  As a regenerative farmer, I’ve seen firsthand how small family farms can make a meaningful impact—from improving soil health and conserving natural resources to strengthening local food systems.

YOUR MONTANA CAREER

• January News for Montana Nonprofits

  We’re kicking off 2026 with a whole new strategic plan (iykyk), a roadtrip, a bigger team (soon) and a whole lot of enthusiasm for serving you.

• Montana Career Opportunities – Fundraising Program Director, Accounting & Grants System Manager – Montana Nonprofit Association

  Fundraising Program Director The Fundraising Program Director is a new position on the Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA) team, funded by a three-year grant. This position will lead a new program dedicated to building fundraising capacity for nonprofits in Montana. Apply by January 21. 🔗 Learn More Accounting & Grants System Manager The MNA Accounting and Grants System Manager oversees daily accounting and financial management and maintains MNA’s foundation grant system. The position requires superb organizational skills, excellent self-motivation, attention to detail every day, and someone who enjoys problem-solving and helping others succeed. Apply by January 31. 🔗 Learn More

VR/AR, Blockchain, Bitcoin, Artificial Intelligence, The Internet of Things and Montana

• Experimental molecule may be a potent weapon against Alzheimer’s

  That’s why a new study from Northwestern University offers so much hope, because if researchers there are correct, their new small-molecule NU-9 drug may be able to stop Alzheimer’s disease long before it begins ruining lives.

Social Media, Connectivity & Communications in Montana

• It takes 5 minutes to protect your identity and dodge spam and text calls for years…. if you live in California

  It’s privacy protection, California-style: still bureaucratic, but finally with a satisfying “delete” button.

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