Manufacturing in Montana

06/05/2026

Don't miss out on this standout training opportunity in Bozeman! 📚

This upcoming Food Safety course (June 10–12) delivers the full FDA-recognized PCQI curriculum in a 3-day, in-person format led by MMEC’s Claude Smith.

With support from the Montana Department of Agriculture, this training is being offered at a reduced cost of $125 (a $895 value)—making it an excellent opportunity for Montana food manufacturers to access high-quality, nationally recognized instruction close to home.

If your business needs a qualified PCQI or you’re looking to strengthen your food safety program, this is one to take advantage of.

📍 Bozeman, MT
📆 June 10–12
⚠️ Advance registration required
🔗 https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/6262

Attention Food Safety Practitioners: Boost Your Skills with Expert Training!🧠

Join us for an essential Food Safety Course in Bozeman, hosted by Prospera and MMEC's Food & Process Specialist, Claude Smith!

📆 When: June 10-12
📍 Where: Bozeman, MT

Is your company in need of a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) to comply with the Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)? This 3-day training offers the standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA, ensuring you meet the necessary requirements to become a qualified individual.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and ensure your business meets food safety standards!

🔗 Learn more and register now on the event webpage: https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/6262

06/04/2026

Extend the Life of Your CNC — Without the $250K Price Tag 💡

Many manufacturers are replacing CNC machines that still produce quality parts — not because they’ve failed, but because aging systems create IT, security, and integration challenges.
Before you invest in new equipment, it’s worth exploring another path.

Our partners at First Call are hosting a webinar to share a real-world example of how a manufacturer avoided a $250,000 replacement cost by modernizing and securing a legacy CNC machine instead.

📅 June 11
⏰ 10:00 AM MST

What you’ll learn:
- Why legacy CNC machines become difficult to support in modern environments
- What drives costly replacement decisions
- How to extend the life of aging equipment without major capital expense
- What options to evaluate before investing in new machinery

About the speaker:
Chris Sellers, VP of Security at First Call brings 15+ years of hands-on security experience and helps manufacturers across Montana protect production systems and intellectual property—without disrupting operations.

🔗Register today: 8bc1920f-211e-4177-bdb2-b6677832ebba@0d92ed52-4738-4c15-a6c1-198183b9f4c4" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8bc1920f-211e-4177-bdb2-b6677832ebba@0d92ed52-4738-4c15-a6c1-198183b9f4c4

06/01/2026

Grand Opening of the Business Innovation Center!🎉

Congratulations to the Southeastern Montana Development Corporation (SEMDC) and the City of Colstrip on the grand opening of the new Business Innovation Center! This facility marks a significant step forward in fostering economic growth and innovation in our state.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of this special event. Thank you for inviting Montana Manufacturing Extension Center’s Senior Business Advisor, Lane Gobbs, to participate and showcase our mobile demo technology van. It was a great chance to connect with local leaders and demonstrate how advanced manufacturing technologies can support businesses right here in Montana.

We look forward to seeing the impact the Business Innovation Center will have in fostering new ideas, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the community for years to come.

Read more about this exciting new center here: https://www.independent-press.com/news/a-new-era-of-development-local-state-representatives-gather-in-colstrip-to-celebrate-bic-opening/article_82a37889-babd-4fc0-b4ca-0dec4e17797e.html

05/29/2026

Unlocking Childcare Solutions: Join the Forum on June 11! 🤝

The Kalispell Chamber, Montana State Chamber, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and Zero to Five Montana invite businesses, nonprofits, elected leaders, and community allies to a transformative Childcare and Workforce Solutions Forum. This event, taking place on June 11, will delve into effective strategies for addressing childcare challenges that impact employers, working families, and the economy at large.

Participants can look forward to inspiring keynotes and interactive panels that showcase how businesses can actively support childcare through innovative workplace practices and community partnerships. Discover the impactful story of Growing Roots/Immanuel Living and how their childcare initiative has enhanced workforce retention and community well-being.

Event Highlights:
Workforce participation and Montana labor trends
Success stories of employer-led childcare solutions
Insights from the Employer-Sponsored Child Care Grant
Federal childcare tax credits and benefits
Strategies for sustainable childcare and workforce solutions

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Space is limited, and lunch will be provided.

🔗 Learn more and register here: https://kalispellchamber.com/programs/employer-forum-for-childcare-solutions/

05/28/2026

Apply Now: SBA’s $1M Patriot Pitch Competition for Small Businesses💬

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched the Patriot Pitch Competition as part of its Freedom 250 initiative—celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and legacy of free enterprise—with a $1 million total cash prize pool (funded by Clover Network, Inc.) shared among winners.

This is a fantastic opportunity for eligible small businesses to showcase their innovation and impact!

Eligibility: Open to small businesses that have benefited from qualifying SBA capital products (additional requirements apply—see link for full details).

Judging Criteria:
- Strengthening American competitiveness
- Innovation and industry impact
- Economic opportunity and job creation
- Strong fundamentals and ex*****on readiness

The competition culminates in a live finals event in Washington, D.C. this September, where finalists will pitch before judges and a national audience—plus connect with investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.

⏰ Application deadline: June 10

Don’t miss out: https://preview.sba.gov/freedom-250/

Let’s show what Montana businesses can do.

05/27/2026

Join the SBIR Data Rights Webinar! 🖥️

📅 Date: June 3, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM MT

Are you a small business navigating the complexities of SBIR/STTR grants? Join David Metzger, Esq. (Ret.), for an insightful webinar hosted by the Montana Technology Innovation Partnership (MTIP) that will delve into the critical topic of SBIR Data Rights.

What You’ll Learn:
Understanding SBIR Data Rights
The importance of marking SBIR data correctly
Leveraging Data Rights and Phase III for commercialization success

Who Should Attend:
Small businesses pursuing or having received SBIR/STTR grants
Research institutions collaborating with SBIR companies
Economic support organizations aiding SBIR/STTR clients

This session is a must for anyone looking to protect their intellectual property and enhance their competitive edge in the marketplace. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights that can help your business thrive!

🔗 Register now to secure your spot: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Wr30WqMkS76PdcMiF0favg #/registration

05/26/2026

Attention Food Safety Practitioners: Boost Your Skills with Expert Training!🧠

Join us for an essential Food Safety Course in Bozeman, hosted by Prospera and MMEC's Food & Process Specialist, Claude Smith!

📆 When: June 10-12
📍 Where: Bozeman, MT

Is your company in need of a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) to comply with the Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)? This 3-day training offers the standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA, ensuring you meet the necessary requirements to become a qualified individual.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and ensure your business meets food safety standards!

🔗 Learn more and register now on the event webpage: https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/6262

05/25/2026

Congratulations to Spika Design & Manufacturing! 🎉

Congratulations to Katie Spika, CEO and President, and Bekhi Spika, CRO and Vice President of Spika Design & Manufacturing, Inc, for being named Montana’s Small Business Persons of the Year! This prestigious recognition from the U.S. Small Business Administration highlights their exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence in the manufacturing sector.

The achievements of outstanding entrepreneurs like the Spikas showcase the vital role small businesses play in driving economic growth and innovation at both local and national levels. Their dedication not only elevates their company but also inspires countless others in the Montana manufacturing community.

Join in celebrating this remarkable achievement and learn more about Spika Design & Manufacturing’s journey and contributions to the industry.

Read the full news release here: https://www.spikamfg.com/press-news/sba-award-2026

05/22/2026

The American-Made H**p Shirt Experiment: A Game Changer for Sustainable Fashion! 👕

Montana innovation in action! The Montana Free Press recently showcased IND H**P, a trailblazer founded in 2018. This dynamic company has evolved from producing h**p seed oils to crafting high-quality textile fibers for work shirts made from a unique blend of Montana-grown h**p and Arizona cotton—developed in collaboration with Great Falls-based Smith & Rogue.

But that’s not all! IND H**p is taking bold steps onto the global stage by partnering to integrate U.S.-grown h**p fiber into Vietnam’s textile manufacturing supply chain. This exciting move not only expands their reach but also highlights the potential of h**p as a sustainable resource worldwide.

This is a compelling example of how innovation in agriculture and manufacturing is shaping the future of sustainable textiles.

🔗 Read the full article from Montana Free Press: https://montanafreepress.org/2026/02/13/the-american-made-h**p-shirt-experiment/
🔗 Learn more about IND H**p's partnership with Vietnam: https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/international/news/15821598/ind-h**p-announces-strategic-partnership-to-bring-usgrown-h**p-fiber-into-vietnams-textile-supply-chain

**pIndustry

How two central Montana companies led the creation of a domestically made shirt from h**p, a crop that had been illegal to grow in the U.S. for nearly a century.

05/21/2026

May is World Trade Month in the United States! 🌍

As we celebrate World Trade Month this May, Montana businesses have a unique opportunity to expand their horizons and tap into international markets! The Montana Department of Commerce offers a variety of export assistance programs designed to support your global ambitions.

One option is the STEP Grant, which reimburses 50% of eligible international marketing expenses, up to $10,000. This includes costs for international trade shows, digital marketing, compliance testing, and more!

Additionally, Montana companies can participate in upcoming international trade shows and missions, with financial support available. Notable events include the Montana Pavilion at IWA Outdoor in Germany, DSEI in the UK, and PeruMin in Peru. Planned trade missions to Canada, Denmark, Poland, Argentina, Uruguay, and India are also on the horizon!

🔗Learn more at the Montana Department of Commerce website: https://commerce.mt.gov/

👥For personalized assistance, reach out to Angelyn DeYoung, International Trade Manager, at [email protected].