Who We Are
Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) is a public-private partnership. The Big Sky Economic Development Authority (EDA), the public agency, evolved from the Montana TradePort Authority launched in 1989 by the Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners. Big Sky Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the private business side, was started in 2002. Over 145 of the county’s top businesses are member-investor partners in the EDC. Together, the organization’s mission is to sustain and grow Yellowstone County’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life, by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, retention, new business recruitment and community development.
Big Sky Economic Development’s mission is to sustain and grow our region’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life, by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, retention, new business recruitment and community development.
Building a Vibrant, Healthy Economy
We value each other, we embrace fun, and we serve with passion and excellence.
BSED is recognized as one of 68 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that BSED attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well placed, and their business is in good hands. Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee.
The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world. With over 5,000 members nationwide and abroad, IEDC offers the economic development profession one source for information and professional development, one voice for the profession and one force for advocacy.
Service Area
Awards
2020
IEDC Gold Award – Space2Place
In recognition of Space2Place as an innovation program and initiative.
Jan 2019 – Jan 2022
IEDC Achievement Award
For achievement as an accredited economic development organization (AEDO).
2019
IEDC Gold Award – BOIB
In recognition of Better Off in Billings Talent Attraction Campaign as a multimedia/video promotion.
2019
U.S. SBA Montana Certified Development Company of the Year
Approved 16 loans totaling $14,653,000.
2018
U.S. SBA Montana Certified Development Company of the Year
Approved 10 loans totaling $9,914,000.
2017
IEDC Bronze Award – Annual Report
In recognition of Annual Report.
2017
IEDC Bronze Award – Take3 Newsletter
In recognition of Take3 Newsletter/Newspaper.
2017
U.S. SBA Montana Certified Development Company of the Year
Thirteen SBA 504 Loans totaling $8,935,000.
2016
IEDC Bronze Award – Special Event
In recognition of Special Event.
2016
IEDC Gold Award – Annual Report
In recognition of Annual Report.
2016
U.S. SBA Montana Certified Development Company of the Year
Twelve SBA 504 Loans totaling $14,870,000.
2015
U.S. SBA Montana SBA Lender of the Year
Approved 10-504 loans totaling $5,918,000.
2015
IEDC Silver Award – Annual Report
In recognition of Annual Report.
October 2015 – September 2018
IEDC Achievement Award
For achievement as an accredited economic development organization (AEDO).
2014
IEDC Silver Award – Special Event
In recognition of Think Billings Campaign Special event.
2014
U.S. SBA Montana SBA Lender of the Year
Approved 12-504 loans totaling $13,988,000.
2013
U.S. SBA Montana Certified Development Company of the Year
For Number and Dollar of 504 Loans. Approved 17 loans totaling $12,380,000.
2011
U.S. SBA Montana Certified Development Company of the Year
For Number and Dollar of 504 Loans. Approved 16 loans totaling $12,576,000.
2009
U.S. SBA Montana Certified Development Company of the Year
Seven SBA 504 loans totaling $3,999,000.
2008
U.S. SBA Montana Certified Development Company of the Year
For total SBA 504 Dollar Volume. Fourteen SBA 504 loans totaling $10,012,000.