Working to unite, promote and strengthen
cooperative businesses across Montana
Wishing Everyone a Very Happy Holiday Season
Annual Meeting
Montana Cooperative Development Center is proud to introduce our newest team members.

Please welcome Nicole Borner and Sophie Nelson to the Montana Cooperative Community!
Nicole Borner, EDA Cooperative Specialist and Workforce Coordinator

Nicole Borner  grew up in Roundup, Mt roaming the prairie and hills of the Bull Mountains with her siblings, horses and dogs. She is the owner of NMB Enterprises and works with organizations and local businesses on economic development projects, marketing and customer relations. Nicole served as an Alderman for the City of Roundup for 2 years and a County Commissioner for 6 years.

She continues to volunteer her time to projects and organizations in Musselshell County. She is the chair of the first investment cooperative in the state Musselshell Rural Investment Cooperative (MRIC), a co-chair of Roundup Community Partners (RCP) and serves on other community boards.

Nicole’s passion is to work with people and organizations to create economic development and community betterment. She loves to be outside in her orchard gardening and taking walks with her dogs and practicing yoga.
Sophie Nelson, MCDC Childcare VISTA Coordinator


Sophie came to Montana, from the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, Sophie moved across the country to Helena, MT when given the opportunity to serve in the AmeriCorps VISTA program. 

As the MCDC VISTA, Sophia uses her
background in community organizing and historical study to promote the
cooperative model and support rural communities across the state. Previously,
she worked as the Social and Racial Justice Coordinator at YWCA Helena and the Social Media Coordinator at Sunrise Movement UMass. 

Sophie earned her Bachelor’s degree in
History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she discovered her
love for the mountains, yoga, and old bookstores. 
American Recover Plan Programs for Montana

If you are a Montana Cooperative, please call our office (406-727-1517) if you need assistance or have questions. We may not be able to answer or help but can connect with folks who can or get you pointed in the right direction.




  • The Agriculture Infrastructure Program is accepting applications until December 15, 2021, with a maximum of $450,000 available for applicants with value-added ag projects. Make sure you read this criterion carefully and that you understand that the match for the maximum amount is $3.00 for every $1.00 of the grant funds.

  • The ARPA Economic Transformation Commission has also released workforce training and retraining, health care workforce recruitment, disabilities employment engagement, and apprenticeship training grants. These grant programs all have different requirements and deadlines. Follow the website closely for information and read in detail the program guidelines.


Red Tape Relief- Governor Gianfrte and Lt. Governor are asking for your insight identifying unnecessary, outdated, or excessive regulations that are preventing economic and business growth.
Montana Cooperatives, please engage in this effort!

If you would like us to post your upcoming co-op events or information in the Montana Cooperative Update send event information to: tracy@mcdc.coop