Commerce Awards Small Business Grants to 26 Native-Owned Businesses in Montana
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HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that $320,000 of grant funding has been allocated to 26 Native American businesses in Montana. The funding is through Commerce’s Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant Program.
“Indian Equity Fund grants can be used to support a variety of business-related activities, such as the purchase of new equipment or the development of a new product line or expanding Native American businesses in Montana,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio.
IEF awards for individual businesses can be up to $14,000 with a minimum dollar-to-dollar cash or in-kind match.
The following businesses will receive IEF grant funding:
In 2025, SSW Beadwork received $10,000 in IEF grant funding, which enabled the business to grow beyond its online presence by opening a storefront location in Havre.
“The Indian Equity Fund played a critical role in expanding my business from a home-based operation into a fully established storefront in downtown Havre. This investment provided the capital to purchase displays and fixtures, strengthen inventory and build the foundation for long-term growth,” said Selena Sandman, SSW Beadwork owner. “Because of this support, I’ve been able to create a space that not only showcases my wearable art but also features and supports other Native artists and small businesses.”
Eligible applicants for IEF grant funding include enrolled members of the eight federally recognized tribes in Montana. Each year, a total of $320,000 of IEF Program funding is available for Native American businesses in Montana.
The IEF is one of four financial assistance programs under Commerce’s Office of Indian Country Economic Development. Other funding opportunities include the Native American Business Advisors, Tribal Tourism and Native American Collateral Support grant programs.
For more information about the IEF Grant Program, visit commerce.mt.gov.
“Indian Equity Fund grants can be used to support a variety of business-related activities, such as the purchase of new equipment or the development of a new product line or expanding Native American businesses in Montana,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio.
IEF awards for individual businesses can be up to $14,000 with a minimum dollar-to-dollar cash or in-kind match.
The following businesses will receive IEF grant funding:
- Bamn Junk Removal and Moving, LLC in Billings will receive $14,000 to upgrade trailers and purchase tools necessary for junk removal and moving operations.
- Caffiend to Go in Poplar will receive $5,000 for upgrading espresso and coffee equipment and trailer buildout.
- Diamond M Towing in Box Elder will receive $9,000 to upgrade their tow trucks with necessary towing and safety equipment.
- Elevate Fitness & Wellness Studio in Havre will receive $14,000 to replace worn flooring.
- Evening Star Outdoor Adventures in Browning will receive $14,000 to purchase rental boats, safety gear and improve booking/operations infrastructure.
- Glacier Gateway Vacation Rental & Culture Lodging in Browning will receive $12,000 to complete cabin interior as well as for furnishings, linens and appliances.
- Hood Rescue, LLC in Box Elder will receive $7,000 to purchase specialized hood cleaning equipment, safety gear and a vehicle setup for commercial kitchen cleaning services.
- Jack Rabbit Crossing Audio and Events, LLC in Wyola will receive $14,000 to purchase or upgrade sound, lighting and event production equipment, as well as a trailer and storage for mobile events.
- KayCo BBQ, LLC in Browning will receive $14,000 to upgrade smoker and food trailer equipment, as well as for initial inventory to expand event and catering capacity.
- Kilo Blends, LLC in Billings will receive $9,000 to buy and install barbershop equipment and to purchase a laptop.
- Log Creeations in Box Elder will receive $10,000 to acquire additional woodworking equipment and materials, as well as for shop upgrades to enhance production and product quality.
- MK Media, LLC in Poplar will receive $11,000 to buy equipment and editing software to professionalize and expand media production.
- Ni-Wah’s Kitchen in Box Elder will receive $14,000 to buy kitchen/catering equipment, storage and to improve mobile setup to expand capacity.
- Pretty Paint Catering, LLC in Harlem will receive $12,000 to purchase commercial kitchen equipment, storage and serving gear for larger catering jobs and for improved food safety.
- Rogue Grill & Catering in East Glacier will receive $14,000 to purchase a hot holding cabinet, a high-capacity generator and a commercial ice machine.
- Rollin Bean V2 in Polson will receive $13,000 to purchase espresso equipment, refrigeration and a generator.
- RX Carwash in Wolf Point will receive $12,000 to purchase a new cement foundation for expansion.
- Shiny Suds Car Wash in Arlee will receive $14,000 to upgrade wash equipment, install modern payment systems and improve signage.
- SLD Moore, LLC in Havre will receive $14,000 to help finance a larger trailer and purchase additional food service equipment.
- Sunroad Woman, LLC in Billings will receive $14,000 to finance a production order of new apparel styles for the business.
- Turcotte Food Bus in Wolf Point will receive $13,000 to upgrade kitchen equipment and refrigeration on the bus, as well as signage.
- Walking Sun Custom Cuts, LLC in Dodson will receive $14,000 to purchase two refrigerated shipping containers to create separate cooler and freezer storage.
- Warrior Trail Jewelry & Gifts in Lame Deer will receive $14,000 to purchase inventory and improve displays and branding.
- Water Dawgs Fire in Hays will receive $12,000 to cover engine repairs and equipment to meet wildland engine contract requirements.
- Water People Tours in Ronan will receive $13,000 to upgrade tour boat equipment and safety gear and marketing/booking tools.
- Wolf Mountain Gunworks in Lodge Grass will receive $14,000 to build inventory, upgrade security, invest in marketing assets and purchase a computer.
In 2025, SSW Beadwork received $10,000 in IEF grant funding, which enabled the business to grow beyond its online presence by opening a storefront location in Havre.
“The Indian Equity Fund played a critical role in expanding my business from a home-based operation into a fully established storefront in downtown Havre. This investment provided the capital to purchase displays and fixtures, strengthen inventory and build the foundation for long-term growth,” said Selena Sandman, SSW Beadwork owner. “Because of this support, I’ve been able to create a space that not only showcases my wearable art but also features and supports other Native artists and small businesses.”
Eligible applicants for IEF grant funding include enrolled members of the eight federally recognized tribes in Montana. Each year, a total of $320,000 of IEF Program funding is available for Native American businesses in Montana.
The IEF is one of four financial assistance programs under Commerce’s Office of Indian Country Economic Development. Other funding opportunities include the Native American Business Advisors, Tribal Tourism and Native American Collateral Support grant programs.
For more information about the IEF Grant Program, visit commerce.mt.gov.
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