Business Assistance Available!

Pondera Regional Port Authority manages a Revolving Loan Fund which was created to stimulate the economy of Pondera County by making additional funds available for businesses that are seeking to start-up, expand, or relocate. The Port Authority works in cooperation with the local lending institutions. Additionally, the Port Authority has a strong working relationship with State Representatives, Rob Cook and Ross Fitzgerald; as well as State Senator, Llew Jones. All have a proved relationship with the Montana Department of Commerce, the Pondera County Commissioners, City of Conrad, Town of Valier, and the Certified Regional Development Corporation-Sweetgrass Development to get our businesses the assistance they need to establish in our area.

Pondera Regional Port Authority provides grant writing and management assistance in Pondera County for community facilities, economic development, and water and wastewater infrastructure. The Port Authority cooperated with Pondera County in obtaining grant funding to complete the Pondera County Community Center, written and managed grants for the City of Conrad, and obtained funding for Valier area promotional brochures.

Port Authority will work with your business to help in locating an ideal site and researching information on area demographics.

Your first step should be to gather as much information as possible about your business including your plans and financial needs. You may be required to provide personal and business financial statements and balance sheet. Tax returns may be required as well as resumes of the business participants. Other items that may be required are lease agreements, buy /sell agreements, corporation papers, and a bank commitment letter.
All information is confidential.

Which Program Fits You?
Business Support Loans– activities that will strengthen your business and increase the likelihood of retaining or expanding the business within Pondera County. Activities may include preparation of business plans, market studies, project feasibility studies computerization/operational assistance.
Business Direct Loans- assistance to finance predetermined and documented business retention and/or expansion activities. Loan proceeds may be used for acquisition of building or site, site development , new construction, building renovation, equipment acquisition, or working capital.
Interest or Principal Buy Downs– assistance in the form of an interest or principal buy-down of a commercial loan. The proceeds of the commercial loan must be used for eligible activities as described in the guidelines.
Building Improvement– Applicants who own or intend to purchase a building within Pondera County Business /Commercial District may make a one time application for loan assistance to finance exterior renovation, signage, façade renovation or construction.

Loan requests are considered on a case by case basis with consideration of basic employment, promotion of public-private partnerships, the area's natural resource and agricultural values, and benefit to the community.

Pondera Regional Port Authority can help you develop your business plan.
The most important thing you can do for yourself and for your business is to develop a good business plan. The Pondera Regional Port Authority can assist you in doing this. A business plan lays out where the business is now, where you want it to go, and how you will make that happen. Once developed this will be the groundwork for your future decisions. Your business plan will address the financial needs and potential of your business. Contact us and let us help!
Click to download a Business Plan for a Startup Business word doc