State grants to create 126 local jobs

Three local businesses have been awarded nearly $1 million in state grants to create at least 126 local jobs.

The Montana Department of Commerce said Friday it was given $1.25 million in Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund grants to promote business growth across the state.

The lion’s share of that — $937,350 — has been funneled to the Flathead County Economic Development Authority to assist three growing businesses.

Nomad Global Communication Solutions of Kalispell received $652,500 for equipment purchases and employee training to enable business expansion and the creation of at least 87 new jobs. Nomad is a leading provider of advanced interoperable communication solutions to the public and private sectors.

SmartLam, a Columbia Falls advanced cross-laminated timber and wood-processing business, got $217,500 for equipment purchases for business expansion to create at least 29 jobs. The company’s product will be used as rig mats and portable platforms to support drilling rigs and equipment used in oil-field construction.

SmartLam recently lost out on a low-interest $800,000 loan because state officials shifted $1.7 million for economic development projects to another program to pay for infrastructure improvements in areas such as Sidney, where oil activity is booming.

Western Building Center has invested in the SmartLam venture, which will be located at the company’s truss plant site.

ZaneRay Group received a $67,350 award for equipment purchases and a lease rate reduction to enable expansion that will create at least 10 new jobs. The Whitefish company is an e-commerce consultant group that specializes in direct-to-consumer websites for mid- to large-size companies in the outdoor industry.

The remainder of the Big Sky grants went to seven development entities throughout Montana for planning purposes.

Big Sky Trust Fund is a state-funded program designed to promote good-paying jobs and long-term, stable economic growth in Montana. The program provides funding for both planning and job creation activities.