Your Guiding Light

Steph and Mike Farris turned to the SBDC for assistance in purchasing Farris Farm & Auto. “We have utilized the SBDC for many of their services from workshops to loan packaging assistance”, said the Farris couple. They started with a QuickBooks class and utilized the LivePlan program to develop their business plan. Loan packaging assistance was critical in helping them receive two different loans for the business purchase. Today their operation serves farms, ranches and the population around Scobey, MT with a CARQUEST Auto Parts store and a machine shop. They also give back to this ag-based community through donations and event sponsorships.

Plevna is located near the eastern border of Montana and has a population of 179. Throughout the Montana economy, cattle ranches are the largest economic contributor to agricultural receipts. Often in sparsely populated areas, ranchers need a local option to process their cattle. Ry and Cassie O’Connor recognized this and wanted to make a difference. “When we first came up with the idea for a meat processing facility, it was very overwhelming on where to start or how to start, the SBDC showed us! From the start-up process of building a professional business plan to working on financials and filling out grants, they guided us and spent many hours working with us. We never could have done it without them,” said Cassie O’Conner.

Owners, Marble Table

The Missoula SBDC office assisted Tier 1 Solar in leveraging their technology to provide large-scale energy needs in nationwide remote locations — like the owner’s ranch in rural Montana. The Missoula SBDC office made referrals to help Tier 1 Solar build its team to quickly acquire first round and subsequent funding, and launch quickly in a competitive market. Missoula SBDC has also helped connect Tier 1 Solar to the U.S. Commercial Service for future international sales exploration. To date, Tier 1 Solar has closed $922,000 in seed and Series A funding while creating 4 jobs. Today, the Missoula SBDC helps Tier 1 Solar explore possible project sites and incentives in Montana communities for their manufacturing facility.

The COVID 19 Pandemic brought a 100% increase in demand at Beaverhead Meats for locally grown, harvested, and produced meats. By April 2020, phone inquiries to Beaverhead Meats more than doubled for the slaughter of pigs and beef, the processing of livestock, as well as consumers looking to purchase locally processed meat as a healthier, safer, and cheaper alternative. The Butte SBDC assisted Beaverhead Meats with cash flow projections, business plan development, and grant assistance. They were awarded a $50,000 grant to upgrade equipment and capacity from the Growth through Agriculture Grant.

After serving his country as a Marine and serving his community as a police officer, Cesar and his wife Heidi saw an opportunity to serve their community by offering authentic Mexican food in Glacier County. They turned to the SBDC with their idea and received training and assistance in business planning, financial projections, building and launching a website and loan packaging. The assistance allowed Los Tacos to receive a grant through the Glacier Port Authority which proved instrumental in helping them get started. Today they are capturing tourism dollars and will spend about $10,000 to purchase locally raised beef and pork and other supplies.

Owner, Girls Run Missoula

Owner, Paul Ranch Montana