Montana's New Film Tax Incentive Now Taking Applications
Film is a powerful tool for promoting Montana. Filming movies, TV shows and commercials in Montana elevates the awareness about our state and pumps outside dollars into our stores, hotels, and to 600 or more industry professionals.
During the 2019 Legislature, lawmakers passed, and Governor Bullock signed House Bill 293 to establish the Montana Economic Industry Advancement (MEDIA) Act, Montana’s first film tax incentive since the Big Sky on the Big Screen Act sunset in 2015.
The MEDIA Act provides for a 20 percent production expenditure tax credit, with additional components that can increase the transferable credit to a maximum of 35 percent of total base film production investment.
Montana is already the ultimate location for filming movies, TV shows and commercials. This incentive will allow us to better compete with other states and countries. We’re excited to see the Montana logo appearing more often at the end of films and TV shows!
Learn more about the MEDIA Act at MONTANAFILM.COM.
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New Infrastructure Grant Program Open
Communities and school districts impacted by natural resource development can now apply for a portion of $21.5 million in funds for needed infrastructure investments. The Delivering Local Assistance program focuses grant dollars to local governments and school districts for a range of infrastructure projects including water, sewer, bridge, public safety, government administration and schools.
The deadline to apply is September 30, 2019!
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Business Transition Readiness Workshop
The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center is hosting a half-day workshop on August 27 designed to help business owners, especially those in manufacturing, achieve more successful transitions. Montana’s first and only certified exit planning adviser will help owners identify action steps to begin “de-risking” their businesses, increase value, and improve their transition outcomes. Learn more and register here.
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Fire Information for Visitors
The Montana Department of Commerce is curating information about wildfires that may be impacting popular travel destinations this summer.
Montana is 93 million acres of spectacular unspoiled nature. Because of our diverse landscape and weather, wildfires happen as a natural part of Montana’s ecology. Sometimes a fire occurs near a popular destination, but there’s no reason to let it stop visitors from enjoying an authentic Montana experience!
Stay up-to-date at TRAVELAWARE.MT.GOV.
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Now Accepting Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Matching Funds Applications
The SBIR/STTR matching funds program supports technology-based companies by providing additional dollars that can be used to develop technology. Grants of up to $60,000 are available. Learn more about the program and apply here.
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Countdown to Census 2020
The 2020 Census is just 243 days away, but who's counting?
Here are some quick facts to keep in mind as you speak with friends and neighbors about the importance of the Census.
- An accurate Census count means Montana will get its fair share of federal funding for things like highway construction, healthcare, and education.
- An accurate Census count means Montana could get a second seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Responding to the Census is quick, easy and secure.
We've started building a resource library for partners across the state. For talking points, messaging, and more visit CENSUS.MT.GOV.
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 ‘Taste our Place’ Encourages Travelers to Eat Local with Summer Campaign
“Taste our Place,” the local food category of the popular Made in Montana program, is encouraging travelers to eat local with a summer billboard and airport poster campaign to support small businesses and agricultural producers with traveler dollars.
“Taste our Place” is administered by the Montana Departments of Commerce and Agriculture to celebrate local food and drink, and to support more opportunities for collaboration between food producers and eating and drinking establishments.
According to research by the University of Montana, 12.4 million people visited the state last year spending more than $668 million on food and beverages, second only to what they spent on gasoline.
The advertisements feature the Edmundson family, who raise Black Angus beef in Harrison, Montana. Billboards are located in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, and St. Regis, and airport posters can be found in the Glacier Park International Airport, Missoula International Airport, Bert Mooney Airport, and Logan International Airport.
To date, Taste our Place boasts 100 members. If you'd like to become a Taste our Place ambassador, a know a business that would be a great fit for the program, go to MADEINMONTANAUSA.COM.
Commerce News Roundup
Funding Opportunities
- Indian Equity Fund Grants, Native American Business Advisor Grants, and Tribal Business Planning Grants are all accepting applications. Learn more about each funding opportunity and how to apply here.
- The Tourism Grant Program is now accepting applications. Funds are awarded to projects that strengthen Montana’s economy through the development and enhancement of the State’s tourism and recreation industry. Learn more and apply here.
- Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund job creation grant applications are due Sept. 18. Learn more and apply here.
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SoFi Brings High Tech to High Altitude
Five years ago, a fast-growing personal finance company expanded from the ocean breeze of California to the mountain air of Montana, bringing a wealth of high-tech jobs to a workforce of talented software engineers ready for a new opportunity.
It started with David Thompson. Now a vice president of engineering at SoFi, Thompson initially signed on with the company as a remote employee — one of its first in Montana. Offered the chance to move from Helena to San Francisco, Thompson proposed an alternative: bring San Francisco to Helena.
Read the full story at CHOOSEMONTANA.COM.
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