HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – The Montana Department of Commerce has announced the awarding of a total of $320,000 in grant funding to support 24 new and expanding Native-owned small businesses.
The grants were made available through the Indian Equity Fund, and Commerce Director Scott Osterman says 92 percent of recipients over the last five years are still operating and in some cases, expanding.
Local businesses awarded grants:
Chippewa Cree Tribe:
- Central Machine in Big Sandy will receive $13,200 to purchase equipment, including a new hydraulic shear and a large toolbox
- Double E in Box Elder will receive $12,800 to help purchase a new mobile food trailer
- Log Creations in Box Elder will receive $14,000 to purchase a sawmill with a swing blade
Fort Belknap:
- Crasco & Crasco Construction in Dodson will receive $13,000 to purchase a side dump trailer
- Marlin’s Heating in Harlem will receive $14,000 to purchase equipment, including a hydraulic liftgate
- Rezolution in Harlem will receive $13,000 to purchase a new camera and equipment
Little Shell:
- 406 Custom Auto in Havre will receive $13,333.34 to purchase equipment and supplies, including a tinting plotter
- Indian Paintbrush in East Glacier will receive $13,333.33 to purchase a 16′ x 26′ storefront building
Blackfeet:
- Casey’s RV Park in East Glacier will receive $14,000 to extend electricity to the office and RV spots and to improve bathroom facilities
- Glacier Elkhorn Cabins in Babb will receive $14,000 to purchase lumber and other supplies to upgrade and add decks to the cabins
- Sparkles Beauty Salon in Browning will receive $12,000 to improve plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring, and to add a covering to the porch entrance, as well as purchase signage and advertising
Fort Peck:
- 365 Design in Wolf Point will receive $14,000 to purchase a new printer
- Lien Windshield in Wolf Point will receive $12,000 to build out a shop expansion to service multiple vehicles
- RX Carwash in Wolf Point will receive $14,000 to purchase equipment, supplies, and a new payment system
Crow:
- TruColors P&C in Havre will receive $12,000 to purchase a new work truck and equipment
The Indian Equity Fund is one of four financial assistance programs under the Office of Indian Country Economic Development at the Montana Department of Commerce.
