Flathead Business Watercooler
Funds available for agriculture business
Montanans interested in expanding or developing new marketing for agricultural businesses are invited to apply for funds through the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Growth Through Agriculture Business Acceleration & Marking Program. The Montana Department of Agriculture will be accepting applications until funds are exhausted and will be reviewing applications quarterly starting in April of 2024. Information on submitting an application, program guidelines, and FAQs be viewed online at: agr.mt.gov/Topics/E-G/GTA-Pages/GTA-BAM.
Business leader program
Montana West Economic Development is taking applications for PeerSpectives, a roundtable program for leaders of second stage companies – typically organizations with annual sales over $1 million and 10 employees or more. PeerSpectives benefits business leaders who are looking for more dedicated time to work on their business and improve their decision-making through support and connection with other dedicated peers. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2024 at 5 p.m. To apply visit, https://dobusinessinmontana.com/peerspectives/
Business training
Montana West Economic Development, along with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, is holding a Lean 101 Training workshop on Jan. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at MWED, 44 Second Ave. W, Kalipsell. Skills learned include cost reduction, on-time delivery improvement, inventory reduction, quality improvement and culture of continuous improvement. To register, visit http://tinyurl.com/34u68t4j
C-Falls Chamber Lunch
The Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon on Jan. 9 at 11:30 a.m. at Cedar Creek Lodge, 930 Second Ave. W., Columbia Falls. The lunch features a presentation from Logan Health. Cost is $15 for chamber members. To register, visit https://www.columbiafallschamber.org
Kalispell Chamber UNWIND
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce UNWIND is Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 5 p.m. at Kalispell City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. There will be a discussion on the emergency responder levy vote set for March.
Grant webinars
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development office is hosting two webinars on the Value-Added Producer Grant program that helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. The first webinar is Jan. 17 at noon and registration is available at http://tinyurl.com/yc5hh6jc. The second is Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. and registration is available at http://tinyurl.com/yufvtu8j.