Flathead Business Watercooler

Planning grant 

The Montana Department of Commerce is taking applications for grant funding to support planning projects that yield economic impact for rural communities. The matching grant funding is provided through Commerce’s Opportunities in Rural Economies Planning Grant Program. 

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the program details online and reach out to commerce for additional assistance. Applications close at midnight on May 2. 

Information is available at commerce.mt.gov. 

Business Matters lunch 

The Kalispel Chamber of Commerce holds its Business Matters Luncheon on April 15 at 11 a.m. at Glacier Bank Park, 12 McDermott Ln., Kalispell. Enjoy lunch in the heart of the baseball park that is home to the Glacier Range Riders and then get a behind-the-scenes access tour of the facilities. To register, business.kalispellchamber.com. 

LEAN 101 

Discover how LEAN principles can help any organization improve and learn how to apply these principles through hands-on experiences in an engaging workshop on April 15 from 1-5 p.m. at Montana West Economic Development, 44 Second Ave. W., Kalispell. To register, visit dobusinessinmontana.com. 

Coffee with Connie

The Evergreen Chamber of Commerce holds its Coffee with Connie on April 16 at 8 a.m. at First Interstate Bank, 100 E. Cottonwood Dr. Have coffee while getting to know business owners and managers.  

Bigfork Job Fair 

The Bigfork Chamber of Commerce holds the Bigfork Job Fair on April 16 at Bigfork High School, 600 Commerce Street. This is the opportunity to meet with employers from Bigfork and the Flathead Valley that are looking for full-time, part-time and seasonal employees. From 1-3 p.m. is Bigfork students, 3:30-4:30 p.m. is encore and retiree job seekers and 4:30-5 p.m. is open to the public. 

Spring Career & Job Fair

The NW Montana Job & Opportunity Fair is April 17 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds, Meridian Road, Kalispell. High school career fair is 9-11:30 a.m. and the community job fair is 2-6 p.m. 

Gone Fishin’

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce holds its Gone Fishin’ event on April 17 at 5 p.m. at Whitefish Marine, 5960 U.S. 93. This is a networking event for our membership business representatives to interact with others, exchange information and develop professional and social contacts over food and drinks.