Montana Root Applications

“The solid, strategic advice I have received from Missoula SBDC has been amazing, andmeets 110% of expectations.”–Ryan Duarte, Co-Founder & CEO

Problem: Skin cancer in Ryan’s family led him tocreate a technological solution forprevention. In his search, he discovered that hospitals also need daily relationship buildingto acquire new customers and retain existing patients, so he created SolarScreen.co. He needed SBDC services.

Solution: The Missoula SBDC helped refine his business idea and strategy, createnecessary team building steps and timelines, prepare a white paper presentation, evolvecustomer communication and strategy protocols, and give feedback on the productdevelopment iteration process.

Impact: MRA has procured nearly $67,000 in investments awards, grants, contracts, andowner equity, enabling 6 part-time hires. A pilot project with typical value of $10,000annually was secured with Community Medical Center for MRA’s signature productSolarScreen.co. Ryan says,“All the people who have been setting up meetings with me aredue to connections made for me by SBDC’s Jennifer Stephens!”

“This team is smart, creative, and visionary. Their tenacity, persistence and can-do attitudehas brought them from big idea to big impact.”–Jennifer Stephens, Missoula RegionalDirector