Facebook to take part in Tester’s Kalispell jobs workshop July 9

Social networking powerhouse to offer advice to Montana small businesses on innovation, marketing

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The world’s most popular social networking website is now scheduled to participate in Senator Jon Tester’s Small Business Opportunity Workshop on July 9 in Kalispell.

The networking and marketing powerhouse Facebook will offer advice to Montana’s small businesses on how to boost jobs through innovation and marketing opportunities.

Facebook joins Google and Microsoft as participants in Tester’s workshop.  Several successful Montana entrepreneurs will also be on hand.

“As Montana businesses look for innovative ways to boost jobs across the state, this is a great opportunity for them and industry leaders to put their heads together,” Tester said.  “Our aim is for folks to think outside the box for ways to grow business and put more Montanans to work, especially in the Flathead.”

Dozens of Montana companies 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.

The workshop is scheduled for July 9 at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.  The event will focus on entrepreneurship, access to capital (such as loans, grants, and tax credits), and online marketing opportunities.

In the past two years, northwest Montana has been the hardest hit region for job losses in the state.

Tester’s Kalispell workshop builds on similar events in Great Falls, Bozeman and Billings over the last year.  More than 350 small businesses attended Tester’s Bozeman workshop in February.