New Growth Through Agriculture Grant Categories Announced - ALL NEW in 2022!
The 2023 Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) grants/loan program will open mid-August 2022. First round applications will be due mid-September 2022 (Date TBD.)

The Growth Through Agriculture program aims to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through loans and grants to assist the development of innovative agricultural business organizational improvements and the commercialization and marketing of new agricultural products. 

New in 2023, the GTA program will have expanded opportunities for businesses in different stages of development. New focus areas include options for:
  • Business acceleration - to support startups or businesses entering expansionary phases of growth through planning and development including product development, supply chain planning, HACCP planning etc (up to $20,000).
  • Market Development - to aid in the access, development, and expansion of new markets including trade show expenses, digital web or ecommerce development, certifications for specific markets etc (up to $5000).
  • Capital Investment - to provide cost share to businesses working to increase capacity or efficiency of production including equipment or facility upgrade or purchase (up to $150,000).

Learn More at our Upcoming Trainings!
Prospera will be offering training sessions to answer questions and offer guidance to applicants. Training topics will include:  
  • Program guidelines
  • New program areas for the 2023 program
  • Eligibility criteria - who can apply
  • Matching requirements
  • Eligible costs

Questions? Please email Sam Blomquist, Prospera Food & Ag Business Specialist
SBlomquist@ProsperaMT.org
Regional News
Leadership Big Sky Applications are OPEN!

Network | Develop Your Leadership Skills | Learn How Big Sky Works

Leadership Big Sky is an 8 month long program designed to engage and empower emerging leaders in our region. Through a  mix of classroom sessions, interactive tours, book clubs, assessments and access to local decision-makers, Leadership Big Sky gives a behind the scenes looks into the complex interconnectivity of our economy, industries, and people.
SWMT Flood Relief Updates
Greater Gallatin United Way – Flood Relief fund is now nearing $1.1 million
Application still open!
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available to Montanans Impacted by Flooding
Has your business been affected by flooding in Yellowstone Country? Prospera is here to help!
Reply to this email to schedule a no-cost business counseling appointment, or use the link below to learn about relief resources currently available.
Upcoming Trainings
Featured Training
Thursdays October 20 & 27; November 3 & 10
This four session course has been specifically designed for individuals who are brand new to the non-profit sector wanting to start a new non-profit. This course is also designed to help new nonprofit leaders who are looking to get back to the basics and strengthen the foundation of their organization. At the end of this class, attendees will have the tools and resources to create a business plan, cash flow projections and annual budget, as well as a fundraising strategy. You’ll leave with a roadmap on how to recruit the right board members, a checklist for administrative filings, and a template for the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. This course is a great first step on your nonprofit journey!
QuickBooks Classes
with Wendy Weissman
August 16th
8:30am-11:30pm
Beginners Online/Cloud Version
August 17th
8:30am-11:30pm
Advanced for Online and Desktop
August 18th
8:30am-11:30pm
Top 10 HR Headaches and How to Avoid Them
August 31st
9am-2pm
Managing With A Coach Approach
Sept 23rd
9am-4pm
Get up to 80% of Prospera training fees covered!
If you would like an approved letter to upload for your Incumbent Worker Training Grant applications please email Shayna at sblaser@prosperamt.org and she will provide one for you at no charge.
Summer Networking
Join us on some of Bozeman's most-loved trails and favorite places to make new connections, meet new friends, and reach new heights this Summer. Open to the public! Please RSVP using the links below if you plan to attend!
The 2022 Ales & Trails Networking Events are made possible by our generous sponsor:
Each month we will visit different women-owned businesses and hear from the owners about how they got their start and how they stay successful! Each tour is free and open to members and non-members. Bring a friend! Please register by clicking below!
The 2022 Women-Owned Business Tours are made possible by our generous sponsors:
Prospera has been creating a Pathway to Success for Businesses and Communities Since 1985