Commerce Connection

montana department of commerce
St. Ignatius School

Delivering Local Assistance Requests Exceeds Available Funding

Montana's new one-time-only infrastructure program, Delivering Local Assistance has received 191 applications totaling $83 million in grant requests. The program, created through HB 652, makes available $21.5 million for infrastructure grants for local governments, schools and tribes. Staff at the Montana Department of Commerce are in the process of reviewing and ranking all of the applications. We hope to announce grant recipients in early 2020. 

The list of applicants is available here.


Construction

12 Montana Communities Receive Grants to Plan Crucial Infrastructure Projects

Twelve Montana communities will share more than $167,000 in planning grants through the Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP) to facilitate the development of infrastructure projects across the state.

“Every Montanan deserves clean drinking water, durable bridges and good water treatment systems," Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice said. “These TSEP planning grants help kick-start vital infrastructure projects that will create a healthier and safer environment for Montana’s communities.”

This is the third round of TSEP planning grants awarded this year, totaling more than $690,000. See the complete list of awardees, here.


Circles info

BSTF Planning Grants Available!

The next BSTF Job Creation and Planning Grant deadline is December 18, 2019

This is the first Planning Grant cycle made available in nearly two years. Planning funds are awarded to eligible applicants to assist with economic development planning efforts that promote long-term, stable economic growth in Montana. Applications which support a critical activity to move an economic development project forward and directly assist a basic sector company are the highest priority for the Department. Click here for more information.


Circle Finance

CDBG-Economic Development Application Deadline Approaching

The Community Development Block Grant Economic Development program is accepting applications for job creation and employee training awards on a rolling basis until Dec. 18, 2019. The program typically operates on an open-application cycle, however this Dec. 18 deadline is to ensure federal dollars are obligated before the start of the new year (when they would need to be transferred out of the CDBG ED pool, if not obligated). Please click here to apply

For applicants who are not able to submit by Dec. 18, the next round of federal dollars will be available through the typical open-application cycle beginning immediately after Dec. 18.

Program funds support businesses with grants to local governments and low-interest loans for projects creating or retaining jobs or providing job training opportunities.  For more information, please contact program staff at 841-2770.


Join us for the 'Mickey and the Bear' Roadshow!

This Montana-made film will make its Montana debut during a roadshow December 2-13 in theaters across the state. "Mickey and the Bear" was filmed in Anaconda and was a recipient of the Big Sky Film Grant program. If you would like to bring "Mickey and the Bear" to your Montana venue, contact roadshow@montanafilmfestival.org

Mickey and the Bear Roadshow

Calendar

Save the Dates

  • MADE IN MONTANA TRADESHOW | March 13-14 at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena | MADEINMONTANAUSA.COM
  • CENSUS DAY | April 1 | Statewide
  • GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON TOURISM AND RECREATION | April 26-28, Downtown Billings | MTGOVERNORSCONFERENCE.COM
  • HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS CONFERENCE | June 15-17, Helena

Congratulations and Farewell to Marty Tuttle...

Current Commerce Deputy Director and longtime public servant Marty Tuttle has announced his well-deserved retirement. Marty's last day at Commerce is Jan. 3. He's worked for the state of Montana for 25 years, first as a staff attorney for the Department of Environmental Quality and then joining Commerce as chief legal counsel in 2001. Marty plans to spend retirement with family and soaking up a little Tucson sun. Please join us in congratulating Marty and wishing him well during this next chapter! 

Introducing Business Assistance Bureau Chief Wayne Johnston 

Wayne Johnston has joined Commerce as the new Bureau Chief for the Business Assistance Bureau within the Office of Tourism and Business Development. Before joining Commerce, Wayne has been the Administrative Bureau Chief and Compliance Manager for the Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions for the past 11 years. Wayne has worked for the Department of Labor and Industry, Fish Wildlife and Parks and owned several small businesses in Montana. When Wayne is not working for the State of Montana, he enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying all the wonderful opportunities that Montana’s great outdoors have to offer. Welcome Wayne to the team!