Billings, MT — Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) is proud to announce the successful completion of all seven 2025 Space2Place projects across Yellowstone County. Space2Place is a creative placemaking micro-grant program introduced by BSED in 2018 to transform public spaces into vibrant, engaging, and welcoming places for community members to gather, connect, and enjoy.
The space is now a vibrant, interactive community hub. Community members and Wise Wonders guests continue to sample, to take herbs home, to smell, to touch, and to enjoy this space. We plan on continuing this herb garden year after year as a cost-effective way to bring Wise Wonders experiences to everyone in our community. – Shawna Bonini, Wise Wonders – 2025 Space2Place grant recipient.
Since its inception, the program has funded 51 projects throughout the region, nearly all of which remain active and visible in our communities today. The 2025 projects were completed by the program deadline of September 30 and showcase a variety of initiatives designed to activate underutilized spaces, enhance walkability, and promote social interaction.
“Our Space2Place program allows us to tap into the creativity and community spirit of our friends and neighbors throughout Yellowstone County. It demonstrates the impact that small-scale projects can have in making our communities more beautiful, more engaging, and more vibrant.” – Thom MacLean, Senior Project Manager Community Development at BSED
Grants of up to $5,000 support materials and contracted services, while volunteers contribute their time and effort to bring projects to life. BSED intentionally keeps the application process simple, encouraging creative ideas that align with four key elements of placemaking: access, comfort and image, activities, and sociability.
Applications for the 2026 Space2Place grants will open in mid-January, with submissions due in early March. Winners will be publicly recognized at BSED’s Better Off in Billings event in April.