OUR
SERVICE CENTERS
Providing a suite of professional services and tailored solutions for your development-related challenges and opportunities.
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RURAL BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
CENTER
APEX ACCELERATOR
We provide the technical expertise, tools and resources
you need to start or expand your business.
We can help you with your:
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​Business Plan
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Business Structure
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Finances
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Marketing and Other Business Strategies
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Feasibility Studies
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Accounting Assistance
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Licenses and Permits
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Contractor Registration
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Business Resources
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Loan Programs
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Planning Grants
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Incumbent Worker Training Grants
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Business Expansion Grants
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Small Business Workshops
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Individual Training Sessions
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Site Visits
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Real Estate Broker Outreach
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Site Selection Assistance
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SMDC hosts a satellite Apex Accelerator through which we provide free, confidential, timely advice on how to sell your products and services to the government. We can help you:
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Determine your suitability for government contracting
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Secure necessary registrations
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Identify bid opportunities
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Find subcontracting opportunities
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Certify as a veteran-owned business
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Apply for 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB and other small business certifications
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Respond to bid proposals
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Research procurement histories
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Review contract Terms & Conditions
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Understand government contract performance requirements
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Network and business development
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Submit invoices and other post-award support
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Business Plan
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Business Structure/Legal Entity Determination
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Finances
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Marketing and Other Business Strategies
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Feasibility Studies
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Accounting Assistance
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Licenses and Permits
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Contractor Registration
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Business Resources
CENTER FOR STRATEGIC
DEVELOPMENT
Community Development
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We provide technical assistance for local
government entities and non-profit organizations
to help them build stronger, more resilient rural
communities. We promote transparency,
accountability and citizen engagement. We can help you
understand, develop and implement:
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Special Districts and Tax Free Zones
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Urban Renewal Plans
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Comprehensive Development Plans
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Feasibility and Market Studies
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Growth Policies
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Capital Improvement Plans
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Concept Development Plans
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Public Private Partnerships
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Coalition and Capacity Building
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Investment Cooperatives
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Community Engagement and Mobilization
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Neighborhood Task Forces
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Economic Development
We help communities create and retain good paying jobs, encourage entrepreneurship, attract new business, expand and diversify the local and regional tax base and improve the overall business climate. We promote open, free competition, innovation, productivity and efficiency. We can help you understand and access:
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Tax Credits, Abatements and Deferrals
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Infrastructure Investments
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Fee Waivers
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Labor Incentives and Training Grants
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Low- and No-Interest Loans
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Utility Discounts and Rebates
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Fund Development
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We help communities and developers identify and layer multiple funding mechanisms to support key community, economic, and real estate development projects. We promote fiscal stewardship, public-private partnerships, and responsible investments. We can help you understand and apply for:
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Federal, State and Local Grant Programs
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Foundation Grants
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Tax Increment Finance Revenue
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Housing Tax Credits
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New Markets Tax Credits
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EB-5 Equity
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Gap Financing
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Opportunity Zone Funds
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Redevelopment
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We help local governments and private property owners
access funding to assess and clean up contaminated
properties to ready them for redevelopment.
We promote optimum land use,
maximum productivity and smart growth.
We can help you access:
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US EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Funds
Phase I and Phase II US EPA Assessment Grant Funds
US EPA Targeted Brownfields Assessments (EPA TBA)
MT DEQ Targeted Brownfields Assessments (DEQ TBA)
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LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION AND TRAINING
CENTER
We provide leadership training for public servants who are new to public service.
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Leadership Central Montana
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We provide business training workshops for entrepreneurs and small business owners on the many aspects of small business ownership.
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In 2019, SMDC staff launched its first free, six-part training series for small business owners. Topics covered included pricing strategies, business planning, marketing, government contracting, market and industry analysis and when to engage your BAIL team (banker, accountant, insurance agent and lawyer).
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We provide custom train-the-trainer programs.
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We collaborate with industry leaders to support workforce development programs such as the Accelerate Montana Rapid Training Program. Please visit acceleratemt.com to learn more about it.
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Funding for Rapid Training Programs is available. Contact Dani by email at: dani.buehler@mso.umt.edu to learn how to apply for it.