Montana Department of Commerce

A one-stop shop resource to highlight all the assistance available to help businesses and communities in the event of an emergency or aftermath of a disaster.

Business Assistance Programs

Montana Facility Finance Authority, Emergency Loan Program
The Emergency Loan Program makes short-term loans to eligible institutions at competitive interest rates during periods of declared emergency. Eligible projects include construction and renovation, facility acquisition, refinancing of qualified outstanding debt, the purchase of equipment, operations expenses, and financing costs.
Available to: Montana Businesses
406.444.0052 | https://mtfacilityfinance.com/Programs/Emergency-Loan-Program

Montana Facility Finance Authority, Emergency Forbearance Program
The Emergency Forbearance Program is limited to current Direct and Trust Fund Loan clients of the Authority. The program can only be activated when the State or Federal government declares an emergency for all or part of the State of Montana. The Program will close upon end of the emergency declaration unless extended by Authority Board action.
Available to: Montana Businesses
406.444.0052 | https://mtfacilityfinance.com/Programs/Emergency-Forbearance-Program

Montana Department of Commerce, MicroBusiness Finance Program
Montana-based businesses with fewer than ten full-time equivalent employees and gross annual revenues of less than $1,000,000 can apply for a microbusiness loan up to $100,000 by contacting a MicroBusiness Development Corporation (MBDC). MBDCs provide capital to start or expand a business, training and technical assistance, and pre- and post-loan training valuable for the success of a small business.
Available to: Montana Businesses
406.841.2594 | https://marketmt.com/MBFP

Montana Department of Commerce, Native American Collateral Support Program
The Native American Collateral Support (NACS) Program addresses the lack of access to capital for Native American-owned businesses.  NACS addresses access to capital issues by providing collateral support security for Lenders making loans with Native American-owned businesses that only lack in sufficient collateral/equity for a business loan according to their loan risk profiles. (All other aspects of the credit analysis are satisfactory: cash flow, climate, character, and credit-worthiness). There is no origination fee to Lenders to access these funds from the Montana Department of Commerce. 
Available to: Native American-Owned Businesses
406.841.2775 | https://marketmt.com/nacs

Montana Department of Commerce, Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund Planning Grants
The Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund Program (BSTF) Planning funds are awarded to eligible applicants to assist with economic development planning efforts that promote long-term, stable economic growth in Montana. Applications which support a critical activity to move an economic development project forward and directly assist a basic sector company are the highest priority for the Department.
Available to: Montana Businesses
406.841.2250 | https://marketmt.com/BSTF/Planning/Information

Montana Department of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
The SBDC network supports ten centers around the state, focusing on counseling in areas such as financial analysis, business planning, training and workshops and loan packaging assistance to help small businesses achieve their goals.
Available to: Small Businesses
406.841.2746 | http://sbdc.mt.gov/

Montana Department of Commerce, Wood Product Revolving Loan Fund (WP RLF)
Wood Product Revolving Loan Fund (WP RLF) is available to wood product businesses experiencing loss or are financially in distress (these are loan funds)       
Available to: Montana Wood Product Businesses
406.841.2594 | http://marketmt.com/WPRLF

Montana Department of Agriculture, Growth Through Agriculture Mini-Grant Program
Mini-grants available to food and ag companies for education, promotion, marketing, and travel proects to expand agricultural development, economic activity, and employment growth. Given the current pulic health situation with COVID-19, special attention will be paid to projects that strengthen and expand local food offerings, distribution, and infrastructure. 
Available to: Individuals, Businesses and Industry Organizations, Public and Private Agencies, Educational Institutions, and Local Governments. 
406.444.0134 | https://agr.mt.gov/GTA

Montana Department of Agriculture, Rural Assistance Loan program
Rural Assistance Loans are available to producers with modest financial investments in agriculture. These loans finance agricultural enterprises to enhance producers' operations and assist in the economic growth and welfare of Montana agriculture.    
Available to: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and residents of Montana. Loans are available to persons who are unable to qualify for financing from commercial lenders.      
406.444.3144 | http://agr.mt.gov/I-Want-To/Apply-For/Grants-Loans/Rural-Assistance-Loans

Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Unemployment Insurance Contributions (Tax)
We provide Customer Support for Unemployment Insurance  eServices for Employers: new employer registration, filing quarterly UI wage reports, tax payment, SIDES partipation, and more. Employer Handbook found here. 
Available to: Employers
406.444.0690 | https://uieservices.mt.gov/_/

Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Wage and Hour Laws
Answer questions regarding State and Federal Wage and Hour laws. Also conduct complaint driven Wage and Hour related  investigations. 
Available to: Employers
406.444.6543 | http://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/wage-and-hour-payment-act

Tax Programs

Governor Steve Bullock has extended the payment and filing deadlines for 2019 individual income taxpayers to July 15 in accordance with the new federal filing deadline.
https://mtrevenue.gov/2020/03/20/2020-tax-deadline-extended/

Community Assistance Programs

Montana Department of Transportation, Transit
MDT administers federal and state capital and operating grants to help qualified organizations provide transportation to the rural general public, including seniors and individuals living with a disability.
Available to: Public transportation providers
406.444.9192| https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/grants_transit.shtml

Montana Department of Transportation, Emergency Medical Services Grant Program
MDT awards grants to emergency medical service providers for purchasing or leasing of ambulances; emergency response vehicles; or equipment for training, communication or for providing medical care to a patient.
Available to: Emergency medical providers
406.444.0856 | https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/grants_ems.shtm

Montana Department of Commerce, Community Development Block Grant Program & Treasure State Endowment Program
Grants to address urgent public health and safety infrastructure needs through construction projects or emergency repairs.
Available to: Local Governments, Tribes, and districts
406.841.2865 | http://comdev.mt.gov/Programs/TSEP or http://comdev.mt.gov/Programs/CDBG/PCF

Montana Department of Commerce, Community Development Block Grant - Planning Grants
Grants to assist with various community and business planning needs.
Available to: Local Governments (who can assist businesses, non-profit or for-profit organizations)
406.841.2819 | http://comdev.mt.gov/Programs/CDBG/PlanningActivities/

Montana Department of Commerce, Community Development Block Grant - Housing Grants; HOME Investement Partnership Program; Housing Trust Fund
Grants to assist with various housing development needs including: Homeownership downpayment and closing cost assistance, rehablitiation of single family housing units, and rehabilitation or new construction of multifamily rental housing units.
Available to: Local Governments (who can assist non-profit or for-profit organizations)
406.841.2890 | http://comdev.mt.gov/Programs/CDBG/Housing or http://comdev.mt.gov/Programs/HOME or http://comdev.mt.gov/Programs/HTF

Montana Department of Commerce, Montana Main Street Program
Grants to revitalize downtowns through historic preservation, economic development, and community planning.
Available to: Montana Main Street Program Local Governments
406.841.2756 | http://comdev.mt.gov/Programs/MainStreet

Montana Department of Natural Resources, RRG Watershed Management Grants
Grants for watershed related planning and management activities that conserve, develop, manage or preserve Montana’s renewable resources and support a water management plan.
Available to: Local Governments, districts (who can assist private persons, non-profit or for-profit organizations), tribes
406.444.9766 | http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/cardd/resource-development

Montana Department of Commerce, Community Technical Assistance Program
Technical assistance to related to short term and long term land use and planning assistance.  
Available to: Local Governments, Tribes, non-profit, for-profit, community organizations and the public
406.841.2819 | http://comdev.mt.gov/Programs/CTAP

Montana Department of Natural Resources, RRG Private Grants
Grants for renewable resource benefit through restoration or recovery. Numerous public facility projects including drinking water, wastewater and solid waste development and improvement projects have received funding through this program. Other renewable resource projects that have been funded include irrigation rehabilitation, dam repair, soil and water conservation and forest enhancement.
Available to: Private Persons, non-profit or for-profit organizations
406.444.0552 | http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/cardd/resource-development

Montana Department of Natural Resources, RRG Emergency Grants
Grants to local governments to restore renewable resource related infrastructure (water systems, wastewater systems, irrigation systems, etc.)
Available to: Local Governments, Tribes, and districts
406.444.6686 | http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/cardd/resource-development

Housing Assistance Programs

Montana Department of Commerce, Emergency Housing Assistance Program
Montana Housing will provide rent and security deposit assistance to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF eligible Montanans who have suffered substantial financial hardship as a result of the novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.
Available to: Everyone meeting program requirements
406.841.2840 | https://housing.mt.gov/Rental-Housing/CovidHousingAssist

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Rental Housing Programs
The USDA RD maintains a searchable database of RD-subsidized apartment projects across the state. Many of these units include rental subsidies. This database does not indicate if a project has vacancies but is valuable resource.
Available to: Everyone meeting program requirements
855-576-2674 | https://rdmfhrentals.sc.egov.usda.gov/RDMFHRentals/select_state.jsp?home=NO
Montana Housing Search: http://mthousingsearch.com/

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Affordable Apartment Search
HUD maintains a searchable database of HUD-subsidized apartment projects across the state. Many of these units include rental subsidies. This database does not indicate if a project has vacancies but is valuable resource.
Available to: Everyone meeting program requirements
https://apps.hud.gov/apps/section8/step2.cfm?state=MT%2CMontana  
Montana Housing Search: http://mthousingsearch.com/

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Housing counseling is a service offered to homebuyers, homeowners, renters, and those who are impacted by disasters. For reliable results, it is critical to use a HUD-approved agency that will help to guide you through the resources you may be able to access.
Available to: Everyone
800-569-4287 | https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?&webListAction=search&searchstate=MT
Other: https://www.nwmt.org/project-type/homebuyer-education-counseling/ 

Montana Department of Commerce, Housing Credit Program
The Montana Housing (Tax) Credit Program finances the development of affordable rental units across the state. These units can be rented to households that meet income qualifications. If a family is displaced by a disaster, it may qualify for one of these units, if available. If a disaster is declared federally, there are often exceptions to certain rules for housing programs. These exceptions will be noted, if available.
Available to: Everyone meeting program requirements
406-841-2840 | http://housing.mt.gov/MFDevelopment
Montana Housing Search: http://mthousingsearch.com/

Montana Department of Commerce, Project-Based Section 8 Programs
The Montana Housing Project-Based Section 8 Programs are rental projects across the state that were developed under HUD program specifications. These units can be rented to households with qualifying income. An added benefit to these properties is that a rental subsidy is attached to each unit. This gives renters security, knowing they only need to pay 30% of their income toward rent. If a family is displaced by a disaster, it may qualify for one of these units, if available. If a disaster is declared federally, there are often exceptions to certain rules for housing programs. These exceptions will be noted, if available.
Available to: Everyone meeting program requirements
406-841-2840 | http://housing.mt.gov/PBS8Properties  
Montana Housing Search: http://mthousingsearch.com/