On the equity side, Montana has focused on building a strong seed capital infrastructure since the early 1990’s when Glacier Venture Fund was formed. The fund, domiciled in Montana, is now fully invested in Montana companies. The continued growth of a vibrant entrepreneurial community and the emergence of innovative, technology-based companies throughout the state, has given rise to a growing number of local angel networks and a seed fund. The state has consistently ranked in the top 10 for SBIR grant dollars for funding research and development. Capital sources run the gamut from grants, to no cost loans, angel funding to a venture capital. The state has a relationship with Highway 12 Ventures in Boise, Idaho and a later stage fund, Montlake Capital, in Seattle, WA. In addition, Flywheel Ventures, has an associate living and working with Montana opportunities.
Frontier Angels are an active source of early stage capital as is Goodworks Ventures, LLC a Montana based venture fund that invests in companies with high impact solutions to challenging problems. A more recent investment mechanism – Bootstrap Montana provides initial capital to get new businesses off the ground on a no cost loan basis.
The state has always had a strong network of national, regional and community banking. In addition, financing programs through the Montana Board of Investments, the Montana Department of Commerce, the USDA and the Bank of Montana, an ExIm Bank affiliate provide a wide variety of debt financing options. More information is available at www.mtfinanceonline.com
Great Entrepreneurs and Ideas can find Capital in Montana!
Equity backed ventures in Montana include TerraEchos, PrintingForLess.com, Ligocyte Pharmaceuticals, Cleanwaste, Tipus Tea, Rivertop Renewables, Goomzee, and many more!!!
