Big Sky Economic Development

05/28/2026

We’re excited to welcome Sam Loveridge as the new Marketing & Communications Manager at Big Sky Economic Development.

05/27/2026

Welcome to the team, Ryan!

05/26/2026

Please join us in congratulating Julie as she joins the Big Sky Economic Development team!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the courage of those who never made it home.

Their service and sacrifice will always be remembered.

05/22/2026

Please join us in welcoming Darian to the Big Sky Economic Development team!

05/14/2026

Big Sky Economic Development is seeking a knowledgeable, client-focused Montana APEX Advisor to join our team.

APEX Advisors help businesses understand the opportunities, requirements, and processes involved in government contracting—and guide them through this highly specialized marketplace.

Apply Today 👇👇👇

Current Openings VBOC Project Manager Join our award-winning team and play an integral part in supporting veteran businesses! The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) is looking for a dynamic individual to join their distinguished team as a full-time Project Manager. Serving the northwest, this....

05/12/2026

Congratulations to Kevin Iffland on being named Billings’ new City Administrator.

We look forward to working with Kevin in this new leadership role as Big Sky Economic Development continues collaborating with the City of Billings on economic growth, infrastructure, business development, and opportunities that strengthen our community and regional economy.

Iffland will remain in the top job for a period of 12 months, with the option to renew his contract, or until a permanent replacement for Chris Kukulski is hired.

05/12/2026

LAST CALL FOR IN-PERSON SIGNUPS!

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is coming back to Montana, but to participate, you need to act quickly. Applications are due May 18! This is an amazing, fully funded program designed to help small businesses grow and scale their businesses. It has a 15-year proven track record!
Through a mix of online and in-person workshops, you’ll gain practical tools, connect with experienced advisors, and join a powerful community of entrepreneurs from across the state.

Eligibility requirements include:
Small business owner or co-owner
Business revenues over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year
Business in operation for 2+ years
Business with 2+ employees (including the owner)

What you’ll gain:
Tuition-free program funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation
One-on-one advising and personalized guidance
Hands-on curriculum on financials, marketing, negotiations and managing teams
A 5-year customized growth plan for your business
Access to a national network of 17,000+ business owners (85% do business with each other!)
Proven results: 66% of alumni grow revenue and 44% create jobs within 6 months of graduating

The Montana program begins in September 2026. The application is quick—it takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

👉 Learn more and apply here: https://hubs.la/Q04gd4270 [https://hubs.la/Q04gcZ9G0
👉 Join a 10KSB information session to learn more about the program:

Wednesday, May 13 at 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. MDT 10KSB is teaming up with Big Sky Economic Development (201 N. Broadway) in Billings to offer an in-person or online Lunch & Learn. Register here: https://hubs.la/Q04gcKyg0. Hear from several 10KSB alum, including Travis Peterson of Meadowlark Brewing and Aimee Roberts of Blue Skies Pediatric Therapies both of Billings.

👉 Reach out if you have questions to the Mountain West Executive Director, Amie Thompson at [email protected].

05/11/2026

and have partnered to allow to find more resources to fuel their dreams.

Through the Veteran Readiness and Employment program, veterans are receiving the training they need to begin careers.

Learn how: https://hubs.ly/Q04fG4zw0

05/06/2026

May 13th, 2026

Please join the Montana APEX Accelerator for a strategic VIRTUAL training on how YOU can sell your company's products/services to federal and state agencies. Topics include: - Federal and State of MT purchasing thresholds - Conducting market research - Federal purchasing vehicles (methods) - Where to find opportunities and how to get automatic notices - Marketing your business to government agencies - Tips on finding subcontracting opportunities - Government Innovation Programs - Q & A session

Who should attend? Any business in any industry that is interested in developing a focused market strategy for the government segment. It is not a requirement to already be registered in SAM or eMACS to attend the training. However, we will not be going over the registration process in this training.

Register here: https://hubs.la/Q0496GG30