Business
The Opportunities in Rural Economies Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant application is now open. The grant application window runs Jan. 1-28 and is available to economic development organizations that have enrolled in the ORE program. This 10:1 match grant is designed to help enrolled EDOs increase their internal capacity to better assist underserved businesses, make technological improvements and innovations, expand staff training and professional development opportunities and support other activities that strengthen economic development in their regions. For questions about the grant, or the ORE program in general, contact Business Resource Partner Josh Bennett at 406-841-2748 or josh.bennett@mt.gov.
The Tribal Tourism Small Business Grant has reopened to receive applications now through Jan. 25 at 11:59 p.m. The Tribal Tourism Small Business Grant assists startup or expanding Native American-owned tourism businesses in Montana. A total of $240,000 is available for Fiscal Year 2026. Approximately 24 awards will be granted; an average of three per tribal nation.
is accepting new applications under updated program guidelines. The program has transitioned to a loan participation structure for funding requests of up to $2 million and will continue to offer direct loans for amounts under $1 million. The application portal will remain open until all available funding has been committed to eligible businesses. Currently, the WP RLF has $1.5 million available for lending. For more information, contact Program Specialist Chris Ryan at .
will temporarily close at midnight on Feb. 28 as the program explores increasing future product offerings. While funds remain available, all fully and properly completed applications submitted prior to the closure will be reviewed for eligibility. Updates on program offerings will be released as more information becomes available. Ongoing funding opportunities will be supported through the SSBCI 2.0 Recycled Funds application portal which will remain open for the duration of the program.
The Montana State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 Loan Participation Program-Recycled Funds application is open and will remain so for the duration of the program, with capital availability contingent on repayments from existing borrowers. A list of participating lenders with funds for recycling can be found on the .
Native American Collateral Support Program funding available: The NACS Program is now accepting applications online, which can be found on the website under “Application Process.” Currently, $170,832 in cash funding is available. For more information, contact Program Specialist Chris Ryan at chris.ryan@mt.gov or 406-841-2594.
The Montana Tourism Development Grant Program, formerly known as the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program, is accepting applications and will close on Jan. 22 at 11:59 p.m. The MTDG is a state-funded opportunity, building tourism in a manageable, sustainable way that can stimulate and diversify Montana’s local economy, protect and enhance local resources and foster community pride without compromising the qualities that make local communities special. For more information, email or watch the webinar .
The Big Sky Film Grant is open. This grant program aims to build and support partnerships with filmmakers and production companies to create Montana film industry jobs. The application deadline is Feb. 15 at 11:59 p.m. MST. For more information, contact Commerce's Film Office.
Did you significantly grow your exports in 2025? You may be eligible to apply for an Exporter of the Year Award. Applications are due March 15. For more information, contact exportmontana@mt.gov or call 406-841-2783. Commerce’s Export team will submit applications to the Montana District Export Council’s review committee for consideration. Don't miss this opportunity to spread the word about your 2025 export success!
Housing
Montana Board of Housing public meeting: Feb. 9.
Montana Board of Housing public meeting: Mar. 16
Infrastructure and Planning
Commerce is accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grant Planning Program. Cities, towns, counties and consolidated city-county governments are eligible to apply by 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 16. Visit the grants and loans portal to apply.
The Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Program is accepting grant applications until Feb. 5 at 11:59 p.m. The METAP is a state-funded opportunity to distribute grant awards for tourism-related emergency service projects in rural areas. Visit the grants and loans portal to apply.
Commerce is accepting applications for the Montana Historic Preservation Grant through 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28. Application guidelines can be found on the MHPG web page; eligible parties should visit the grants and loans portal to apply.
The Montana Coal Board will hold its next quarterly meeting on March 12 in Billings. Grant applications to be considered at this meeting are due no later than midnight on Jan. 26. Visit the grants and loans portal to apply.
The Uniform Application for Montana Public Facility Projects, which is part of Commerce’s Montana Coal Endowment Program’s application, has been updated and is available for use. The updates include a preliminary engineering report outline with requirements for irrigation projects, an application that now requests information regarding short-lived assets and contact information including links and phone numbers.
Commerce News/Upcoming Events
Commerce Allocates Grant Funding to Colstrip Hospital District
Commerce Announces Montana Main Street Program Mural Project
The Montana Heritage Commission is looking for concessionaires interested in running business operations in historic Virginia City, Nevada City and Reeder's Alley in Helena. A list of currently available opportunities can be found at Please email with any questions.
Commerce invites economic development organizations to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in National Harbor, Maryland on May 3-6. This summit is the largest international business attraction event in the country. Partner with Commerce at no additional cost beyond travel and hotel expenses. To be a part of Commerce's booth, send an email to Business Attraction Coordinator Cameron Johnson at camjohnson@mt.gov by Jan. 31.
Save the date for the 2026 Housing Partnership Conference. May 18–20, 2026 at Fairmont Hot Springs. Registration opens Feb. 23, 2026. This conference brings together housing professionals, policymakers, developers and advocates from across the state and nation to explore innovative solutions, share expertise and collaborate on the future of affordable housing in Montana.
Sponsoring the Montana Housing Partnership Conference puts your organization in front of housing leaders and decision makers from across the state before, during and after the event. More sponsorship information.
Save the date for the 2026 Montana Department of Commerce Governor’s Conference on Tourism. This year’s conference will be held Sept. 16-18 in Great Falls. The event brings together more than 350 tourism and business professionals to educate, network and inspire one another. More information will be available on the conference website when registration opens in March.
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