Knowing where to start when developing a new business is key to success. 

Below are some resources that can help.

Entrepreneurship

• 25 Common Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs (click on the link for the article)
•  The Entrepreneurship Test (click on the link to take the test)
• Quiz: Do you have what it takes to start a business? (click on the link to take the quiz)

Business planning, feasibility, financing:

• Montana Food & Ag Development Centers (click on the link to find one near you)
• Small Business Development Centers (click on the link to find one near you)
  • Online Business Training offered by Montana's Small Business Development Centers
• Montana Growth Through Agriculture grants & loans (click on the link to learn more)
• Montana Finance Information Center grants & loans (click on the link to learn more)
• Montana State Small Business Credit Initiative Program loans (click on the link to learn more)
• Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund Program grants (click on the link to learn more)
• Indian Country Economic Development Program grants & loans (click on the link to learn more)
• MicroBusiness Finance Program loans (click on the link to learn more)

Regulations & licensing:

• Food Manufacturing regulations (click on the link to go to the website)
• County Sanitarian list (click on the link to open the list as a PDF)

Processing:

• Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center (click on the link to go to the website)
• Montana Manufacturing Extention Center (click on the link to go to the website)

 Marketing:

• Montana Get Your Business Online - Get a free website. Google worked with local partners to design the program, which will help drive economic growth by giving Montana businesses the tools and resources to establish a website, find new customers, and grow their business.
• Be included in Ag's directory (click here to email your contact information)
• Made in Montana program (click on the links below to learn more)
  • Made in Montana website
  • Presentation: What Made in Montana Does for You (PDF)

For one-on-one assistance with starting up your business, contact our marketing officer (see below).