Small Business Grants in Montana
Montana offers more than 10 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by the Montana Department of Commerce.
In This Article
Which Montana grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 13 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Montana Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Montana small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF)
Montana Department of Commerce
$5,000–$7,500 per job created
ClosedProvides grants to local and tribal governments on behalf of basic sector businesses for job creation and economic development planning. Reimbursement rates are up to $7,500 per job in high-poverty counties or $5,000 in non-high-poverty counties.
Status check, Commerce is not accepting applications at this time. Program guidelines are available but no current deadline is posted.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
Indian Equity Fund (IEF) Small Business Grant
Montana Department of Commerce, Office of Indian Country Economic Development
Up to $14,000
Deadline Oct 31, 2025Provides grants to startup or expanding Native American businesses in Montana. A total of $320,000 is available annually, and applicants must be enrolled members of one of Montana's eight federally recognized tribes.
Status check, The official Montana Department of Commerce page listed the 2025 application window as Aug 18 through Oct 31, 2025. No 2026 application window has been announced. The program appears ongoing annually but is not currently accepting applications.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
CDBG Economic Development (CDBG-ED) Program
Montana Department of Commerce
Up to $25,000 per job created
RollingStimulates economic development through grants and fixed-rate business financing to local governments for job creation and retention. At least 51% of jobs must benefit low-to-moderate income workers.
Status check, Page states CDBG-ED applications are accepted on an open-cycle basis. Rolling applications with no specific deadline mentioned.
Last verified, Jul 12, 2026
Montana SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program
Montana Department of Commerce
Up to $30,000 per phase
RollingProvides state matching grants to technology-based Montana companies that have received federal SBIR or STTR awards. Applications are accepted on a rolling, first-come first-served basis.
Status check, Page states applications can be submitted at any time. Grants of up to $30,000 per phase are available on a yearly basis. Rolling deadline confirmed.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
Primary Sector Workforce Training Grant (WTG)
Montana Department of Commerce
Varies by project
Deadline Mar 17, 2021Provides grant funds to primary sector businesses for training full-time and part-time workers in net new jobs. Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis or until all funds have been obligated.
Status check, The page shows a specific past opportunity (FY 21-04) with application deadline of March 17, 2021. This is an archived grant round, not the current rolling program.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
Opportunities in Rural Economies (ORE) Planning Grant
Montana Department of Commerce
$1,990–$30,000
CompetitiveSupports businesses and nonprofits in completing planning and feasibility projects such as energy audits, site studies, and pilot programs to accelerate economic development in rural Montana.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Native American Business Advisor (NABA) Grant
Montana Department of Commerce, Office of Indian Country Economic Development
Up to $20,000 per tribal area
Deadline Jul 31, 2026Funds Native organizations that provide business counseling, credit counseling, and application support to Native American businesses in Montana. Up to eight tribal nation areas can receive funding annually.
Status check, Grant application period is open from July 1 through July 31, 2026. Up to $20,000 per year available to fund up to eight NABA applications in each tribal nation area.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Program
Montana Department of Labor and Industry
Varies by employee count
RollingA reimbursement-based program that helps Montana businesses cover costs of training existing employees. Businesses must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State's Office and provide matching funds.
Status check, Grant funding is open for Fiscal Year 2027 for training beginning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Applications must be submitted at least 14 days prior to training start date. Rolling quarterly funding until exhausted.
Last verified, Jul 16, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Montana grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Montana grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Montana.
Rural Business Grants
Montana's largely rural landscape means many businesses qualify for rural-focused programs. The CDBG-ED and ORE Planning Grant specifically target rural communities and economic development projects outside the state's three largest cities.
- ›CDBG-ED Program
- ›Opportunities in Rural Economies (ORE) Planning Grant
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Minority-owned Business Grants
Montana's Office of Indian Country Economic Development administers multiple grant programs exclusively for enrolled members of Montana's eight federally recognized tribes. The Indian Equity Fund provides up to $14,000 for startup or expanding Native American businesses.
- ›Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant
- ›Native American Business Advisor Grant
- ›Office of Indian Country Economic Development
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Technology-based Montana companies that have received federal SBIR or STTR awards can access state matching grants of up to $30,000 per phase. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the Montana Grants and Loans Portal.
- ›Montana SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program
- ›Montana Department of Commerce
Tips for Applying in Montana
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Submit applications through the Montana Grants and Loans Portal at funding.mt.gov. You will need to register with OKTA to access the portal.
- 2For CDBG-ED and Big Sky Trust Fund programs, work with your local government or a Certified Regional Development Corporation (CRDC), as these entities must submit applications on your behalf.
- 3Emphasize job creation and retention metrics in your application, particularly for low-to-moderate income workers earning less than 80% of area median income, since award amounts are often tied to the number of jobs created.
- 4Prepare a Preliminary Architectural Report (PER) or financial feasibility documentation before applying for CDBG-ED funds. If your application is unsuccessful, request a meeting with Commerce staff to identify areas for improvement.
- 5Contact the Montana Department of Commerce at 406-841-2700 or visit your nearest SBDC regional center for free one-on-one advising on grant readiness and application preparation.
State Economic Development Agency
Montana Department of Commerce
Delivers programs and resources through technical assistance, funding, training, consulting, and outreach to promote sustainable business growth and community vitality across Montana.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Montana can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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