Small Business Development Center

Our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a statewide network of resource and technical service providers that assist start-up and existing businesses. Our SBDC professional staff provides confidential business consulting, training and information to small business owners and potential entrepreneurs. With assistance from our staff, business owners can develop and enhance the financial, managerial and technical skills they need to compete and succeed in today's complex business environment.

Our services are provided free of charge and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Montana Department of Commerce and local banks.

Areas of Assistance

Entrepreneurs recognize great opportunities, but sometimes have trouble getting financing from a traditional bank to turn the opportunity into a reality. The reasons many small businesses have difficulty obtaining financing include the following:

• Your business is a start-up
  
• You haven’t been in business very long
  
• You’ve had a minor credit issue
  
• You have limited equity or collateral
  
• The business real estate may be contaminated

If any of the reasons listed above are preventing you from getting a conventional loan, or even if there are other reasons, Bear Paw Development can help.

Our SBDC provides technical assistance in writing business plans for new and existing businesses, along with providing financial analysis and access to public and private capital sources. Specifically, our SBDC can help by providing:

• Assistance with marketing research, analysis and strategy as well as advertising, packaging and promotion.
• Training in all areas of business management and referral to business professionals as needed.
• One-on-one counseling for existing and start-up business management.
• Pre-Counseling (Preparedness List)

To schedule a counseling session, simply give us a call at 406-265-9226, or fill out the Request for Counseling Form at http://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com.​

The SBDC is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA funded programs are extended to the public on an non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least one week in advance. Contact Joe LaPlante at 300 Second Avenue, Havre, MT 59501. 406-265-9226