State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Recognizes Invest in Veterans Week
Encourages support for veteran-owned businesses in Montana
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today proclaimed this week as Invest in Veterans Week in Montana, celebrating the contributions of veteran-owned businesses across the state and encouraging Montanans to support local businesses started by those who served.
“Invest in Veterans Week is an opportunity to thank the men and women who served our country and continue serving our communities as entrepreneurs and job creators,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Across Montana, veterans are starting businesses, creating good paying jobs, and strengthening local economies. I encourage Montanans to support veteran-owned businesses in their communities this week and throughout the year.”
Gov. Gianforte releases map of 13 veteran-owned businesses across Montana
In addition to signing the proclamation, the governor also released a list of veteran-owned businesses across the state to encourage Montanans to support those located in their communities. The businesses featured are just a few of the many across Montana and represent a range of industries, from restaurants to professional services and retail:
- Freedom Express Car Wash – Belgrade
- Classy and Sassy Coffee – Billings
- Anthem Snacks – Bozeman
- Bearded Viking Mead Company – Columbus
- Willie’s Distillery – Ennis
- The Loaded Toad – Glasgow
- Bar NN Smokehouse – Great Falls
- Parker’s BBQ Pit – Havre
- 1889 Coffee House – Helena
- Joseph Mayden Photography – Kalispell
- L-Town Pizza – Lewistown
- Troggy’s Trailer Repair – Miles City
- Mondak Groundskeepers – Sidney
Montana is home to one of the highest percentages of veterans per capita in the United States. According to data released last year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, veterans represent nearly 5% of business owners in the U.S.
To support veterans and their families, the governor in 2023 signed into law a bill to exempt up to 50 percent of military retirement pay from the state income tax and to establish educator licensing reciprocity for military members, military spouses, and veterans. Gov. Gianforte has also made a historic $300 million investment to expand intensive and community-based behavioral health care and developmental disabilities services across Montana, including veteran-focused employment programs.
Through initiatives like 406 JOBS, the state is working across the public and private sectors to connect veterans and all Montanans with meaningful employment opportunities while helping employers find the skilled, qualified workforce they need.
Invest in Veterans Week is a national initiative that highlights the economic impact of veteran-owned businesses and encourages communities to recognize and support veterans who continue serving through entrepreneurship and job creation.
View Gov. Gianforte’s proclamation here.
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