Flathead Watercooler

Tourism Grant Program open

The Montana Department of Commerce’s application cycle of the Tourism Grant Program is now open. Tourism grant funds are awarded through the annual application cycle to projects that develop and enhance tourism, and recreation products in Montana that have the potential to increase out-of-area visitation and increase expenditures in the community. The application cycle will close at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 15.

For more information about the Tourism Grant Program, or to apply, visit https://brand.mt.gov/Programs/Office-Of-Tourism/Tourism-Grant-Program

Agritourism Resources Networking

The National Extension Tourism Network is holding a facilitated discussion of agritourism resources and needs from the perspectives of respective states and regions on Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. The virtual gathering is considered a step in developing a national network of agritourism service providers. To signup, visit https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAlcu2trjsqGtP5nB_Kj7P1zZ-zhIR11BNa

Managing Change

The Small Business Association is holding a webinar on how to manage the human side of change. Participants will learn about what happens to an employee’s discretionary energy during times of change, and what they can do to help get the employee reengaged and committed to working through the change. The webinar is Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For information, visit https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/5275

ABC of doing business

Montana's departments of Labor and Industry, Revenue, Public Health and Human Services, the local Job Service and other agencies will join up to host this year's Assistance for Business Clinic (ABC) in Kalispell on Sept. 13. The event is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hampton Inn.

The ABC is designed to provide new and established business owners, accountants, bookkeepers, human resource professionals and attorneys with updated information on topics such as the Montana Department of Revenue’s new Form MW-4 and E-Services, Unemployment Insurance Tax requirements, workers’ compensation coverage and Independent Contractor regulations.

Sessions will also focus on using Labor Market Information to make business decisions, the Registered Apprenticeship Program, tax incentives, minimum wage law, overtime, new hire reporting, child support services and other state and federal regulations.

For more information on this year's Assistance for Business Clinic, visit https://tinyurl.com/vjx83n7m