Resource Database

The Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund Program (BSTF) provides state funds to promote long-term stable economic growth in Montana with financial assistance in the following two categories: Economic Development Job Creation Projects & Planning Projects.

The Wyoming Business Council provides the Business Ready Community Grant & Loan Program, a program that provides financing for publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within Wyoming communities. Cities, towns, counties and joint powers boards are the primary applicants for this program. State and local community development organizations can assist and provide project management development under contract to the primary applicant.

In partnership with local governments and a host of stakeholders, the Montana Department of Commerce administers CDBG funds on behalf of the State of Montana. Under the State CDBG Program, states award grants to cities, towns, and counties to develop and preserve decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create and retain jobs.

USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. USDA Rural Development offers loans, grants and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services such as housing, health care, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric and communications infrastructure.

JobScape, sponsored by the Idaho Department of Laobor, is an easy-to-use tool designed to help job seekers and students make informed career and educational decisions.

The Montana Community Development Corporation has been awarded $431 Million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) from the U.S. Treasury Department. These tax credits are a powerful tool for creating jobs in markets where economic growth has been a challenge. Montana & Idaho CDC works with investors to turn the credits into cash, and then uses that cash to fund business start ups and expansions in Montana and Idaho.

Every day, staff at the Department of Commerce are aiming to make sure Montana is the best place to work, live, and play. We work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, develop affordable housing, and improve community infrastructure.

Montana Healthy Communities hosts an annual Montana Healthy Communities conference, provides a webinar series based upon Montana Healthy Communities issues, and provides mini grant opportunities.

The Montana Registered Apprenticeship program assists in setting up structured yet flexible training programs recognized by federal and industry standards designed to meet the specific needs of Montana employers through on-the-job training (OJT) and related classroom instruction.

Northwest Areas Foundation (NAF) funds champions of change who reflect the distinct cultural strengths of the eight states and 75 Native nations of the northwest region. NAF works in diverse communities to help people build assets through good jobs and financial capability'so that they can establish good credit, launch small businesses and save for their futures.