Your local city and county offices offer business licenses in Montana. The SBDC does not issue general licenses nor does any agency within the state. For specific professional business licenses and registrations for state-regulated permits for your business please visit the following links: Montana Licenses Industry Specific Operational Licenses Business Standard Division Hamilton Licenses Stevensville Licenses Federal Tax ID Number

They are free. SBDC services are confidential and provided at no cost to the business owner. More training programs, workshops and services are offered at an affordable fee.

Local -Check with local government offices to find out about licenses in a particular area. State - If you want to start a business entity which provides legal separation between you and your business, this paperwork is filed online with the Montana Secretary of State. You may want to set up an LLC, especially if you have employees or plan to buy property in the future. Setting up a business entity also provides a level of professionalism which can be particularly helpful in securing commercial clients. The cost is $70 for the first year and $20 each year thereafter. Federal -Register for a federal tax ID number so you can keep your social security number safe. When working with commercial clients, they may want you to fill out a W9, which will require your name and federal tax ID number. Specialty - Some industries require special licenses. You can see what is required in the state of Montana on the link below. Independent Contractors Exemptions Certificate- This is not a license but is sometimes required for commercial cleaning or state contracts. It certifies you are an independent contractor and waives your ability to file a workers comp claim against the business or insurance claim against a resident should you become injured while working at a personal residence. Contractors Exemption Certificate

No, the SBDC does not give out grants directly or loan money to small businesses. Your SBDC advisor can help you find an appropriate source of financing and assist you with necessary business planning and financial projections needed to apply for SBA guaranteed loans and approach local banks for capital.

The Montana Non-Profit Association has a weath of information for all things non-profit. Specifically, check out their page on starting a non-profit. In Missoula you will find the Non-profit network for peer support and access to non-profit expertise. Both of these organizations have newsletters that list relevant current events for non-profits, non-profit job openings across the state and regionally, and non-profit conference and training opportunities. To get on these lists, email the respective organizations and ask to be added. University of Montana students, alumni, faculty or staff the Blackstone Launchpad can assist with organizational development questions. Starting a non profit: https://www.mtnonprofit.org/C3Startup/?hsCtaTracking=83267d97-70c8-48fd-a7ca-26a6869c0f0c%7Cbc253692-7bfa-4e71-9b87-39eb2cb36795

No. Your SBDC advisor will guide you through the 'how to' of business plans, grants and/or loan paperwork. They will work one-on-one with you to develop a comprehensive plan and accompanying cash flow projections and financial statements.

Attend an 'Evaluate a Business Idea" workshop at your local office. This course is designed to help you examine your business idea and determine your potential for success before you spend valuable time and money developing a full business plan. After you decide to proceed, set up a counseling appointment with your SBDC advisor.

The US Small Business Association (SBA) loan programs are designed to encourage local lenders (like banks) to make loans to small businesses and entreprenuers. The SBA does not make direct loans. Your SBDC advisor will be able to walk you through the loan application process and help you determine what kind of loan package is right for your financing needs.

Free one-on-one business consulting. The SBDC can help with a large variety of business issues, ranging from basic start-up issues, to assisting with finance issues, preparing business plans and marketing assistance. SBDC advisors do not provide legal or tax advice, but they can provide you with information to help you make informed decisions or provide referral resources if further help is needed.