Flathead Business Watercooler

MWED hosts IT seminar

Montana West Economic Development is hosting a seminar about information technology from 1 to 2 p.m. on March 22 in the MWED conference room. David Mayer from Endpoint Utility Corp will discuss four key pillars to laying out a successful IT strategy: setting up an IT strategy to get started, IT Security as an enabler, using data and analytics to understand your company and your customer, social selling and creating a web presence. To register, go to https://dobusinessinmontana.com/seminarseries/.

New competitive bid open

A new competitive bidding opportunity is available with the Montana Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABCD). The process allows people and businesses to bid on the opportunity to apply for an available alcoholic beverage license. The highest bidder that meets all requirements can then apply for the available license. This bidding opportunity will be open from March 17, 2022 through April 21, 2022.

Open licenses are available in the following locations: Belgrade, Billings, Bozeman, Columbia Falls, East Helena, Eureka, Hamilton, Hysham, Kalispell, Kevin, Livingston, Manhattan, Troy, Sanders County, and Stillwater County.

For more information, including specific license types per location and minimum bid amounts, visit MTRevenue.gov/CompetitiveBid.

Webinar targets employee retention

Job Service Kalispell will host a Blueprint for Business Success webinar from noon to 1 p.m. on March 22. Jeph Morris of Chick-fil-A will give a presentation on retention and culture. “This session will discuss the importance of good culture and some ways to create an environment that empowers and motivates your team and makes them want to stay on board,” according to a press release. The webinar is free to attend. Go to Job Service Kalispell/Facebook or call 406.758.6200 for a link to register.

Women-owned business discussion

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the U.S. Small Business Administration will host a virtual armchair discussion with Natalie Madeira Cofield, Assistant Administrator, SBA Office of Women’s Business Ownership; Candace Waterman, President and CEO

of Women Impacting Public Policy and Alisa Sheard, Acting Deputy Director, SBA

Office of Government Contracting and Business Development.

The event is from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 31.

The discussion will center around financial wellness for women-owned small businesses and the importance of increasing equity and access to opportunities that help uplift and support women entrepreneurs. The panel will also discuss SBA initiatives and resources that support existing women-owned small businesses and new startups as they pivot and grow in a post-COVID world.

Registration is required. To registure visit https://sbawhm.eventbrite.com.