Senator Tester hosts 15th Small Business Opportunity Workshop for Montana entrepreneurs

Montanans learn from experts how to take their business to the next level

Senator Jon Tester http://www.tester.senate.gov/ today hosted his 15th Small Business Opportunity Workshop in Missoula to connect Montana small business owners with the resources they need to take their business to the next level and turn it into a Montana success.

Over 200 Montana business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs attended the event on the University of Montana campus.

"Small businesses are the driver of Montana’s economy and the biggest employers across our state," Tester said. "Today’s Small Business Opportunity Workshop connected businesses on Main Street with industry leaders to grow their business, expand opportunities, and create more jobs."

Tester’s workshop was keynoted by Alex "Papu" Rincon, founder and owner of Montana’s notable "four0six" brand. Rincon shared his story of how he turned an area code into a business, brand and way of life.

"It was an absolute honor to keynote the Small Business Opportunity workshop here in Missoula and share my story with other Montana entrepreneurs," Rincon said. "Montana is home to some very passionate, innovative and talented people venturing into the world of entrepreneurship and doing great things. I am thankful to be a part of it and happy to call this great state my home."

Marketing experts Jake Cook of Montana State University and Tadpull Digital Marketing http://www.tadpull.com/ and Jane Kober of Parker Hannifin also addressed the over 200 small business owners and entrepreneurs in attendance.

Attendees also had unique access to panels that consisted of economic development leaders http://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4026 , shipping and transportation experts http://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4033 , and successful Montana small businesses http://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4030 .

"It was very inspiring to hear other peoples stories and to find out about all of the resources available to us in the state to help us continue to grow our businesses, especially exporting," said Robin Béquet, owner of Béquet Confections https://bequetconfections.com/ in Bozeman, who participated in the Business Success Panel.

Tester has hosted 14 previous Small Business Opportunity Workshops http://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=page&id=64 across the state focusing on numerous topics, including manufacturing, agriculture, contracting, and women entrepreneurs.

Tester’s Small Business Opportunity Workshops are free and open to the public.