Best Small Business Resources in the Missoula 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 Missoula 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
Missoula Economic Partnership
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
Missoula Economic Partnership offers a variety of business-related events and services. Of those targeted to small, emerging companies, they have free expert counseling, brown bag lunch, informal peer networking events, and seminars on business and professional development.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2501 Catlin St., Suite 205
Missoula, MT 59801
406-541-6461
info@missoulapartnership.com
1 Million Cups Missoula, MT
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
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, other people are welcome to drop in. Cost is free and the event is open to the public.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Missoula 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
Missoula 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 & Idaho CDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Montana and Idaho CDC provides small business loans to clients that are not qualified for bank financing. They also provide counseling services for their loan clients, including identifying markets, strategies, preparing for bank loans, and financial analysis. They have 3 office locations: Missoula, Bozeman, and Boise (Idaho).
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Montana Associated Technology Roundtables
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
MATR strives to connect existing companies and entrepreneurs of Montana to share ideas, innovation and create growth. MATR organizes network meetings fairly regularly, usually on a specific topic by an expert in the field, followed by networking after discussion. MATR website is upside daily with the latest information on economics and a weekly newsletter in a more digestive format. Membership and newsletter are free to sign up.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Montana High Tech Business Alliance
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Montana High Tech Alliance offers opportunities to for-profit companies in high tech and manufacturing sectors to create more high paying jobs in Montana. Its membership provides firms a chance to network with leaders and CEOs in the industry at its six locations, as well as connecting with peers during CEO Roundtable and discussions. Further, membership benefits allow you to use their platform to promote your product. Firms that are not in the high tech or manufacturing industry can choose to join as affiliate members.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1121 E Broadway St., Suite 108
Missoula, MT 59802
406-552-9157
director@mthightech.org
University of Montana Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The University of Montana's Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library offers several business-related databases, particularly on finance and company profiles. You can call or email the business librarian for more help with the databases. If you don't have a University of Montana student ID, you can only access the database through their visitor computer in the library.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, 32 Campus Drive
Missoula, MT 59812
406-243-4558
jaci.wilkinson@umontana.edu