Best Small Business Resources in the Helena Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Montana has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Helena area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in Montana.
Resources Available in your Area
BEAR (Business Expansion and Retention)
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
BEAR is a Business Expansion and Retention program in Bozeman. The BEAR team provide mentors, training funds, and occasionally business networking opportunities for its members. They provide up to 2 hours of free initial business counseling for its members, and the rest is determined solely by resource providers and business owners. BEAR members also have access to Montana's Department of Labor Training Grant for employee training that is up to $2,000 per full-time employee per year. Anyone who wishes to join should contact SBDC or Montana Job Service first.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Helena SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
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.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Montana Innovation Partnership
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
Montana Innovation Partnership provides free counseling services for any business at any stage. They are specialized in technical assistance for Research & Development funding, technology commercialization, and intellectual property. They have an online library of training material that has webinars and handouts for personal use as well. You can file an online form to request MTIP service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Montana SBDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
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.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth