Planning Grant for Rural Montana Businesses and Nonprofits

• Grant award up to $50,000
• Matching funds for planning projects (2:1 state-to-local match for rural areas)
• Assigned Commerce liaison for project monitoring and reporting
• Up to 10% of award may be used for administrative expenses (if using EDO/CRDC)

• Complete online application via ServiceNow platform (montana.servicenowservices.com)
• OKTA profile with valid email account
• Supporting documentation for the project
• Cost estimate specifying all sources and uses of funds
• Documentation of match availability
• Identification of third-party contractor (for readiness scoring)

• Must be an eligible business (for-profit, nonprofit, cooperative, or tribally owned) or nonprofit engaged in business activities in Montana
• Must be registered and in good standing with the Montana Secretary of State
• Must not be on the federal or state debarment list
• Must comply with all applicable state, federal, and local laws
• Only one application per project per application cycle is permitted
• Must include required match (2:1 state-to-local for rural areas; 1:1 for non-rural areas)
• Minimum one-third of total match must be cash provided by the applicant
• Must procure an independent third party to prepare and complete planning documents

Montana Department of Commerce administers economic development grants including the Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant for Native American entrepreneurs.