Infrastructure and Planning
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 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 will be scheduling a preapplication workshop for the Montana Coal Endowment Program’s 2029 Biennium application. More information will be available on the Meetings and Events web page once scheduled.
Business
Thank you to the enrolled economic development organizations that applied for the ORE EDO Capacity Building Grant. The application window is now closed; Commerce will begin reviewing submissions. Applicants will be contacted regarding any follow‑up questions as well as award decisions once reviews are complete. For more information about the ORE Program, contact Business Resource Partner Josh Bennett at 406‑841‑2748 or .
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 approximately $1.4 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 is available. The NACS Program is now accepting applications online, which can be found on the website under “Application Process.” Currently, approximately $61,235 in cash funding is available. For more information, contact Program Specialist Chris Ryan at chris.ryan@mt.gov or 406-841-2594.
The Rural Tourism Asset Grant Program will accept applications March 2-26. The TAG Program supports projects that strengthen rural communities by enhancing visitor experiences with amenities, improving tourism assets and fostering economic growth. Visit the link to find webinar information, grant guidelines, a pdf version of the application, the budget template and scoring information.
The Big Sky Film Grant closes soon. 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.
Free Webinar from the Montana World Trade Center: The “Ins and Outs of ATA Carnets": March 11. If your company moves goods, tools, equipment or merchandise across borders temporarily for trade shows, testing, repairs, installations or even hand-carried shipments, this webinar is for you. Join ATA Carnet Specialist Kiel Ursin of Boomerang Carnets for a practical, plain-English walkthrough of how ATA Carnets work, what qualifies and how to avoid costly customs mistakes. Kiel’s tips can save your firm both time and money at the border.
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!
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program is returning to Montana, and applications are now open to small business owners ready to grow. This tuition-free, 12-week program offers one-on-one advice and personalized guidance, as well as better tools, clearer financials, stronger strategy and a trusted peer network to help grow small businesses. Participants will learn practical, immediately usable skills from experienced faculty and join a national community of entrepreneurs who keep collaborating long after graduation. Businesses must be at least two years old, have at least two employees and have revenues over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year. Classes start in September.
Housing
Montana Board of Housing public meeting: March 16
Montana Board of Housing public meeting: April 14
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is launching the Multifamily Energy Retrofit Loan Program to provide low-interest loans to existing multifamily affordable housing facilities for energy efficiency improvements. The MERL Program aims to lower energy costs of multifamily housing facilities and improve comfort and energy performance of buildings. Some examples of eligible measures funded under the program include air sealing, insulation, windows and efficient heating and cooling systems. All measures must be recommended via a qualifying energy audit and must be life-cycle cost effective.
Loan Terms:
- No application fee
- 2026 interest rate: 2%, fixed for the term of the loan, 2.055% APR. APR is based on an $800,000 loan, 2% interest rate, 15-year term and $3,142 in closing costs.
- Loan amount: $100,000 to $1,000,000
- Loan term: 15 years or useful life of the measure(s), whichever comes first.
The MERL Program was established with federal funds and all projects are subject to federal requirements including Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage, Build America Buy America for publicly owned facilities, the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. MERL projects are also subject to state requirements.
For more information, visit the MERL Program web page or contact MERL Program Manager Meranda Bass at msikes@mt.gov or 406-444-6586.
Commerce News/Upcoming Events
A grand opening for the new Stockman Bank in Helena is today, Feb. 12, from 4-7 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Stockman Bank is a participating lender for Montana Board of Housing's Homeownership programs.
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Made in Montana Trade Show for Food and Gifts, Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena. This is the premier statewide event to see, sample and purchase the newest products and developments in the Made in Montana food and gift industry. Businesses interested in attending wholesale buyer day on March 13 must register here.
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 is at Please email with any questions.
The Montana Departments of Commerce and Public Health and Human Services are collaborating on various housing and service programs administered by their respective agencies. One of these programs is Money Follows the Person, administered by DPHHS. The MFP Program provides a smooth transition for individuals moving from an institutional setting back into the community for people who:
- Resided in an institutional care setting for 60 days at the time of transition;
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Medicaid must pay for one of the days that the individual is in the institutional setting. A person can be eligible for Medicaid and Medicaid to not pay for one of those days; and
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Are eligible for a Montana waiver program. State plan eligibility is not sufficient for MFP purposes.
If you know a person who may benefit from this support, please consider making a referral to DPHHS. For more information about the MFP Program, visit dphhs.mt.gov.
The World Trade and Investment Day will be held May 12 in Butte. This event brings together exporters, importers, investors, policymakers and service providers to explore global market opportunities, supply chains, foreign direct investment and the real-world challenges Montana firms face doing business internationally.
Save the date for the 2026 Housing Partnership Conference, May 18-20 at Fairmont Hot Springs. Registration will open in late February. 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 is available here.
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 this spring.
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