Montana West Economic Development

Procures capital for non-traditional revolving business loans and partners with banking institutions to provide gap equity financing, or directly lends to non-bankable projects to get deals done. The outcome is job creation, job retention, helping deals become bankable, and supporting business investment.provides free government contracting services by assisting businesses with the process of becoming a government approved supplier; identifying bid opportunities; assisting business with the bid applications; and then the implementation of the bid awards. Acts as an intermediary for pass through grants to eligible businesses that are creating Jobs and business investment; provides business education through events, and hosts business mentors.while the exponential growth rate of the previous couple of years has slowed somewhat, there is still steady growth in the flathead valley. Housing availability and pricing is still creating a challenge for many local residents. This also adds to the challenge many businesses have in finding or attracting qualified employees. However, many local businesses are strong and expanding. Mwed continued to work to grow our loan portfolio and pursue additional capitalization sources. The total loan portfolio was approximately $5.4 million. Our apex accelerator program (formerly ptac) continued to be active in fy2023-24, with 210 unique clients served, 262 contracts awarded, and a total contract value in excess of $32.5 million. Apex additionally hosted two training events on contracting with the government and one industry day event where our clients had the opportunity to meet one on one with various local and regional governmental agencies.throughout 2023, mwed staff prioritized exploration of new programs. Mwed received a $500,000 brownfields assessment grant from epa, was awarded a food and agriculture Development center (fadc) designation from the Montana department of agriculture and took on and expanded a forestry assistance program to assist property owners with increasing their resilience to wildfire.