MATR Newsletter – March 5, 2026
The state with the best education wins!

Neuroscience Says You Can Alter Your Brain Structure to Improve Cognition. Here’s How—It’s Already a Popular Hobby

This brain training hack is literally for the birds, says a new study.

Today’s MATR Newsletter is sponsored by:

Public Service Commission takes step to keep the 406 area code as only one for Montana
Montanans love living in the “406,” but Montana could run out of 406 phone numbers by 2033.
Montana has expanded an online course to help residents launch food businesses statewide.
Previously limited in scope, the training now covers a broader audience to remove guesswork from starting a food business.
March Business Bulletin – A monthly newsletter from Montana West Economic Development
More than 30 Northwest Montana businesses have attended the Masterclass Series to date. Are you ready to join them and lead with clarity in 2026? Join MWED and Rich in Thought Consulting as we continue the Business Lifecycle Masterclass Series — a first-of-its-kind program designed to equip Montana businesses with practical tools from startup to succession. From foundational planning to advanced growth strategies, the series is a must-attend for anyone serious about building a resilient and successful enterprise in Northwest Montana.
2025 Montana Main Street program report
There are 14 member communities listed in the report, with projects completed in 2025 with MMS grants totaling nearly $800,000.
A Large Majority of Montana Voters are Against a Statewide Sales Tax
Only 33% of registered voters in the state support a sales tax for property tax relief, according to an MTFP-Eagleton poll.

Dorsey L&E Briefing: Assessing the Landscape for Employers One Year into the Administration – 3/25 – Online
After the significant developments in labor and employment policies implemented by the current administration in 2025, many organizations entered 2026 with open questions as to enforcement priorities and the potential for litigation. This panel will feature a dialogue from Dorsey L&E partners in multiple states on the following topics:

2026 Montana Fundraising Summit – 4/7 – Great Falls
Join our annual fundraising summit to connect with peers and experts, learn about the latest in fundraising, and take home tools, resources, and tips to bolster your fundraising in 2026. This event is designed for fundraising and communications staff, or those who wear the development hat. It will be full of opportunities to connect with others, learn from experts 1:1 and in sessions, and hear stories about what is driving fundraising forward in Montana.

GFDA Business Trainings for March 2026
Our Mission: Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life.

New SBIR/STTR Funding Opportunities Are Just Around the Corner
The eagerly awaited reauthorization of the SBIR/STTR programs is almost here, and thousands of small businesses and startups are gearing up to seize the opportunity. These programs provide critical funding to help innovators bring their ideas to life.

Techstars – The Keys to Creating the Perfect 30-Second Pitch
There are two core steps to creating a great pitch.
Apply Now for Fall 2026 Accelerators – Applications Open: Scale With $220K Investment
Curious about Techstars and what it takes to get in? Here’s your chance to hear directly from our team.

The Padlock Ranch – The real version of “Yellowstone” – not the TV version. Current Job Listings
Established in 1943 by Homer and Mildred Scott, the historic Padlock Ranch has become an icon of western ranching. Homer’s vision was for the Padlock Ranch to be the “best”, and that is what the Scott Family has worked towards for generations. This family-owned business has defined sustainability through its five elements of purpose

Montana’s American Prairie Grows Again (over 2,000 acres), Acquires Critical Wetland Habitat
As conservation efforts expand, so do recreational opportunities. In 2025, American Prairie recorded its eight consecutive year of increased visitation, welcoming more than 6,600 overnight guests to its huts and campgrounds and more than 5,000 visitors to its National Discovery Center in Lewistown.

Neuroscience Says You Can Alter Your Brain Structure to Improve Cognition. Here’s How—It’s Already a Popular Hobby
This brain training hack is literally for the birds, says a new study.
Navigating a late-career change – It’s never too late to make a shift.
If you make a significant career switch, what can you do to ease the adjustment to the new role and make a contribution quickly?

Montanans Want More Solar, Hydropower, Wind, Natural Gas Development, Less Interested in New Coal Plants
The survey results come as elected officials and Montana’s largest utility company contemplate the future of Colstrip, the coal plant that is Montana’s largest power generator.

University of Montana president job draws high interest
Commissioner appoints working group to help review applications

75% of voters want Montana to have at least as much federal land as it does now
Support for current or expanded federal land ownership includes 62% of self-identified Republicans.

AI February Update “Open Claw” – This is nowhere near “business as usual”. The “SaaS apocalypse.”
February 2026 crystallized a shift to agentic AI as developer workflows moved from hand-coding to orchestrating autonomous agents. OpenClaw and ClaudeCode expanded agent use beyond engineers and triggered a Wall Street sell-off across gaming, productivity, legal, and finance labeled the “SaaS apocalypse.”