Flathead Business Newsmakers

The Montana Department of Commerce is distributing $320,000 in grants to new and expanding Native-owned small businesses through the Indian Equity Fund.

Blackfeet grant recipients include Casey’s RV Park in East Glacier, which will receive $14,000 to extend electricity to the office and RV spots and to improve bathroom facilities; Glacier Elkhorn Cabins in Babb, which will receive $14,000 to purchase lumber and other supplies to upgrade and add decks to the cabins; and Sparkles Beauty Salon in Browning, which will receive $12,000 to improve plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring, and to add a covering to the porch entrance, as well as to purchase signage and advertising.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes recipients include All American Autoworks in Ronan, which will receive $12,000 to purchase equipment, including an electric welder, plasma cutter, welding set, and other tools; Arrow Rock in Polson, which will receive $14,000 to purchase a dump trailer with 10,000-lb capabilities; and Hair to the Throne in Polson, which will receive $14,000 to purchase equipment and supplies.