Business Startup, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Assistance and Grants for Single Mothers in Montana

Last updated: September 2025

Quick Help Box

• If you need startup money in the next 30–60 days: Consider a Montana Microbusiness loan up to $100,000 through local Microbusiness Development Corporations (MBDCs). Start here: Microbusiness Finance Program overview and MBDC list. Typical decisions are faster than bank loans if your paperwork is ready. (commerce.mt.gov)
• If you need a small, fast, no-interest boost: Apply for a Kiva U.S. crowdfunded loan up to $15,000 at 0% interest with terms up to 36 months. You’ll invite a few friends to pledge first, then Kiva’s global community finishes the funding. Apply online: Kiva U.S. 0% loans. Decisions usually arrive within 10–15 business days after you submit a complete application. (kiva.org)
• If you’re Native and launching or expanding: Watch the Montana Indian Equity Fund (IEF) grant—awards up to $14,000 with at least a 1:1 cash or in‑kind match. It’s competitive and opens seasonally. Learn more and track the next round: Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant. (commerce.mt.gov)
• If you sell outside Montana (e‑commerce, wholesale, services): Ask about Montana’s SSBCI 2.0 Loan Participation Program—state participation up to $1,000,000 at fixed rates from 0.50%–3.00% depending on term. Talk to your lender or a participating CDFI. Details: MT SSBCI 2.0. (commerce.mt.gov, redesign-commerce.mt.gov)
• If childcare costs are blocking your launch: Apply for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship. Families under 185% FPL can qualify; single parents typically must work at least 60 hours/month or be full‑time in school. Start here: DPHHS Best Beginnings Scholarship. (dphhs.mt.gov)
• Emergency & crisis support while you build your business: Call 988 for mental health crises, 911 for immediate danger, and 211 for local housing, food, transport and legal referrals. For domestic violence support, call the National DV Hotline 800‑799‑7233 while you connect with local services.

---

Why this guide and what you’ll get

• What this guide adds: actual dollar amounts, deadlines, phone numbers, regional contacts, step‑by‑step actions, and realistic timelines. Where programs are closed or waitlisted, you’ll see a Plan B.
• Who it’s for: single mothers in Montana at any stage—from idea to growth—who need clear, no‑fluff help.

---

Emergency first: keeping your household stable while you build

• Food support: SNAP has updated limits through September 30, 2025. Maximum monthly benefits in the lower 48 are: 1 person $292\ast \ast ,2people\ast \ast$536, 3 people $768\ast \ast ,4people\ast \ast$975, 5 people $1,158. Apply at your local Office of Public Assistance or online; see Montana’s SNAP page. Full FY 2025 table and deductions are here: USDA SNAP FY2025 COLA and DPHHS SNAP in Montana. (fns.usda.gov, dphhs.mt.gov)
• Cash help: Montana TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) payment standards (effective July 1, 2023, still current) include a family of 3 at $725/month\ast \ast ,withgrossincometest\ast \ast$622 and net test $1,465 for that size; see full table by household size and how to apply online at Apply.MT. Details: DPHHS TANF. (dphhs.mt.gov)
• Heating help (winter): LIHEAP runs October 1–April 30. 2024–2025 income limits and base benefit matrices are posted by DPHHS (for example, single‑family 3‑bedroom base benefits range roughly $1,052–$2,444 depending on fuel). Local eligibility offices are listed on DPHHS. See: LIHEAP Montana 2024–25. (dphhs.mt.gov)
• Child care while you work or study: Best Beginnings covers licensed providers and some Family/Friend/Neighbor care; income limit 185% FPL with a sliding co‑pay. Single parents must usually work ≥60 hours/month unless full‑time students. Start: Best Beginnings Scholarship page. (dphhs.mt.gov)

---

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

---

Start here: register your business the simple, low‑cost Montana way

• Form your LLC or corporation online: Montana’s Articles of Organization (LLC) cost $35\ast \ast online.Optionalexpedite:\ast \ast$20 for 24‑hour or $100 for 1‑hour processing (during office hours). File at the Secretary of State portal. Questions**? Call 406‑444‑3665 or start at the Business Help Center. Fee schedule: SOS filing fees. (sosmt.gov)
• Annual report: For 2025, the Secretary waived the annual report fee if filed by April 15, 2025. Late fee is $35 after the deadline. File at biz.sosmt.gov. (media.sosmt.gov, sosmt.gov)
• EIN (free): Get your IRS Employer Identification Number online—instant issuance, one per responsible party per day. Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. ET. IRS EIN help: 800‑829‑4933. Start at IRS Topic 755: EIN – How to apply. (irs.gov)
• Licensing: Montana has no general statewide business license. Many trades are licensed by the Department of Labor & Industry boards; check the Montana License Lookup and the eStop portal for retail food, lottery, tobacco, etc. eStop assistance**: 406‑444‑6789. (boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov, mtrevenue.gov)
• City licenses you might need:
  • Bozeman: General business license $75 (effective September 1, 2024). Info and renewals: City of Bozeman Business Licenses. Phone: 406‑582‑2260. (bozeman.net)
  • Billings: Business license administered as a business tax; process takes minutes if your packet is ready. See the Business Tax Fee Schedule and forms: Billings Business License Information. (billingsmt.gov)
  • Missoula: Most businesses must license if grossing over $6,000/year within city limits. Start here: Missoula Business Licensing. (ci.missoula.mt.us)
• Taxes:
  • Sales tax: Montana has no general state sales tax. Learn exceptions and resale certificates: MT Department of Revenue—Sales Tax Guidance. (revenue.mt.gov)
  • Lodging: If you rent rooms/campsites, you must collect a combined 8% lodging facility sales and use tax. Quarterly filings due April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31. Details and seller permits: Lodging Facility Sales & Use Tax. Some towns also add a local resort tax (for example, Big Sky’s rate is 4%). (revenue.mt.gov, resorttax.org)
  • Payroll: Register for Unemployment Insurance via UI eServices and for withholding via TAP. UI eServices support**: 406‑444‑3834. TAP help**: 406‑444‑6900. Start here: UI eServices Employers and Montana TAP. (uid.dli.mt.gov, uieservices.mt.gov, mtrevenue.gov)
• Workers’ compensation (if you hire): You must carry coverage. Montana State Fund can quote you directly. Get coverage or help at 800‑332‑6102 or visit Montana State Fund—Get Coverage. (montanastatefund.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If filing is stalled: Call the SOS Business Services line (406‑444‑3665) and ask for a correction letter or expedited service. (sosmt.gov)
• If licensing is unclear: Use eStop (406‑444‑6789) to ask which state license applies, then confirm with your city planning/licensing office. (mtrevenue.gov)

---

Your best public funding & assistance options (with real numbers)

1) Microloans and credit programs most single moms use first

• Montana Microbusiness Finance Program (MBFP): If you have fewer than 10 FTEs and under $1,000,000\ast \ast inannualrevenue,localMBDCscanlendupto\ast \ast$100,000, plus coaching and training. This is one of Montana’s most practical first steps for startups and side‑hustles turning formal. Contact the MBDC that serves your county via the program page. (commerce.mt.gov)
• Kiva U.S. 0% loans: Character‑based, no fees, no collateral, up to $15,000, repay up to 36 months. You’ll privately invite a few people to lend first, then your loan goes public to Kiva’s community. Good for inventory, equipment, marketing, or licensing fees. (kiva.org)
• SSBCI 2.0 Loan Participation: The state participates in your bank or CDFI loan up to $1,000,000 at 0.50%–3.00% fixed, by term. That can drop your blended rate and make approvals easier. Ask your bank, CDFI, or an SBDC advisor to structure your deal with SSBCI participation. Funding is finite; check the Commerce page for remaining balance. (commerce.mt.gov)
• SBA Microloan: Federal microloans up to $50,000\ast \ast throughapprovedintermediaries;averageloanabout\ast \ast$13,000; typical rates 8%–13% and terms up to 7 years. Use for working capital, equipment, and inventory. Find intermediaries at SBA.gov. (sba.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• No credit yet: Pair a smaller Kiva loan with business coaching from your local SBDC/WBC to build payment history, then graduate to an MBDC or SSBCI‑backed loan.
• If a bank says no: Ask a CDFI (for example, your regional MBDC) to underwrite first or co‑lend with SSBCI participation.

---

2) Direct grants and matched funds

• Indian Equity Fund (IEF)—Native entrepreneurs: Grants up to $14,000\ast \ast withatleasta\ast \ast 1:1\ast \ast match;forenrolledmembersofMontana’seighttribes.Useforequipment,productdevelopment,andotherstartup/expansioncosts.Grantcyclesopenseasonally;thestateawarded\ast \ast$320,000 to 25 Native‑owned businesses in May 2025. Prepare match documentation early. (commerce.mt.gov)
• Growth Through Agriculture (GTA)—value‑added ag: Grants up to $50,000\ast \ast andloansupto\ast \ast$100,000 with 1:1 match for processing, equipment, and market expansion. FY2025 awards totaled $915,360 across 25 projects statewide (examples include meat processing, vegetables distribution, and farm‑to‑retail expansions). Pre‑applications typically open in the fall. Contact a Food & Ag Development Center for help polishing your proposal. (agr.mt.gov)
• Export grants:
  • Trade Show Assistance Program (TSAP): 50% reimbursement up to $2,500\ast \ast plus\ast \ast$500 travel stipend for your first time at a new domestic wholesale show. Apply at least 15 days before the show. (commerce.mt.gov)
  • STEP (State Trade Expansion Program): 50–75% reimbursement up to $10,000\ast \ast peractivityandupto\ast \ast$30,000 per year for international trade shows, translation, compliance testing, and more. Apply 30+ days before the activity. (commerce.mt.gov)
• Prospera Impact Grant for Women: Private, statewide micro‑grants to women‑owned firms (past awards often $5,000–$8,000), competitive pitch process; check Prospera’s page each January for cycle details. (prosperamt.org, bozemanmagazine.com)
• Opportunities in Rural Economies (ORE) planning grants: Commerce launched the ORE program in February 2025; matching grants support planning that leads to business growth in rural communities (2025 awards totaled almost $500,000). This supports ecosystems your business may benefit from (e.g., main‑street redevelopment, industrial site plans). Watch Commerce news and coordinate with your local development corporation. (commerce.mt.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you don’t qualify for grant cycles: Use SBDC help to map a financing stack—Kiva + MBFP + SSBCI + small local foundation grants—to reach your equipment or launch budget.

---

3) Job creation & training incentives (reality check)

• Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) Job Creation grants: Local or tribal governments apply on a company’s behalf. Awards generally reimburse up to $5,000\ast \ast pereligiblenetnewfull‑timejob(andupto\ast \ast$7,500 in high‑poverty counties), with wage thresholds and match required. Speak with your regional economic development group or CRDC; see the state’s WebGrants description for criteria and match rules. (funding.mt.gov)
• Primary Sector Workforce Training Grant (WTG): Historically reimbursed up to $5,000\ast \ast pernewfull‑timejob(\ast \ast$2,500 part‑time) for training, but the program is currently closed. If you need training funds now, explore DLI’s Incumbent Worker Training and Accelerate Montana options. (commerce.mt.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If BSTF is a stretch (wage thresholds, match): Ask your SBDC about SSBCI + MBDC financing to hire 1–2 employees first; revisit BSTF later as you build payroll.

---

4) Procurement and women‑owned certification (selling to government)

• APEX Accelerator (free help): Learn registrations (SAM.gov), bid matching, and proposal tips to sell to federal, state, and local agencies. Statewide contact**: 406‑256‑6871 or find your advisor on the APEX site. (montanaapex.org)
• SBA Women‑Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification: Compete for set‑aside federal contracts. Apply through MySBA Certifications; SBA targets 90 days to issue determinations when practicable. EDWOSB financial thresholds include net worth under $850,000\ast \ast ,averageAGI\ast \ast \le$400,000, and assets ≤$6.5 million (retirement accounts excluded). Program guide: SBA WOSB Program. Help**: 866‑443‑4110. (sba.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you’re not ready to certify: Work with APEX to become subcontractor‑ready first, then pursue WOSB once you have past performance.

---

Numbers at a glance: costs, taxes, and permits

---

Childcare and household supports that free up time to build

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If child care waitlists are long: Ask your Child Care Resource & Referral agency to place you on multiple provider waitlists and issue a written confirmation of eligibility so you can onboard quickly when a slot opens. Use the online application and provider locator linked on the DPHHS page. (app.mt.gov)

---

Industry‑specific: food businesses and cottage foods

• Cottage Food operations: Register with your local health authority, package and label correctly (include the required “home kitchen” statement), and sell directly to consumers (farmers markets, events, pickup)—not wholesale. Guidance and registration forms: DPHHS Cottage Food. (dphhs.mt.gov)
• Labeling and restrictions: Only non‑potentially hazardous foods are allowed; no cream pies, dairy products, meat, or fermented foods. Labels must list producer, ingredients, net quantity, allergens, and the required statement. Statute and local FAQs confirm direct‑to‑consumer only. (codes.findlaw.com, missoulapublichealth.org)
• Local Food Choice Act: Allows certain direct sales of homemade foods under conditions (e.g., small dairy and poultry exemptions with strict limits). Read MSU Extension’s guide for scope and limits before expanding. (montana.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you need to ship or wholesale: You’ll need a licensed commercial kitchen and, often, a retail food license through eStop. Call your county sanitarian early.

---

Free advising and technical help (use this—don’t go it alone)

• SBDC network (free advising statewide): Business plans, cash flow, loan packaging, and pitch prep. Choose your region (Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Miles City, Missoula, Wolf Point) from the SBDC map. Lead Center**: 406‑841‑2700. Start: Montana SBDC—Locations. (commerce.mt.gov)
• Montana Women’s Business Center at Prospera: No‑cost advising and training built for women entrepreneurs. Contact**: 406‑587‑3113; info and programs: MT Women’s Business Center. (prosperamt.org)
• APEX Accelerator (government contracting): Free guidance to win city, state, federal contracts. Statewide line**: 406‑256‑6871. Find your advisor: Montana APEX Accelerator. (montanaapex.org)
• Food & Ag Development Centers (FADCs): Product development, food safety, financing, and go‑to‑market for agrifood businesses. Services are no‑cost. See locations and contacts: FADC Network. (agr.mt.gov)
• Manufacturers (MMEC): Lean, quality systems, automation, workforce—often subsidized through MEP. Home office**: 406‑994‑3812. Learn more: Montana Manufacturing Extension Center. (montana.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you’re rural without nearby workshops: Ask for virtual advising or traveling office hours—most programs will meet by video and visit your town quarterly.

---

Selling beyond Montana: export help and grants

Use export assistance early—grants can reduce risk by covering a large share of show and marketing costs. Pair with SBDC coaching.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you miss a deadline: Contact Export Montana; cancellations create openings and TSAP may bridge domestic shows while you queue for STEP. (commerce.mt.gov)

---

Real‑world examples (what actually gets funded)

• Native food truck upgrades: IEF funded mobile kitchen equipment for Divide Mountain BBQ on the Blackfeet Reservation ($7,000 award). Tip**: early, photographed quotes make review easier. (commerce.mt.gov)
• Value‑added ag projects: GTA grants in 2025 funded meat processing expansions, produce distribution, and farm‑to‑retail upgrades across towns like Havre, Dillon, and Stevensville—awards commonly $15,000–$50,000 with 1:1 match. Tip**: show local job impacts and a clear market plan. (agr.mt.gov)

---

Timelines you can plan around

• LLC filing: Standard online filings are typically processed within a few business days; expedite to 1 hour ($100) if needed. (sosmt.gov)
• IEF: Application windows are short. Expect ~6–10 weeks from deadline to award announcements based on recent cycles (awards announced May 27, 2025). Prepare your 1:1 match early. (commerce.mt.gov)
• GTA: Pre‑application typically opens fall; invitations for full applications follow; awards announced in spring (FY2025 awards on March 24, 2025). (agr.mt.gov)
• TSAP/STEP: Apply 15–30+ days ahead; reimbursements usually due within 45 days after the show/activity. (commerce.mt.gov)

---

Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing the match: Many grants need proof of cash or in‑kind match at application (IEF: 1:1; GTA: 1:1). Upload match letters, bank statements, or vendor quotes. (commerce.mt.gov, agr.mt.gov)
• Applying to the wrong fund: BSTF Job Creation funds flow through local or tribal governments—not directly to your business. Call your regional development corporation first. (funding.mt.gov)
• Underestimating childcare: If you plan to use Best Beginnings, track your hours; single parents must meet 60 hours/month unless full‑time students. (dphhs.mt.gov)
• Skipping city licensing: Montana has no statewide license, but cities like Bozeman ($75) and Missoula require local licenses. (bozeman.net, ci.missoula.mt.us)
• Ignoring lodging/resort taxes: Short‑term rentals owe 8% state lodging taxes, and some towns add resort tax (e.g., Big Sky 4%). Filing is quarterly. (revenue.mt.gov, resorttax.org)

---

Application checklist (print this)

• Business basics:
  • Name check and entity: Filed with SOS, approval docs downloaded.
  • EIN: Issued by IRS; save your EIN letter. (irs.gov)
  • City license: Bozeman/Billings/Missoula (if operating in city limits). (bozeman.net, billingsmt.gov, ci.missoula.mt.us)
  • Insurance: Workers’ comp (if hiring), general liability, and auto as needed. (montanastatefund.com)
• Money and documents:
  • Last 3–12 months of bank statements (business/personal).
  • Quotes/invoices for equipment or build‑out.
  • Basic financials: startup budget, 12‑month cash flow, 2‑year projections (SBDC can template).
  • Match letters/funds (if applying for GTA/IEF).
• Program‑specific:
  • IEF: Proof of tribal enrollment; 1:1 match documents; vendor quotes. (commerce.mt.gov)
  • GTA: Clear value‑added ag story, market plan, 1:1 match, letters from buyers; get FADC help. (agr.mt.gov)
  • TSAP/STEP: Show is first‑time (TSAP) and export intent (STEP); apply 15–30+ days ahead. (commerce.mt.gov)

---

Regional resources and who to call

• SBDC—find your advisor: Use the interactive map to reach Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Miles City, Missoula, or Wolf Point. Lead Center line**: 406‑841‑2700. SBDC Locations. (commerce.mt.gov)
• Community Action / HRDC (general assistance): The network serves all 56 counties with housing, energy, workforce, and emergency help that can stabilize your household while you build your business. Find your local HRDC here: Montana Community Action Network directory. Examples with phone contacts are listed on Commerce Housing’s field agencies page. (montanacommunityaction.com, commerce.mt.gov)
• Women’s Business Center: 406‑587‑3113, MT WBC at Prospera. (prosperamt.org)
• APEX Accelerator (government sales): 406‑256‑6871, Montana APEX. (montanaapex.org)
• Manufacturing (MMEC): 406‑994‑3812, MMEC. (montana.edu)

---

Diverse communities and tailored resources

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask the MT Women’s Business Center for safe‑space mentoring and referrals, then pair with Kiva for credit‑blind financing up to $15,000 at 0% while you build business credit. For contracting, APEX can help ensure your SAM.gov profile reflects your socio‑economic certifications. (prosperamt.org, kiva.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: Use SBDC for business planning that flexes around medical appointments, then look at Kiva (0% interest) or MBFP microloans with coaching. For home energy relief during hard months, apply for LIHEAP to lower utility risk while revenue stabilizes. (commerce.mt.gov, kiva.org, dphhs.mt.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Consider federal procurement via WOSB and veteran‑focused set‑asides (APEX can map both), and use STEP if you’re exporting veteran‑made goods or services. (sba.gov, montanaapex.org, commerce.mt.gov)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: If you have work authorization, Kiva is often the fastest first capital ($1,000–$15,000 at 0%). Pair with SBDC for cash‑flow templates that don’t assume U.S. credit history. (kiva.org)
• Tribal citizens: Work with your reservation’s Native American Business Advisor (via OICED) and target IEF for equipment/startup needs, then graduate to SSBCI participation through a lender for expansion. (commerce.mt.gov)
• Rural single moms with limited access: Request virtual advising from SBDC/WBC, and use export grants (TSAP/STEP) to test markets without over‑spending on travel. If broadband is spotty, libraries often host SBDC or APEX pop‑ups—ask your advisor for the next date. (commerce.mt.gov)
• Single fathers: All programs above apply equally; father‑led single‑parent households qualify for Best Beginnings, SNAP, TANF, and business aid on the same terms. Start at DPHHS and SBDC. (dphhs.mt.gov)
• Language access: Ask SBDC/WBC to arrange interpreters or translated training materials; SBA and Commerce can accommodate reasonable language requests for program access.

---

Building in Montana: taxes and employer basics you shouldn’t miss

• Withholding & UI: Register in TAP (withholding) and UI eServices (unemployment). Keep the UI eServices support line handy**: 406‑444‑3834. (uieservices.mt.gov)
• Quarterly lodging tax (if hosting guests): Reports due April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31. Resort taxes may stack (e.g., Big Sky 4%). (revenue.mt.gov, resorttax.org)
• Workers’ comp: Get a quote before your first hire. MSF application assistance**: 800‑332‑6102. (montanastatefund.com)

---

Frequently asked questions (Montana‑specific)

1. Do I have to collect sales tax in Montana: No general state sales tax, but lodging taxes (8%) and local resort taxes (e.g., Big Sky 4%) apply to certain businesses. (revenue.mt.gov, resorttax.org)
2. How much does it cost to start an LLC: Online filing is $35\ast \ast ;youcanexpediteto\ast \ast 24hours\ast \ast for\ast \ast$20 or 1 hour for $100. (sosmt.gov)
3. Is the 2025 annual report fee waived: Yes, if you filed by April 15, 2025; otherwise it’s $35 late. (media.sosmt.gov)
4. Are there grants for non‑Native single moms: Yes, but limited and competitive (e.g., Prospera Impact Grant cycles). Most funding will be microloans (Kiva/MBFP) and SSBCI‑supported credit. (prosperamt.org)
5. Where can I get free help writing a business plan: SBDC advisors statewide and the MT Women’s Business Center provide no‑cost advising and workshops. (commerce.mt.gov, prosperamt.org)
6. How can I pay for childcare while starting up: Apply for Best Beginnings (up to 185% FPL, single parent ≥60 hours/month or full‑time school). (dphhs.mt.gov)
7. Who helps with government contracts: APEX Accelerator—free help with SAM, bids, and capability statements. Statewide line**: 406‑256‑6871. (montanaapex.org)
8. I run a food business from home—can I sell wholesale: No. Cottage Food is direct‑to‑consumer only. To wholesale or ship, you’ll need a licensed kitchen and retail food license. (dphhs.mt.gov, codes.findlaw.com)
9. What if I want to export: Use TSAP (domestic shows) and STEP (international marketing), both with reimbursements up to $2,500–$10,000 per activity. (commerce.mt.gov)
10. Where can I find hands‑on help in my county: Start with the SBDC location map; for family support, check your local HRDC/Community Action office. (commerce.mt.gov, montanacommunityaction.com)

---

Tables you’ll want to save

Funding snapshot: direct grants and planning funds

Financing snapshot: loans and credit support

Household support snapshot (so you can keep building)

Costs and deadlines you’ll see early

Who to call (save these)

---

Reality checks, warnings, and tips

• Beware of “grant mills”: Most Montana business grants are competitive and tied to public goals (jobs, export, value‑added ag). If a site “guarantees” free money, walk away.
• Match timing: Grantees often front costs and get reimbursed—budget for cash flow.
• Childcare planning: Build provider waitlist time into your startup timeline; apply for Best Beginnings early. (dphhs.mt.gov)
• Taxes in “no sales tax” state: You may still owe lodging or local resort tax, workers’ comp premiums, UI taxes, and employer withholding. (revenue.mt.gov, resorttax.org)

---

Step‑by‑step: from idea to first sale (fast track for busy moms)

• Day 1–2: File LLC ($35) and apply for EIN (free). Book a 60‑minute SBDC/WBC call. (sosmt.gov, irs.gov)
• Week 1: Open business bank account; draft a one‑page budget and 12‑month cash‑flow; decide your first product/service and price.
• Week 2: If eligible, submit Kiva application (0%, up to $15,000). In parallel, contact your MBDC about MBFP. (kiva.org, commerce.mt.gov)
• Week 3–4: If you sell B2B or out‑of‑state, ask your lender if SSBCI participation can reduce your rate. If you’re Native, set calendar reminders for the next IEF window. (commerce.mt.gov)
• Month 2: For ag/food ideas, talk to FADC about GTA and food safety. Book the first wholesale show and apply for TSAP (≥15 days pre‑show). (agr.mt.gov, commerce.mt.gov)

---

What to do if this doesn’t work (Plan B menu)

• No approvals yet: Launch a small pre‑order with deposits; use

🏛️More Montana Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Montana

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery