Are You Ready to Start, Grow, or Expand Your Business?

Building a successful business takes more than a good idea. It requires thoughtful planning, reliable information, access to capital, and connections to the right people and resources. Big Sky Economic Development helps entrepreneurs and established businesses navigate each stage of that process.

Whether you are exploring business ownership, preparing to launch, expanding an existing operation, purchasing property or equipment, pursuing government contracts, or planning your next phase of growth, our team can help you identify practical next steps. We bring several specialized programs together under one roof, making it easier to find support that fits your goals.

Our business services include:

  • Business advising and training: One-on-one guidance, business planning, financial projections, market research, workshops, and other resources through the Small Business Development Center.
  • Business financing: Access to SBA 504 loans and other financing programs that support eligible investments in commercial real estate, construction, equipment, and business growth.
  • Veteran entrepreneurship assistance: Training, counseling, mentoring, and resource connections for transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses through the Veterans Business Outreach Center.
  • Government contracting assistance: Specialized guidance to help businesses understand registrations, certifications, bid opportunities, proposal development, and local, state, and federal procurement through Montana APEX.
  • Entrepreneurial and coworking support: Flexible workspace, mentorship, coaching, networking, and business programming through Rock31.

Every business has different needs. Our team can help you understand the available options, connect with the appropriate program, and move forward with greater confidence.

The Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides practical guidance to entrepreneurs and small business owners as they start, manage, and grow their businesses. Whether you are evaluating an idea, preparing to launch, or planning your next stage of growth, SBDC advisors can help you make informed decisions and move forward with confidence. Through no-cost, one-on-one advising and affordable training opportunities, the SBDC assists with business planning, financial analysis, market research, strategic planning, loan packaging, financial projections, and other essential business needs. The Montana SBDC Network operates ten regional centers throughout the state, including the Billings center at Big Sky Economic Development. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Montana Department of Commerce. Learn More

Ready to work with an SBDC advisor? Sign up for assistance.

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) helps veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs start, purchase, and grow successful businesses. Serving Montana, Wyoming, and Utah, VBOC provides specialized support designed around the experiences and needs of the military community. Eligible clients include transitioning and active-duty service members, veterans of any era, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. Services include business training, workshops, individualized counseling, mentoring, transition assistance, resource referrals, and connections to financing and contracting opportunities. Assistance is available both in person and online. Big Sky VBOC is fully funded under a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Learn More

The SBA 504 Loan Program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing to help eligible businesses invest in major fixed assets while preserving working capital for daily operations and continued growth. SBA 504 financing can support the purchase, construction, expansion, or improvement of commercial real estate, as well as the acquisition of major machinery and equipment. Big Sky Economic Development works with businesses and participating lenders to evaluate projects, navigate the application process, and structure financing that supports long-term business goals. Big Sky Economic Development Corporation is authorized by the U.S. Small Business Administration to serve as the Certified Development Company for the State of Montana. Learn More

Federal, state, and local governments purchase billions of dollars in goods and services each year. Montana APEX helps businesses understand the government marketplace, identify contracting opportunities, and compete for public-sector work. Our team provides individualized guidance on government registrations, certifications, market research, bid opportunities, proposal development, and procurement strategies. Whether you are pursuing your first government contract or expanding an established contract portfolio, Montana APEX can help make the process clearer, more accessible, and more manageable. Montana APEX is made possible through Big Sky Economic Development and partner organizations across the state. This program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency. Learn More

Logo for Rock 31

Rock31 is Billings’ business accelerator and coworking space, providing entrepreneurs, startups, remote workers, and growing businesses with a place to work, connect, and build. Members have access to flexible workspace, business resources, mentorship, educational programming, networking opportunities, and connections throughout the local entrepreneurial community. Options range from day passes and open coworking areas to dedicated desks and private office space. More than a workspace, Rock31 is a community designed to encourage collaboration, strengthen businesses, and help entrepreneurs move ideas forward. Whether you are developing a new venture or growing an established company, Rock31 provides an environment built to support progress. Learn More