Department Of Commerce

The Montana Department of Commerce has released revised guidelines for the Montana Automation Financing Program, formerly the Montana Automation Loan Program. The Montana Automation Financing Program suite now includes a Direct Loan product and a Collateral Support product for Montana manufacturers. Commerce is inviting public comment on the proposed guidelines before finalizing them. Comments will be accepted until July 15 at 5 p.m. The draft guidelines are available below.

Montana Automation Financing Program Guidelines Draft (PDF)

This is not a formal rulemaking process under Title 2, chapter 4, of the Montana Code Annotated. Commerce will finalize and post the following proposed guidelines after giving the public an opportunity to comment. Please send comments relating to the guidelines to businessmt@mt.gov. If you need an accommodation, please email businessmt@mt.gov or call 406-841-2770.

Program Overview

TheMontana Automation Financing Program Suite has two components: the Collateral Support Program and the Direct Loan Program.

  • The Direct Loan Program offers loans to Eligible Applicants directly from the Montana Department of Commerce.
  • The Collateral Support Program is a credit enhancement, such as a pledged cash reserve or other approved support, to assist a Participating Lender in extending credit to an Eligible Applicant that is otherwise creditworthy but lacks sufficient collateral.

Purpose

The Montana Automation Financing Program is administered by the Montana Department of Commerce to extend financial assistance to Montana-based Manufacturing enterprises seeking to upgrade, replace, or expand their equipment through automation and modernization investments. The program supports businesses modernizing operations, enhancing efficiencies, and fostering growth. The program is not intended to replace jobs but to empower businesses to scale while upskilling their workforce.

Montana Automation Financing Program Suite

Coming soon.