Best Small Business Resources in the Bozeman Area

Description

Prospera Business Network provides entrepreneurs and small business owners counseling and financial assistance to help them with business relocation, expansion, and retention. They hold monthly networking events and workshops on professional development, usually with a fee. Members receive discounts on those events and can be featured in their annual report or directory depends on the level of membership. The Montana Women's Business Center is also under their roof, where they offer comprehensive online business courses and counseling to women business owners at an affordable rate. 

Description

1 Million Cups is a nationwide program that offers entrepreneurs and business owners a platform to present their business to their local community on a regular basis. Presenters need to apply first while other people are welcome to drop in. Cost is free and open to the public.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

Part of the Extension of Montana State University, MMEC offers service in a variety of topics related to manufacturing, including but not limited to, business management, facility planning, food safety, innovation, marketing, quality system, leadership, and so on. They also have training and events offered at an affordable rate. 

Description

Montana State University Library offers online business databases with an onsite librarian for help. However, if you're not affiliated with MSU, you can only access the databases on their guest computers in the library. If you're a Montana resident, you can apply for a library card to borrow materials. 

Description

Montana State University Extension in Community Development offers free online webinars on small business developments. They have handouts available online and a chatbox for anyone to ask questions during the webinars.