Facebook, Google, Microsoft to participate in Tester’s Missoula jobs workshop

Hundreds of Montanans to attend Feb. 23 Small Business Opportunity Workshop

(U.S. SENATE) – Three of the world’s most successful internet companies are returning to Montana to participate in Senator Jon Tester’s next Small Business Opportunity Workshop on February 23 in Missoula.

Facebook, Google and Microsoft representatives will be on hand at The University of Montana in the University Center Theater to offer resources and advice to Montana entrepreneurs about growing their businesses and creating more jobs.

Hundreds of Montana companies and individuals have signed up so far to attend Tester’s workshop, which is free and open to the public.  Montanans interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP at tester.senate.gov/workshop.

“We’ve seen tremendous success with these workshops, getting Montana businesses the tools they need to continue creating more jobs,” Tester said.  “I’m bullish on Montana because our state is home to the hardest working, most innovative folks in the country.  And I’m going to keep fighting to open new doors for our businesses and keep putting more Montanans to work.”

Tester’s workshop will include panel discussions such as “Resources in Your Backyard” and “Montana Small Business Success Stories.”  Butte native Sean Thompson, a top executive at Microsoft, will deliver the keynote address and representatives from Facebook and Google will discuss social media strategies for small businesses. 

Montana participants include :

• Dave Glaser, President, Montana Community Development Corporation
• David Opitz, Big Sky Angel Fund
• Liz Marchi, Fund Coordinator, Frontier Angel Fund
• Tom Swenson, President, Montana Bank
• Will Schmautz, Nomad Technology
• Charlie Beaton, Big Dipper Ice Cream
• Jimmie Doolan and Essie Etchingham, Hummingbird Café
• Alex Philp, GCS Research
• Mike Sparr, Goomzee

The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23 at The University of Montana in the University Center Theater, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.  The event will focus on entrepreneurs starting businesses, access to capital (such as loans, grants, and tax credits), and online marketing opportunities.

Montanans unable to attend the event can watch it live on Tester’s website, at: tester.senate.gov/workshop.

Through his six Small Business Opportunity Workshops, Tester has connected thousands of Montanans with innovative marketing tools, financing information, and general and government contracting opportunities.