Montana Department of Commerce

Supports Montana economic development through state agency operations and business initiatives.

Montana Department of Commerce is Montana's state economic-development agency. It works across business development, housing, infrastructure planning, workforce activity, and Indian Country economic development, with divisions for Business, Housing, Infrastructure + Planning, and Data + Research. The department's mission is practical: jobs, business growth, affordable housing, and community infrastructure.

Its funding routes span business and community capital. The Montana SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program offers up to USD 30,000 per phase on a rolling basis for companies with federal SBIR/STTR awards, the Montana Historic Preservation Grant can reach USD 350,000, and the department also administers Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund, Opportunities in Rural Economies grants, Office of Indian Country Economic Development routes, and Montana CDBG. CDBG serves cities, towns, and counties with populations under 50,000; the SBIR match covers Phase I feasibility work and Phase II expansion work, with quarterly reporting requirements.

Commerce is a practical entry point for companies, local governments, and community organizations that need state delivery of state or federal capital. The central grants portal handles applications, the SBIR match accepts submissions on a rolling basis, and the agency's work is organized around development and planning rather than one-off prizes.