Tester to host small business workshop in Kalispell to boost Montana jobs, business

Senator to bring together businesses and industry leaders to discuss entrepreneurship, access to capital

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – In his latest effort to create jobs and boost business in Montana, Senator Jon Tester will host another Small Business Opportunity Workshop next month.

The workshop is scheduled for July 9 at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The event will focus on entrepreneurship, access to capital (such as loans, grants, and tax credits), and marketing opportunities. 

“Montana is home to some of America’s hardest working, most innovative self-starters in business,” Tester said.  “What we’re doing with these workshops is making sure all entrepreneurs in Montana are aware of the tools out there to help grow their businesses, and boost jobs for Montana.  These events have been incredibly successful, and I encourage all businesses in the Flathead and across the state to take part.”

Expected participants in Tester’s workshop include:

• Montana Community Development Corporation
• Montana Department of Commerce
• Montana Economic Development Association
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• U.S. Small Business Administration

The workshop will also feature some of Montana’s leading entrepreneurs.

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 his successful Small Business Opportunity Workshops in Great Falls and Bozeman over the last year.  More than 350 small businesses attended Tester’s Bozeman workshop in February.

Tester also organized and hosted the Treasure State Export Seminar in Billings last week, bringing Montana small businesses together with several agencies, such as the Export-Import Bank of the U.S., and with internet giant Google to help boost Montana exports.

Tester’s Kalispell Small Business Opportunity Workshop is free and open to public.  Montanans interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP at tester.senate.gov/workshop.