SBA Announces Grant to Montana Small Business Development Centers to Support Job Creation

Small businesses in Montana will soon have greater access to critical resources to help them start or grow their businesses and create jobs, thanks to a $325,000 grant to SBA’s Montana Small Business Development Center.

The funding was provided under a key provision of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 signed by the President last September, which provided $50 million in grants to SBA’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) across the country to support job creation and retention within the small business community by providing in-depth business counseling and advice to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The Jobs Act grants are a one-time funding intended to meet the critical need for business expansion and job creation, and are not intended to replace the core funding or the matching funds that the SBDCs require to sustain the program annually.

This grant is intended to target high growth companies, expand number of counselors, and foster mentorship programs.

This grant to the Montana center will allow it to increase capacity of counseling across the state with specific focus on assisting second stage companies; and facilitate new mentorship program that will focus on "experience-driven" dialogues and sharing productive problem-solving methods.

"This is yet another example of the Small Business Jobs Act putting proven tools in the hands of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners," said SBA Acting District Director Robert Much. "SBA’s extensive network of about 900 Small Business Development Centers continues to play a critical role in helping them grow businesses and create jobs. I’m pleased that these resources are being delivered quickly to hard-hit states like Montana."

Crystal Baker

Business Development Specialist

Montana Small Business Administration

10 W. 15th Street, Suite 1100

Helena, MT 59626

406.441.1089

202.741.6817 (fax)

SBA…Helping Small Businesses Start, Grow & Succeed.

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