Montana

Economic policy

The Economic Development Division of the state's Department of Commerce offers a variety of programs aimed at improving and enhancing Montana's economic and business climate. Working closely with other state agencies and federal and private programs, the department's aim is to assist start-up and existing businesses with the technical and financial assistance necessary for their success. Relationships with local development groups, chambers of commerce, and similar organizations help Montana communities develop their full potential. Montana micro-business companies with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees and annual gross revenues under $500,000 can receive loans of up to $35,000. Other qualifying businesses can borrow under several other state and federal development loan programs. The Economic Development Division's trade program assists businesses in pursuing domestic and worldwide trade. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program and the State Data Center program both operate statewide networks of service centers. In 2003, the state was offering marketing simulations as part of its small business development program. The governor chose to use the discretionary component of federal Workforce Investment Act to continue a program to provide grants of workforce training. The governor also created a new agency, the Montana Economic Development Advisory Agency, to provide the Martz administration with advice concerning economic development matters. At the 2003 Montana Economic Development Summit in May 2003 the main focus was on the creation of quality jobs.