406 Window Co., a retail business operating in Billings since 1995, offers windows and doors for new residential construction projects along with residential remodels. The business has a product for everyone, with product lines ranging from budget to high end, including energy efficient and green options. After many years of building a good reputation and strong client base in the area, owners Brian and Robin Reay were ready to take their business to the next level and set their sights on owning their own commercial building. The nearly 10,000 square foot facility enabled the business to bring all facets of its operations under one roof with an expansive showroom, additional offices, and warehouse space for product storage. Big Sky Finance partnered with Stockman Bank of Billings to provide long-term, fixed rate SBA 504 financing for the construction of the new facility.

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Cucina Florabella, a contemporary Italian restaurant located on the outskirts of downtown Missoula, was founded by local restauranteurs Ben Burda and Drake Doepke in 2022. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Ben and Drake joined forces, venturing into Italian fare for the first time in their careers. Big Sky Finance partnered with First Security Bank in Missoula to provide financing for the purchase and renovation of the property through the SBA 504 program. Seizing the opportunity to fill a gap in the local market for upscale Italian fare, the owners purchased an existing property formerly occupied by a long-time local Italian eatery that closed its doors in the fall of 2021. The duo revamped the restaurant’s concept by extensively renovating the property and creating an all-new menu. The building now features an in-house bakery, a coffee shop, a fully remodeled kitchen, and dining area that provides a uniquely upscale atmosphere the owners call ‘casually gorgeous, friendly yet intimate’. The menu features elevated Italian cuisine with locally sourced products, paired with Italian beer and wines hand selected by sommelier and owner, Ben Burda. Cucina Florabella opened to rave reviews from the local community in December 2022. Big Sky Finance is proud to have worked alongside Ben and Drake to bring their concept to life. The SBA 504 loan program helped make this project possible by affording the owners a lower initial cash contribution along with long-term, fixed rate financing.

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As a second-generation owner of Buggy Bath Car Wash, Derek Hall was looking to expand the family business and saw a need for a car wash facility on the west end of Billings. Already operating four car wash facilities in Sheridan and Gillette, Billings was a perfect next location, and the corner of Central Avenue and Shiloh Road was the right fit. In the fall of 2022, the Billings Buggy Bath car wash opened offering a state-of-the-art car wash tunnel, an in-bay wash facility, five self-service bays and multiple free vacuum stations - available 24 hours! Big Sky Finance is proud to have partnered with First Federal Bank & Trust on this project for Buggy Bath Car Wash! The total 504 project consisted of the acquisition of the equipment and construction of the Billings facility, debt refinance of the Wyoming locations as well as expansion of one of the Wyoming facilities. This is a great example of the versatility of the SBA 504 Loan program!

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Meadowlark Brewing was founded by Travis Peterson and opened its doors in 2014 in Sidney, MT. In 2020, Travis decided to expand the brewery and open a 2nd location in Billings, MT, providing for more capacity and better distribution. Working with Stockman Bank in Sidney, Big Sky Finance provided SBA 504 financing for the construction of the new facility. Construction of the over 20,000 square foot brewery production facility and taproom was recently completed and opened to the public. Meadowlark Brewing is a full production brewery featuring 28 taps and its own canning line. It’s relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere offers a wide array of popular microbrews and excellent bar food. Big Sky Finance is proud to have partnered with Meadowlark Brewing, providing long-term fixed rate financing utilizing the SBA 504 Loan program.

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J/fit.com, LLC is a woman-owned wholesale distribution company offering their own brand of fitness, sports and outdoor equipment for the at-home exerciser, personal trainer or other sports-minded people. J/fit also supplies their products to retailers nationwide. Loan proceeds were to construct a 13,500 SF warehouse facility, relocating from Vancouver, WA. Financing was provided by First Interstate Bank of Whitefish and SBA 504 loan program as provided by Big Sky Finance.

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In 2011, Dr. Jason Tanguay, DDS purchased the Mint Dental Studio practice utilizing the SBA 504 Loan Program through Big Sky Finance. After continued business growth, Dr. Jason Tanguay, DDS and Dr. Lindsey Hollern, DDS recognized the need for a larger facility. Utilizing the SBA 504 Loan program for a second time, they purchased a new condominium, constructed their tenant improvements, and purchased new equipment. In partnership with First Security Bank, Dr. Jason Tanguay, DDS and Dr. Lindsey Hollern, DDS were able to purchase a new facility to meet their growing needs.

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Owner, Zach Snyder, has been in the used car business for over 12 years with two locations in Bozeman and Belgrade. After renting and outgrowing his location in Belgrade Zach purchased land and constructed a new building about one mile south of his old location utilizing the SBA 504 loan program. In partnership with Opportunity Bank of Montana, this new location provides better customer access and exposure, more parking spaces, and a larger maintenance shop. The ability to obtain affordable financing allows Snyder Motors to grow and focus on their mission of providing a hassle-free car buying experience where the customers needs come first.

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In order to be eligible for the SBA 504 program a public policy goal must be met, such as being women owned. Broadwater Self Storage, Inc. , is a women-owned 244 unit self-storage facility in Billings. Majority owner, Kendra Daniel and her husband, Roger, took the opportunity to purchase this existing facility which is adjacent to other commercial properties they own. Partnering with Western Security Bank, Division of Glacier Bank (Billings), Big Sky Finance through the SBA 504 loan program provided low down payment, long term, fixed interest rate financing!

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In 2017, lifelong restaurateur, Albert McDonald opened Backcountry Burger Bar at a leased location in the heart of downtown Bozeman. An opportunity arose to purchase the historic building he had been leasing for the restaurant. The building is not only occupied by his restaurant but includes an upstairs commercial office space and two residential apartments. Although the SBA 504 Loan Program is for owner occupied properties, it does allow for third party leasing as long as requirements are met. With the SBA 504 loan flexibility and First Montana Bank’s partnership, Albert is now able to own a piece of Bozeman history and continue to serve the community it’s locally sourced and made-from-scratch meals.

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Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration, Inc. is a woman-owned business that has been in the Billings area since 2006 and provides water, fire and mold restoration services. Owner Julie Johnson, along with her husband Willy Johnson consolidated two business locations into a larger facility and utilized the low, fixed long term rates of the SBA 504 loan program to accomplish this goal. Big Sky Finance partnered with Altana Federal Credit Union in Billings in providing financing for this project.

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Mountain Hot Tub has been owned and operated by Kelly King and his wife Shirley since 2013. Their business has showrooms across Montana in Bozeman, Butte, and Helena. Mountain Hot Tub is one of the top hot tub and sauna dealers in the state. Kelly utilized the SBA 504 loan program through Big Sky Finance, along with lending partner First Security Bank, a Division of Glacier Bank based in Bozeman, MT to construct a new $5 million facility in Bozeman. This move allowed for a larger showroom and warehouse along with consolidating staff and service departments under one roof. As a Navy veteran, King and his wife continue to support the local non-profit Warrior and Quiet Waters for Veterans by donating hot tubs.

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Daniels Gourmet Meats & Sausages had the opportunity to purchase the building they had been leasing. Financing was provided by First Montana Bank, Inc. (Bozeman) and the SBA 504 loan program offered through Big Sky Finance. Daniels Gourmet Meats & Sausages is a locally owned and operated artisan meat market featuring local beef, pork, poultry, and lamb.

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Nelson’s ACE Hardware has been owned by Marilyn and Richard Nelson since 1976 and was located in downtown Whitefish since the 1970's. Due to space constraints which hampered future growth, the Nelson used the SBA 504 loan program through Big Sky Finance, along with lending partner First Interstate Bank in Whitefish to construct a larger facility six blocks away. The project included constructing a brand new 13,300 SF building, 51 paved parking spaces, landscaping, curbs, pole lighting, storm water retention area, and concrete walks around most of the building.

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Alice Wilmett, owner of Restyle Clothing Exchange, purchased and made some minor repairs to an existing building in a Federal HUBZone which revitalizes the Missoula business district. Financing was provided by First Interstate Bank (Missoula) and the SBA 504 loan program offered through Big Sky Finance. Restyle Clothing Exchange is a woman-owned business that buys and sells gently used clothing for teens and adults.

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Frontier Airlines has landed in Billings! Frontier now provides a direct flight from BIL to DEN. The Air Service Task Force, which BSED has been a member of since its inception, continues to work on improving our air service and enhancing our airport.

ROI, having grown significantly in American Fork and Linden, Utah, ROI was exploring new markets to expand into to secure more workforce for their inbound call centers. Deciding between the Billings market and the Kansas area, the leadership team share that all things equal, it was clear that Billings wanted them to locate here. Knowing they had support made the difference. They chose to rent a substantial amount of office space in the Billings market but in a reaction to COVID, many of their staff now work from home and they are able to hire throughout the US. Their Billings location is still growing, providing jobs our community.

Part of the Rocky Vista University family, the Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine will welcome a class of 80 students in the summer of 2023, with a gradual ramp up to 160 students by 2025. Focused on primary care and rural health, this school will play a critical role in helping grow the pool of physicians.