Small Business Resources for Indianpreneurs

The resources contained within this list are only a portion of the resources available to both large and small businesses here in Montana.  This list is just the beginning!  MIBA’s hope is that the website will be used often by people like you and, that everyone will enhance the list with corrections, additions and suggestions.

The key with each of the listed resources is eligibility.  Montana Department of Commerce programs, for example, each have differing eligibility requirements.  In the Indian Country Economic Development program, only tribes can apply.  Commerce Regional Development Officers and Program Managers help applicants sort out and understand eligibility criteria. Please feel free to ask questions and obtain clarification.

Remember that MIBA and all of the resources contained here are entities of support that want Indian-owned business to succeed!

Organization ~ South Eastern Montana Development Corporation: Small Business Development Center

Contact Information ~ Blayr Barnard, Director

6200 Main Street

Post Office Box 1935

Colstrip, Montana 59323-1935

(406) 748-2990

Fax ~ (406) 748-2990

E-mail ~ sbdc@bhwi.net

Website ~ www.semdc.org

Mission Statement ~ We assist businesses by providing guidance for financial analysis and projections, business planning, training and marketing assistance. We consult at no cost to you in a confidential friendly environment. We provide additional resources and contacts for professional services, training, and advice.

Services:

* Financial Technical Assistance * Business Plans * Marketing Assistance * Training * Entrepreneurial Development * Business start-up workshops

Organization ~ Browning Community Development Corporation

Contact Information ~ Dr. Johnel Barcus, Director

P.O. Box 469

124 2nd Avenue NW

Browning, Montana 59417-0469

(406) 338-4015 ext. 35

Fax~(406)338-2605

E-mail ~ jbarcusbcdc@yahoo.com

Website ~ www.browningmontana.com/bcdc

Mission Statement ~ Browning Community Development Corporation (BCDC) is a nonprofit organization created to foster social and economic improvements in the Blackfeet Reservation community. BCDC works collaboratively to assist in creating an opportunity for a self-sustaining, economically independent community through the use of diverse resources and learning. BCDC seeks to promote community development through financing, training, technical assistance and advocacy.

Organization ~ United States Small Business Administration

Contact Information ~ Michael Bayuk, District Counsel

U.S. Small Business Administration

10 West 15th Street Helena, Montana 59626

(406) 441-1081

Fax ~ (406) 441-1090

E-mail ~ Michael.bayuk@sba.gov

Website ~ www.sba.gov

Mission Statement ~ Maintain and strengthen the nation’s economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interest of small businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters.

Organization ~ Montana Tribal Tourism Alliance

Contact Information ~ Dyani Bingham, Director

Post Office Box 1224 Billings, Montana 59103-1224

(406) 208-2389

Fax ~ (406) 259-8352

E-mail ~ dyani_b@hotmail.com

Website ~ www.bigskytribes.com

Mission Statement ~ The Montana Tribal Tourism Alliance (MTTA) is a non-profit, inter-tribal organization that partners with the tribes, Indian-owned business, and individual Indianpreneurs to promote and develop culturally appropriate economic development through tourism.

Organization ~ Montana Department of Commerce

Contact Information ~ Business Resources Division

301 South Park - Room 107 Helena, Montana 59620-0505

(406) 841-2730

Fax~(406)841-2731

E-mail ~ fviereck@mt.gov

Website ~ http://www.mtfinanceonline.com/busfin.asp

Mission Statement ~ The Business Resources Division assists businesses and communities of Montana in achieving economic prosperity. Mission Statement ~ The Department of Commerce through its employees, community partners, public outreach, and media contacts enhances economic prosperity in Montana; fosters community led diversification and sustainability of a growing economy; maintains and improves our infrastructure, housing and facilities; and promotes and enhances Montana's positive national and international image.

Organization ~ Governor’s Office - State Capitol Contact Information ~ Reno Charette, Coordinator of Indian Affairs

Post Office Box 200801 Helena, Montana 59620-0801

(406) 444-3713

Fax ~ (406) 444-1350

E-mail ~ rcharette@mt.gov

Website ~ under construction

Mission Statement ~ To serve the Montana delegation in the Federal Congress as an advisor and intermediary in the field of Indian affairs; and act as a liaison for representative Indian organizations and groups, public and private, whenever the state coordinator’s support is solicited by tribal governmental entities. To provide assistance to tribal councils or their official designees requesting assistance on any matter relating to education, health, natural resources, and economic development on Indian reservation lands.

Organization ~ Blackfeet Reservation Development Fund, Inc.

Contact Information ~ Eva Cobell, Office Manager

Post Office Box 3029 101 Pata Street Browning, Montana 59417-3029

(406) 338-2992

Fax ~ (406) 338-2751

E-mail ~ evacobel@3rivers.net

Website ~ None

Mission Statement ~ The mission of the Blackfeet Fund is to promote the economic and social well-being of tribal membership of the Blackfeet Reservation by facilitating the organization of financial capital for local business investment, education community members about financial and business issues, and by working with other community institutions to facilitate positive changes. It also becomes engaged in regional and national issues of importance to Indian people when such action is consistent with the overall mission.

Organization ~ S & K Holding Company

Contact Information ~ Carol Cunningham, Projects Coordinator

56749 Highway 93 Ronan, Montana 59864

(406) 883-4317

Fax ~ (406) 675-2363

E-mail ~ ccunningham@centurytel.net

Website ~ www.skholdingcompany.com/

Mission Statement ~ S & K Holding Company’s primary function is to identify opportunities and create mechanisms and support systems that will assure that the tribe and tribal members can take advantage of economic opportunities available in the region. S& K Holding Company also functions as an interface between tribal member entrepreneurs and tribal government in exploring joint venture business partnerships between the private and public sector.

Organization ~ Small Business Development Center

Contact Information ~ Rebecca Engum, Director

710 1st Avenue North Great Falls, Montana 59401

(406) 453-8834 ext. 107

(866) 483-2557 ext. 107

Fax ~ (406) 454-2995

E-mail ~ REngum@gfdevelopment.org

Website ~ www.gfdevelopment.org or sbdc.mt.gov

Mission Statement ~ Guiding Montana businesses to success.

Organization ~ Office of Field Policy and Management, Helena HUD – Montana Field Office Contact Information ~ Larry Gallagher, Operations Specialist

7 West 6th Avenue – Power Block Helena, Montana 59601

(406) 447-1480

Fax ~ (406) 449-5052

E-mail ~ Lawrence_gallagher@hud.gov

Website ~ http://www.hud.gov/

Mission Statement ~ HUD's mission is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. To fulfill this mission, HUD will embrace high standards of ethics, management and accountability and forge new partnerships--particularly with faith-based and community organizations--that leverage resources and improve HUD's ability to be effective on the community level.

Organization ~ Golnar Management Services

Contact Information ~ Steve Golnar, Owner of Golnar Management Services

112 South 7th Street Livingston, Montana 59047

(406) 222-9670

Fax ~ (406)

E-mail ~ s.golnar@bresnan.net

Website ~ golnarmanagement.com

Mission Statement ~ Golnar Management Services provides skill and experience in helping your business or organization to meet the challenges it faces in a rapidly changing world.

Organization ~ Montana Department of Transportation

Contact Information ~ DBE Supportive Services Program, Civil Rights Bureau

2701 Prospect Avenue Helena, Montana 59620-1001

800-883-5811

Fax ~ (406) 444-7685

E-mail ~ scozzie@mt.gov

Website ~ http://www.mdt.mt.gov/

Mission Statement ~ MDT's mission is to serve the public by providing a transportation system and services that emphasize quality, safety, cost effectiveness, economic vitality and sensitivity to the environment.

Organization ~ Fort Belknap Tribal College’s Small Business Development Center

Contact Information ~ Mildred Kinsey, Director

P.O. Box 159 Harlem, Montana 59526

(406) 353-4672

Fax ~ (406) 353-2774

E-mail ~ mkinsey@mail.fbcc.edu

Website ~ http://www.fbcc.edu/sbdc

Mission Statement ~ Fort Belknap’s Small Business Development Center’s mission is to provide education, training and technical assistance to community members to encourage a self-sufficient lifestyle within the Fort Belknap Reservation.

Organization ~ U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Contact Information ~ Lyle Konkol, Operations

7 West 6th Avenue Helena, Montana 59626

(406) 447-1487

Cell ~ (406) 799-6602

Fax ~ (406) 449-5052

E-mail ~ lyle_j_kokol@hud.gov

Website ~ http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=mt

Mission Statement ~ Provide decent, safe, and sanitary affordable housing.

Organization ~ Montana Cooperative Development Center

Contact Information ~ Cheryl MacArthur, Executive Director Montana Cooperative Development Center

Post Office Box 3027 Great Falls, Montana 59403-3027

(406) 727-1517

Fax ~ (406) 727-2864

E-mail ~ Cheryl@mcdc.coop

Website ~ www.mcdc.coop

Mission Statement ~ To promote and develop cooperatives to meet the economic and community needs of rural Montana.

Organization ~ Fort Peck Tribal Workforce Development Programs ~ Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes ~ Fort Peck Indian Reservation

Contact Information ~ Rodney Miller, Development Manager

Post Office Box 1027 Poplar, Montana 59255-1027

(406) 768-5815

Fax ~ (406) 768-5812

E-mail ~ rodm@nemontel.net

Website ~ Fortpecktribes.org

Mission Statement ~ To assist in developing and maintaining knowledgeable, self-sufficient individual and economic prosperity throughout wholesome Fort Peck reservation communities.

Organization ~ Census and Economic Information Center, Montana Department of Commerce Contact Information ~ Susan Ockert, Senior Economist

301 South Park – Room 107 Helena, Montana 59620-0505

(406) 841-2740

Fax ~ (406) 841-2731

E-mail ~ sockert@mt.gov

Website ~ www.ceic.mt.gov

Mission Statement ~ The Census and Economic Information Center (CEIC) provides demographic and economic data and analysis, GIS support, technical assistance and training. CEIC assists Montana businesses and communities along with schools and government agencies to access and use this information for decision-making.

Organization ~ Ronan Telephone Company and CommunityTel, Inc. Contact Information ~ Jay Wilson Preston, President

312 Main Street Southwest Ronan, Montana 59864

(406) 676-9212

Fax ~ (406) 676-8889

E-mail ~ jaywp@ronan.net

Website ~ http://www.ronan.net/ or http://www.ronantelco.com/

Mission Statement ~ To provide superior and competitive telecommunications, while contributing to the well being of our community.

Organization ~ Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Montana, Inc.

Contact Information ~ Cynthia W. Quarta, Program Coordinator

2022 Central Avenue Post Office Box 2326 Great Falls, Montana 59401-2326

(406) 761-8721

Fax ~ (406)761-8622

E-mail ~ cynthiaq@cccsmt.org

Website ~ www.cccsmt.org

Mission Statement ~ CCCS provides programs and develops partnerships to help youth, individuals, and families in achieving economic independence.

Organization ~ Little Big Horn College Contact Information ~ Lynna Smith, Chief Finance Officer

Post Office Box 370 One Forestry Lane Crow Agency, Montana 59022-0370

(406) 638-3118

Fax ~ (406) 638-3169

E-mail ~ smithl@lbhc.cc.mt.us

Website ~ http://www.lbhc.cc.mt.us/

Mission Statement ~ Little Big Horn College, a 1994 Land Grant Institution is the Crow higher education and cultural center that grants Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees and certificates in areas that reflect the developing economic opportunities and social needs of the Crow Indian Reservation and surrounding communities, offering instruction by traditional and distance education methods. The college is dedicated to the professional, vocational and personal development of individual students for their advancement in higher education or in the workplace and inspiring Crow and American Indian Scholarship. The college is committed to the preservation, perpetuation and protection of Crow culture and language, and respects the distinct bilingual and bicultural aspects of the Crow Indian community. Little Big Horn College is committed to the advancement of the Crow Indian family and community building.

Organization ~ Fort Peck Community College Bookstore

Contact Information ~ Craig Smith, Bookstore Manager Fort Peck Community College Bookstore U.S. Highway 2 East

Post Office Box 398 Poplar, Montana 59255-0398

(406) 768-3213

Fax ~ (406) 768-3213

E-mail ~ csmith@fpcc.edu

Website ~ www.fpcc.edu or www.fortpecknativearts.com

Mission Statement ~ The college serves the constituency of the reservation populations by maintaining an occupational training program based on the needs of the people living on and near the reservation and on potential employment opportunities available in the region. FPCC serves the people of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and northeastern Montana as a medium of Indian awareness, enabling increased self-awareness. The college serves the people by initiating and supporting community activities and organizations based on the needs and wishes of community members.

Organization ~ Montana Department of Agriculture

Contact Information ~ Collin Watters, Industry and Commodity Development Officer

303 North Roberts Street Post Office Box 200201 Helena, Montana 59620-0201

(406) 444-2402

Fax (406) 444-9442

E-mail ~ CWatters@mt.gov

Website ~ http://agr.state.mt.us/

Mission Statement ~ To protect producers and consumers and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries.

Contact Information ~ DBE Program Manager Montana Department of Transportation

2701 Prospect Avenue Helena, Montana 59620-1001

(406) 444-6331 TTY ~ (800) 335-7592

Fax ~ (406) 444-7685

E-mail ~ scozzie@mt.gov

Website ~ www.mdt.mt.gov

Mission Statement ~ The purpose of the DBE program is to create a level-playing field on which certified DBE companies can compete fairly for MDT federally funded highway projects.

Services:

* To help small disadvantaged businesses equally participate in contracting opportunities funded by USDOT * Receive funds for Training Expenses * Receive one-on-one Technical and Training Assistance * Eligible for USDOT Short-term Financing Program * Receive Contracting Opportunity Announcements * Consultant –Assistance or Student Internship Services * Free attendance to Workshops

Organization ~ United State Department of the Interior: Bureau of Indian Affairs ~ LOAN GUARANTY PROGRAM

Contact Information ~ Deanna Comeau, Loan Officer

BIA Loan Guaranty Program 316 North 26th Street Billings, Montana 59101

(406) 247-7963

Fax ~ (406) 247-7978

E-mail ~ none

Website ~ http://www.doi.gov/bureau-indian-affairs.html

Mission Statement ~ The program was established by the Indian Financing Act of 1974 to stimulate and increase American Indian entrepreneurship and employment through establishment, acquisition or expansion of Indian-owned or Native Alaskan owned economic enterprises. Loans may be made to finance Indian-owned businesses organized for profit.

Organization ~ National Tribal Development Association

Contact Information ~ Arsh Stiffarm, Credit Outreach Liaison

RR 1 Box 694 Box Elder, Montana 59521

(406) 395-4095

Fax ~ (406) 395-4096

E-mail ~ arshstiffarm@ntda.info

Website ~ www.ntda.info or info@ntda.info or http://www.indiancreditoutreach.com/

Organization ~ First Interstate Foundation

Contact Information ~ Staci Turner

Post Office Box 7113 Billings, Montana 59103-7113

(406) 255-5393

Fax ~ 255-5311

E-mail ~ sturner@fib.com

Website ~ www.firstinterstate.com

Mission Statement ~ The mission of First Interstate Foundation is to assist the First Interstate Bank family in being a leading corporate citizen in the communities we serve. The foundation achieves its mission by carrying out First Interstate’s Commitment to Community. It provides resources and leadership to community development efforts that assist low and moderate income communities and individuals as well as neighborhood projects and activities.

Organization ~ Montana Arts Council

Contact Information ~ Montana Arts Council

PO Box 202201 Helena MT 59620-2201

(406) 444-6430

Fax ~ (406) 444-6548

E-mail ~ mac@mt.gov

Website ~art.mt.gov

Mission Statement ~ The Montana Arts Council is the agency of state government established to develop the creative potential of all Montanans, advance education, spur economic vibrancy and revitalize communities through involvement in the arts.