The Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC) announced today that it has received $2,767,857 in capital funding from the Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC). This transformative investment, awarded through the Tourism Development and Enhancement Revolving Loan Fund Program, will enable MBAC to champion tourism-related businesses, cultivate workforce development, and drive sustained economic growth in the region.

Through a $24 million statewide initiative, the MDOC awarded capital funds to 12 local economic development organizations (EDOs) dedicated to bolstering Montana’s thriving tourism economy. MBAC will utilize its funds to establish new revolving loan programs and offer below-market interest rates for business loans within its service area. The program focuses on retaining and expanding tourism-related enterprises, fostering high-paying jobs, and ensuring long-term economic resilience.

“MBAC is honored to be included in this program, and we look forward to partnering with businesses and stakeholders to utilize these funds to make a meaningful impact on our region’s tourism economy,” said Brian Obert, executive director at MBAC. “We are committed to leveraging this funding to strengthen Montana’s vibrant tourism sector and contribute to sustainable, community-driven growth in partnership with the tourism organizations, including the local CVBs and Southwest Montana, and the chambers of commerce throughout our region, including the communities of White Sulpher Springs, Townsend, Lincoln, Augusta, Helena, and East Helena.”

Eligibility Criteria

Please review the following eligibility requirements and confirm if you and your business can answer “Yes” to all the questions below:

• Is your business located in Broadwater, Meagher, or Lewis and Clark County?
• Do you operate your business from the same location?
• Are you a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who owns at least 20% of the business?
• Does at least one business owner have a credit score of 640 or higher?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, unfortunately, your business does not meet the eligibility criteria.

If you answered “Yes” to all the questions above, please review the next set of questions and ensure you and your business can answer “No” to all of them:

• Has the business or any owners had more than one bankruptcy (regardless of when they were filed or discharged)?
• Do you or any of your business partners have current or open non-medical collections with outstanding balances?
• Has your business or any of its owners ever defaulted on federal debt, including debts discharged through bankruptcy?
• Have you or any of your business partners been convicted of a crime involving financial fraud, regardless of how long ago it occurred?
• Does any owner of the business have past-due child support payments?
• Is the business or any owner involved in pending litigation, criminal charges, or open divorce proceedings?
• Do you or your business have any current online, high-interest debt (excluding credit card debt) from lenders like LendingClub, OnDeck, or Kabbage?
• Is your business involved in any of the following activities:

• • Gambling
  • Illegal activities
  • Agricultural activities
  • Marijuana or marijuana-related industries
  • Producing or marketing intentionally harmful products
  • Lending
  • Mining
  • Investment real estate
  • Live performances or displays of a sexual nature
  • Multilevel marketing
  • Startup trucking/transportation
  • Compounding pharmacies
  • Startup insurance
  • Startup restaurants

If you meet all the above criteria, please complete the application and email it to Charmayne Kaminski at [email protected]

Thank you for your interest!