Flathead Business Newsmakers

Native-owned Polson businesses win grants

Two native-owned Polson businesses, Eagles Wings and Sunshine Can-dles, have won grants from the Montana Department of Commerce.

Eagles Wings will receive $14,000 to purchase a pre-built structure to be used for office space. Eagles Wings is a finance services and management consulting firm aimed at helping local, especially native-owned, small businesses.

Sunshine Can-dles in Polson will receive $14,000 to purchase a freestanding workshop for product production. A candlemaker, Sunshine Can-dles creates upcycled scented candles using cans and bottles from local craft breweries.

“The Montana Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grants have been a huge asset to Indian Country and have helped several businesses fill the financial gap in either starting a business or expanding services,” said Sharon Small, Executive Director of The Peoples Partners for Community Development.

Columbia Falls business earns grant

Moss Mountain Inn, a bed and breakfast operation near Columbia Falls, received a $22,372 Rural Energy for America Program grant to install a 30-kilowatt solar array resulting in a projected annual energy cost savings of more than $10,000 and produce more than 26,000 kilowatts in electrical power – approximately 63% of its annual electrical consumption.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is investing more than $165,000 in critical infrastructure to lower energy costs, expand access to clean energy, and combat climate change for people across rural and tribal areas in Montana.