Impact Stories - MEDA Members

Investing In Montana.
Empowering Communities

Explore Economic Impact Stories

Photo by: Central Montana Tourism Office

About This Initiative

Across Montana, economic developers are making a difference in communities of every size. To highlight these successes, MEDA, in partnership with the Montana Department of Commerce, launched a statewide storytelling initiative featuring communities, businesses, and economic development professionals across Montana. Working with 1:1 Studios, MEDA traveled the state to capture firsthand stories of the partnerships, programs, and people driving economic growth in their regions.

These videos showcase the real-world impact of Montana’s economic development organizations and programs, many of which are funded in part, by the State of Montana. These programs have helped support business growth, innovation, manufacturing competitiveness, and locally driven economic development efforts for more than two decades.

The initiative highlights the importance of reauthorizing these programs beyond their current June 30, 2027 sunset date. Without legislative action, several key economic development tools that communities rely on today will expire

Explore the stories below to see how economic development is creating jobs,
supporting businesses, and building stronger communities across Montana.

Communities

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Entrepreneurship

Wolf Point, MT

Wolf Point Mercantile

The Wolf Point General Mercantile opened in July 2024 featuring traditional Native crafts, bison-based foods, and a welcoming community atmosphere. After winning Great Northern Development Corporation’s 2024 Minnow Tank business pitch competition, the Deserly family turned their vision into reality—opening just two months later and bringing new energy to downtown Wolf Point.

Historic Preservation

Winnett, MT

Petroleum County Courthouse

Built in 1917, this courthouse’s upper floor sat vacant for decades. A community-led project is converting it into four apartments and five commercial office spaces—addressing two of Winnett’s biggest needs at once. Snowy Mountain Development Corporation layered federal, state, and private sources to make the $2 million rehabilitation in a town of 200 a reality.

Workforce & Childcare

Bozeman, MT

Early Alpine Academy

In Montana, there is roughly one licensed childcare slot for every four infants. Early Alpine Academy is working to close that gap, recently doubling its capacity through a renovated 1800s house across the street from its original location. With help from Prospera, Gallatin County’s CRDC, Early Alpine secured gap financing to make this dream possible.

Main Street Revitalization

Baker, MT

Baker State Bank Building

Built in 1910, the Baker State Bank Building now houses Fallon County’s first visitor center, a vintage and craft shop founded by retired local women, and four apartments under construction upstairs—with a pocket park next door. Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation helped layer 11 grants and $46,000 in local donations to bring it all together.

Agriculture & Research

Harlowton, MT

Crazy Mountain Veterinary Services

Crazy Mountain Veterinary Service is helping ranchers improve herd health through a multi-year research project focused on antibiotic use in livestock. The study has surveyed over 200 producers and delivered presentations statewide. Snowy Mountain Development Corporation’s Food and Agriculture Development Center secured funding to conduct the research and provide resources to producers throughout the region.

Downtown Revitalization

Butte, MT

Montana Axe Bar

Montana Axe Bar opened in Butte’s historic uptown after owner Kayla Lambrecht purchased and renovated the long-vacant Thomas Block Building. The project brought four businesses to the ground floor and created new apartment space upstairs. Butte Local Development Corporation provided critical gap financing that helped bring a historic downtown building back to life.

Agriculture & Food

Helena, MT

Old Salt Co-op

Old Salt Co-op is a rancher-owned meat company founded in 2020 by five Montana ranch families. Today it spans two Helena restaurants, a processing facility, an e-commerce platform, and over 100 employees, with Montana cattle staying in Montana hands at every stage. Montana Business Assistance Connection helped finance it through the CDFI program, providing flexible capital that made the full vision possible.

Infrastructure & Growth

Colstrip, MT

Business Innovation Center

The Business Innovation Center is a new $4.6 million facility designed to support entrepreneurship, workforce training, and business growth in southeastern Montana. Southeastern Montana Development Corporation guided the project from concept to construction, securing nearly $4.5 million in grant funding to help bring the community-led vision to life.

Support Montana's Economic Development Programs

These programs are funded through earnings from the Coal Severance Tax Permanent Fund and are set to sunset on June 30, 2027. Help us ensure they continue to support Montana communities.

Investing In Montana.Empowering Communities