Montana Dept of Commerce Awards Small Business Grants to Native-Owned Businesses

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced yesterday that $320,000 of grant funding has been allocated to support 26 start-up or expanding Native American businesses in Montana. The funding is through Commerce’s Indian Equity Fund (IEF) Small Business Grant Program. 

“For Montana’s economy to remain resilient and strong, it is vital that tribal businesses continue to expand and grow in numbers,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “That’s why Commerce will continue to support Montana’s small businesses through different programs that will help reinforce our state’s economy into the future.” 

IEF funding can be used for a variety of activities, such as the purchase of new equipment or the development of a new product line. Awards for individual businesses can be up to $14,000 with a minimum dollar-to-dollar cash or in-kind match. 

The following businesses will receive IEF grants: 

Blackfeet 

• Paula’s All Occasion Gifts in Browning will receive $14,000 to add a new line of affordable inventory to serve more customers. 
• Lone Pine Cabins in Browning will receive $14,000 to purchase an additional cabin and finishing material to offer cabin rentals near Duck Lake. 
• True Grit Tire and Automotive in Billings will receive $12,000 to purchase a hand truck with a crane and additional equipment to increase capacity. 

Chippewa Cree 

• K’s Barbershop in Box Elder will receive $14,000 to purchase a small building structure to convert into a barbershop. 
• Bobbi’s Boutique in Box Elder will receive $14,000 to purchase a new line of inventory. 
• Still Here in Box Elder will receive $12,000 to purchase a press, conveyer belt dryer and other equipment/inventory for apparel screen printing. 

Confederated Salish and Kootenai  

• The Ronan Mill in Ronan will receive $14,000 to purchase commercial kitchen equipment to expand and offer coffee and espresso drinks.  
• Meru Artisan Boutique in Polson will receive $14,000 to purchase commercial kitchen equipment and other business equipment to offer more goods and services. 
• Hammer Time Construction in Ronan will receive $12,000 to purchase a work vehicle to haul a utility trailer to increase capacity. 

Crow 

• Studio 27 Salon in Billings will receive $14,000 to purchase commercial salon equipment to support the business. 
• Pitsch Cattle in Crow Agency will receive $14,000 to purchase a large portable corral system to increase productivity. 
• Wolf Mountain Storage in Crow Agency will receive $12,000 to purchase equipment to start a storage facility. 

Fort Belknap 

• Bishop Services in Harlem will receive $14,000 to purchase an all-terrain vehicle to be used in operations transporting a chemical sprayer and applicator. 
• Bell Developing in Harlem will receive $14,000 to purchase equipment and machinery to expand capabilities. 
• Carroll Custom Embroidery in Ekalaka will receive $6,000 to purchase machinery and equipment to increase capacity. 
• 406 Native Roots in Billings will receive $5,000 to purchase equipment and inventory to provide services for the new store. 

Fort Peck 

• Hi-Line ATM in Wolf Point will receive $14,000 to purchase and install machines. 
• G10 Enterprises in Wolf Point will receive $14,000 to purchase building materials to improve real estate.  

• Nakoda Direct in Wolf Point will receive $12,000 for the purchase of furnishings, technology and selected working capital. 

Little Shell 

• Dragon Well Acupuncture and H.O.P.E. in Floweree will receive $14,000 to purchase equipment and technology to increase the capacity of the business. 
• Rising Wolf Getaway in Butte will receive $14,000 to purchase inventory for production.  
• First Nations Food in Great Falls will receive $12,000 to purchase a food truck. 

Northern Cheyenne 

• Burritos R Us in Lame Deer will receive $14,000 to purchase commercial kitchen equipment for business. 
• Speelman Construction in Lame Deer will receive $14,000 to purchase machinery and equipment. 
• NC Duct Guys in Busby will receive $6,000 to purchase machinery and equipment. 
• Sage & Oats in Helena will receive $5,000 to purchase furnishings and technology. 

In 2022, Eagles Wings, LLC, a management consulting firm in Polson, received $14,000 of IEF grant funding to expand its business space and hire an additional employee during the busy season. 

“Confidence in what I had to offer as a business owner was greatly elevated by the acknowledgment and award the Montana Indian Equity Fund provided. It’s so difficult for a new and small business to qualify for financial support, and this type of leverage is so beneficial,” said Charmel Gillin, owner of Eagles Wings, LLC. “Eagles Wings has been able to gain market share and visibility in our small and rural community on the Flathead reservation. I cannot thank IEF enough for how much they do for the Native American business community.” 

Eligible applicants for IEF grant funding include enrolled members of the eight federally recognized tribes in Montana. Each year, a total of $320,000 of IEF program funding is available to support Native American businesses in Montana. 

The IEF is one of four financial assistance programs under Commerce’s Office of Indian Country Economic Development. Other funding opportunities include the Native American Business Advisors, Tribal Tourism and Native American Collateral Support grant programs. 

For more information about the IEF grant program, visit business.mt.gov.