BOOTSTRAP MONTANA – Micro-Loan Funds Available

TechRanch, in partnership with the

Gianforte Family Charitable Trust, announces the new Bootstrap Montana

Micro-Loan Program and the Bootstrap Montana Entrepreneurship Series (

http://www.bootstrapmontana.org <http://www.bootstrapmontana.org/> ).

TechRanch (www.techranch.org <http://www.techranch.org/> ) is proud to

partner with this private foundation set up by Greg Gianforte, President

and CEO of Bozeman-based RightNow Technologies, to administer a new

micro-loan fund for entrepreneurs in rural Montana. This initiative is

the first of its kind to target Montana’s under-served rural communities

to spur economic growth with $100,000 in loan funds available

immediately. Loans will be made in amounts ranging from $5,000 to

$20,000 and are meant to assist rural Montana companies in accelerating

revenue growth. These loans will be offered at 0% interest for the

first year and targeted at rural Montana businesses. Those interested

can find out more at the Bootstrap Montana website and can apply for a

loan on line as well.

The Bootstrap Montana Entrepreneurship Series consists of three

educational seminars that will take place in Conrad, Miles City and

Whitefish beginning March 2008. Each of these seminars will be open to

Montana entrepreneurs who want to learn about the components of

bootstrapping a business. Bootstrapping is a business development

philosophy focused on growing a company with little or no use of

investor capital. Given the lack of investment capital in the State,

this is an ideal business strategy for many Montana companies. Topics

such as sales, marketing, hiring, and customer service will be taught by

seasoned entrepreneurs and business experts. Greg Gianforte will deliver

a portion of the educational content personally. It is not required

that applicants for loans under the Bootstrap Montana Micro-Loan Program

attend an educational seminar.

"TechRanch is pleased to play a role in both the Loan Program and the

Educational Series as we see a constant need for business development

funds and entrepreneurship education delivered by proven business

professionals," says Gary Bloomer, Director of Client Development at

TechRanch.

About TechRanch: The TechRanch mission is to help Montana based

entrepreneurs launch and build companies that will become long term,

profitable operating entities in Montana. As a result, our state’s

economy is more stable, diversified, innovative and competitive.

TechRanch uniquely supports entrepreneurial ventures in industries that

are critical to Montana. For more information, contact Gary Bloomer at

406.556.0272