Recruitment, Recruitment, Recruitment!
 

      Spring is rapidly approaching and here at the BLDC, we’re busy working to lead our local economy the direction that our community deserves.  One of the most popular approaches we take in economic development is recruiting new businesses to our community. This process is part of a long term strategy to provide diverse jobs for community members and securing an economic future that provides opportunity across a range of economic sectors. 

      In 2019 we had a very successful year with recruitment, the pinnacle being FCR who has created over 200 new jobs and invested significantly in a property that has faced many challenges. In 2020 we are continuing to work with Buxton Solutions to grow our retail sector and have reached out to our first round of retail businesses, based on community input, with the goal of adding a new department store and grocery store. 

      We are also continuing to grow our presence with the Site Selectors Guild and are attending their national recruitment conference to work directly with the members that are actively siting businesses throughout the country. With the many assets, we have at the Montana Connections Park we are very well positioned to bring more manufacturing jobs to Butte, and I look forward to building on the successful programs we have already implemented.

~ Joe Willauer, Executive Director of the BLDC

      When planning a new business or deciding whether to hire more staff, entrepreneurs and big chains alike must answer key questions.

      Among them: Who are my potential customers? How many live in the area? How many similar businesses are already operating nearby? How much are those competitors paying their employees

      “Our data get used extensively,” said Andrew Hait, a Census Bureau economist. “The (annual) American Community Survey and the decennial census — both are critical resources.”

      That’s why it’s important to respond to the 2020 Census. Responses could lead to more jobs and new businesses in a community. Businesses use population statistics to help decide where to add jobs or open new stores, offices or other businesses in communities across the country.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDING DATABASE

      This searchable resource database will help you identify state and federal grant and loan opportunities to help fund community and economic development projects. Filter your search based on project type, applicant, agency, and more using the filters on the left. You do not need to use all filters, only the ones that apply.

      This funding tool is meant to serve as a resource guide, and does not guarantee eligibility or qualifications. Please contact individual agencies for current program details and more information regarding eligibility and project qualifications.

2020 Montana Women’s Business Center Impact Grant

The Montana Women’s Business Center is pleased to announce $17,500 of the funds raised at the 2019 Prosperity Party fundraiser will go directly to helping Montana’s women business owners. Grant funding can be used for anything that will enhance economic independence for women, job creation, or take the business to the next level of success.

We are most interested in projects that directly improve the ability for women business owners to become more economically successful. Grant applicants should share a brief compelling story for how they will use or leverage grant funds to grow or strengthen their business and how it will impact their local community.

Grant Funding:
Applicants will apply for one of three categories to fund ONE project. The categories are up to $2,500, up to $5,000, and up to $10,000.

This is a reimbursement grant, the winners in each category will be reimbursed within 30 business days of submitting receipts.

Send a Cheers to Headframe Spirits
on their 2nd Leap-Year Birthday!

      Owners, John and Courtney McKee began their journey creating Headframe Spirits in 2010, opening their tasting room doors in 2012. Since then, they have not only won awards and accolades for their products, but also for their impact to their community and state. In 2014 Governor Bullock recognized John and Courtney as Entrepreneurs of the Year and in 2015 as Ambassadors of the Year by the Montana Office of Tourism. Recently, they were awarded the 2016 Small Business Champions of the Year by the Small Business Administration. 

      Headframe Spirits is a Certified B Corporation® as of January 2017. There are more than 1,200 Certified B Corporations from over 120 industries and nearly 50 countries with 1 unifying goal – to redefine success in business.  Headframe Spirits is among five other organizations in Montana to be a Certified B Corporation®. We hope to inspire the business community to join our efforts to redefine corporate practices and elevate business life in Montana.

      “Our company is a mouthpiece for our values,” expressed Headframe Spirits CEO, Courtney McKee. “We believe in making the world a better place, even if it’s just our tiny corner of the world. The opportunity to add value is as close as we get to a mandate to do so. We take that seriously and we understand that the better each of us does, the better we all do together.”

      During their 8th birthday month, Headframe Spirits will be donating to four featured non-profits (chosen by employees): Big Hole River Foundation, Safe Space, Inc., Chelsea Bailey Butte Silver Bow Animal Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butte Silver Bow.  Headframe Spirits will match any donations collected in the Tasting Room with a community partner match, which turns a donation of $1`to $3.  Donations are being collected through February 29th by phone or in person at the tasting room.

      This Saturday, they will celebrate their 2nd Leap Year, since Headframe opened its doors on Leap Day 2012, celebrating being open 8 years.  Join them in the Tasting Room on February 29th from 5pm-8pm. They will have delicious food and desserts, special presentations and an extra special release of a whiskey that was distilled on our last Leap Day Birthday.