Events
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Upcoming Event
MSU $100K VC Competition, April 24, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Bozeman
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Photos
See albums of our past receptions, CEO roundtables, and presentations.
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Videos
See video recordings of webinars, trainings, and panel discussions.
Upcoming Events
University of Montana Hire Griz! Spring Career Fair 2025 - 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 2nd, UC Ballroom, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula
2025 Montana STEM Summit - Thursday, April 3rd - Friday, April 4th, Great Northern Hotel, 835 Great Northern Blvd., Helena
SkillsUSA Montana State Leadership & Skills Conference - Thursday, April 3rd - Sunday, April 6th, Pacific Steel & Recycling Arena, 400 3rd St NW, Great Falls
36th Annual UM John Ruffatto Startup Challenge - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 4th, University Center Theater, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula
SkillsUSA Montana Job Fair & Career Expo - 8:30 a.m., Saturday, April 5th, Pacific Steel & Recycling Arena, 400 3rd St NW, Great Falls
Innovator’s Bootcamp with Perkins Coie - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16th, University of Montana - University Center (UC) 331 (3rd Floor), 32 Campus Drive, Missoula
MMEC Next Level Manufacturing Excellence Workshop - Tuesday, April 22nd - Thursday, April 24th, MMEC Conference Room, 2310 University Way Bldg. 2, Suite 1, Bozeman
2025 MSU $100K Venture Capital Competition - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 24th, Inspiration Hall, Montana State University Norm Asbjornson Hall, West Grant Street, Bozeman
Aaniiih Nakoda Workforce Expo 2025 - 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 30th, Fort Belknap Bingo Hall / TERO Office, 400 Agency Main St., Harlem
2025 World Trade & Investment Day - 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 7th, Northern Hotel, 19 North Broadway, Billings
Montana Festival - Wednesday, May 14th - Saturday, May 17th, Downtown Bozeman
2025 Investing in Montana Summit - 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Thursday, June 12th, AC Hotel by Marriott, 110 North Tracy Avenue, Bozeman
All Events
MMEC Next Level Manufacturing Excellence Workshop
What: Professional development workshop exploring advanced and in-demand Lean manufacturing concepts, hosted by the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC)
When: Tuesday, April 22nd - Thursday, April 24th
Where: MMEC Conference Room, 2310 University Way, Bldg.2, Suite 1, Bozeman, MT 59715
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
MMEC is excited to launch a new program for busy manufacturing professionals who want to ramp up their Lean, leadership, and operational excellence skills. Inspired by graduates of MMEC’s foundational courses, Next Level Manufacturing Excellence is a fast-paced exploration of advanced, in-demand manufacturing concepts that will fast-track your progress toward Lean Silver certification and augment your skills with powerful, effective tools. To minimize time away from work and enable students to focus, the course is structured as a 2 ½ day-intensive workshop.
Twenty hours of classroom instruction combined with individual and team-based exercises will cover the following topics:
Lean Culture and Leadership; The Way of Operational Excellence
The Way of Leaders in Engaging and Developing Talent and Workforce
Value Stream Performance Measurement and Management
Extracting Valuable and Actionable Insights otherwise obscured by Messy Data
WHO should attend:
Leaders, managers, supervisors of manufacturing operations, and other high-potential manufacturing employees, including those who have passed the SME Lean Bronze examination
Finance, Supply Chain/Procurement, and HR professionals in manufacturing companies
Alumnae and Alumni of MMEC’s Operational Excellence, Lean, or Leadership courses
Anyone wishing to pursue manufacturing excellence
WHAT'S in it for participants?
Acquire valuable skills and tools that can be immediately implemented to improve the operational and financial performance of your workplace
Develop a network of like-minded peers.
Strengthen your resume with a career-enhancing credential from MSU
Start your path toward the Lean Silver exam and portfolio
Re-energize your company’s operational improvement and workforce engagement initiatives
Instructor:
Alistair Stewart - Senior Business Advisor, MMEC
An alumnus of MMEC’s sister center in Chicago, Alistair became Senior Business Advisor in Bozeman in 2015. Over the past 10 years, Alistair has been at the forefront of MMEC’s efforts to introduce Operational Excellence as a way of doing business to manufacturers across the state. In Gallatin and Park Counties alone he has guided dozens of companies and hundreds of employees to improve operational and financial performance through the practical application of Operational Excellence.
USDA 2024 SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab
What: SBIR/STTR Proposal-writing Workshop, hosted by the Montana Innovation Partnership (MTIP)
When: Tuesdays from July 30th - August 20th
Where: Virtual via Zoom (Link to participate will be sent to all registered attendees)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
The USDA SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab is an SBIR accelerator for Montana-affiliated companies designed for researchers and small businesses who are actively planning to submit a Phase I SBIR or STTR proposal to the USDA/NIFA SBIR/STTR RFA in September 2024.
At the end of this proposal-writing lab, cohort members will have a deeper understanding of the USDA SBIR/STTR programs, registrations, proposal forms and submission portals, USDA evaluation criteria, building a team, and more.
The application deadline is Friday, July 19, 2024.
Workshop: Making Sense of SBIR Cost Proposals
What: Workshop covering how to prepare SBIR/STTR Cost Proposals, hosted by the Montana Innovation Partnership (MTIP) powered by MSU TechLink
When: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 25th
Where: Virtual via Zoom (Details will be provided to registered guests)
Who Should Attend:
Investigators and small business founders planning to prepare an SBIR/STTR proposal
Service providers or business partners supporting SBIR/STTR applicants
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Join MTIP as they welcome Jim Greenwood of Greenwood Consulting Group, Inc. for an SBIR Discovery Webinar to learn more about how to prepare SBIR/STTR Cost Proposals. In this course, MTIP will lead you through - and make sense of - the perplexing world of the SBIR/STTR cost proposal, and how to keep records to the government's satisfaction when you win an SBIR award.
The workshop will cover:
Basic government accounting concepts
The FAR and its importance
Formats of SBIR/STTR cost proposals for different agencies
Keeping track of expenses
Cost proposal formats for various SBIR agencies
Exercise: Preparing an example Cost Proposal and how to calculate a reasonable indirect cost rate
Audits of SBIR projects
... with ample time for Q&A throughout the day.
While aimed at SBIR/STTR competitors, this is a one-of-a-kind workshop that has proven valuable for any applicant for or recipient of government contracts and grants.
Lean 101 Training Workshop
What: Hands-on workshop teaching how Lean Principles can help your organization improve and thrive, hosted by the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) and Montana West Economic Development (MWED)
When: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24th
Where: Montana West Economic Development, 44 2nd Ave W, Kalispell, MT 59901
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
What will you learn?
Participants leave this workshop with the knowledge and ability to implement basic Lean at their organization.
Organizations will strengthen their competitive advantage, provide opportunities for higher workforce engagement and retention, accelerate growth, and improve profits.
Employees will gain new skills valuable to their employer.
Skills and tools learned lead to:
Cost reduction
On-time delivery improvement
Inventory/WIP reduction
Quality improvement
Culture of continuous improvement
WHO should participate?
Owners, Managers, Supervisors, Contributors
Production
Shipping and Logistics
Office/Administration
Operations and Maintenance
Engineering R & D
All Industries (not just manufacturing)
All company/organization sizes (small to large)
Marketing Strategy 101 Workshop
What: Workshop covering how to set market strategy for small businesses, hosted by Missoula Economic Partnership
When: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 13th
Where: Stockman Bank Downtown, (6th Floor), 321 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
In this interactive workshop, you'll work through a set of prompts to help you set marketing strategy. You'll come away understanding more about your target customer, how you're uniquely positioned to serve them, and which marketing channels might be most effective for you. Space is limited, so RSVP now to reserve your spot.
Guest Speakers:
Jill Alban
CEO and Founder, Ahead by 11
Jill Alban is a strategic communications and marketing professional living in Missoula, Montana. Jill has worked with the Clark Fork Coalition, The Namchak Foundation, and as Marketing Director and eventually Chief Marketing Officer for Handel Group. In 2021, Jill left that role to start her own business, Ahead by 11, a strategic consulting company specializing in brand identity development and marketing strategy. A natural creative, Jill's strong background in literature, the liberal arts, and writing provided her with a grounded and humanistic springboard into her career in marketing, communications, and outreach.
Charlie Beaton
Owner, Big Dipper Ice Cream
Charlie Beaton opened Big Dipper Ice Cream on the Hip Strip in 1995. The business has grown from a simple wholesale manufacturer into a large retail outlet and mobile vending operation. It also has additional outlets in Billings and Helena. Big Dipper has garnered national attention in multiple publications and was selected in 2012 as the Best Ice Cream in America by USA Today and Good Morning America.
Investing in Montana – Raising Capital & Finding Investment Opportunities Workshop
What: Workshop dedicated to promoting investment opportunities in Montana, hosted by the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
When: 12:00 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27th
Where: AC Hotel by Marriott Bozeman Downtown, 110 North Tracy Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Join the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance to learn more about investment opportunities in Montana ranging from angel funds to public companies. Participants will hear first-hand success stories from Montana companies and develop an understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding capital formation.
Tickets cost $25 each.
Agenda
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch/Welcome
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM - Business Models & Networks Panel
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM - Small Business & Startup Experiences
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM - Capital Formation from a Legal Perspective
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM - Private Equity
5:00 PM - 5:15 PM - Closing Remarks by Commissioner Troy Downing
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Sponsor Social Hour
“Boots to Business” Workshop
What: Pre-business workshop for transitioning military service members at Malmstrom Air Force Base as part of the Transition Assistance Program, sponsored by the Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
When: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22nd - Friday, June 23rd
Where: Airman and Family Readiness Center Malmstrom Air Force Base, Great Falls, MT 59405
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
“Boots to Business” is a multi-session pre-business workshop for transitioning military service members at Malmstrom Air Force Base as part of the Transition Assistance Program. Active duty military, veterans, and military families are welcome.
Topics covered include accounting/budgeting, business financing, business plans, business start-up/preplanning, buying/selling business, franchising, government contracting, intellectual property, legal issues, licensing, managing a business, market research, marketing/sales, SBIR, selling to the government, and STTR.
Please note that this class will be delivered in person at Malmstrom Air Force Base, so attendees will need to have or request base access.
Women Owned Small Business Certification Workshop
What: Workshop covering the SBA Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification, hosted by the Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
When: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6th
Where: Zoot Training Room (2nd Floor), 201 N Broadway, Billings, MT 59101
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Join Montana PTAC for a free workshop to learn more about the SBA Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification. The WOSB certification is designed to help more women-owned small businesses compete in the federal marketplace and provides a competitive advantage by leveling the playing field for WOSBs to compete.
International Market Research Workshop
What: Workshop covering market research skills and resources to help your business increase efficiency with international sales
When: 10:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24th
Where: Montana State University - Billings, McDonald Hall, 1230 N Broadway, Billings, MT 59101
Remote learning options are also available
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
This workshop is designed to create a collaborative and interactive environment where you will learn market research skills and resources that will help you be more efficient with your international sales.
What’s Included?
Group presentations and training on international market research by U.S. Commercial Service experts.
An in-person customized international business consultation with these export assistance groups: U.S. Commercial Service Montana, U.S. Commercial Service Rural Export Center, ExportMontana from the Montana Department of Commerce, Small Business Administration (SBA), Export Import Bank (EXIM), and the Small Business Development Center.
Hands-on activities directly related to your international business development.
Free parking, coffee, and lunch.
Learn from a Panel of Experienced Montana Exporters
Barry Wood - VP of Marketing for Wood's Powr-Grip
Kyle Lukes - President of Agmor
Harold Pinkston - Member of the Montana District Export Council
Each participant will review and work from their own website during some of the hands-on sessions and throughout the day. Bring a WiFi-enabled laptop or tablet for access to your website. Free WiFi is provided.
The Total Internship Management Workshop
What: Workshop to help maximize your internship and entry talent acquisition programs, hosted by the MSU Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship
When: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Monday, May 15th
Where: Strand Union Building (SUB) Ballroom A, Montana State University, 751 W Grant St, Bozeman, MT 59715
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Christine Barkley from Intern Bridge, the nation’s premier experiential education research & consulting firm, will share a newfound approach to internships based on in-depth research and proven strategies. Internships and other forms of experiential education help students make a seamless transition to the world of work and are a perfect vehicle for organizations to increase retention rates, complete short-term projects, and identify future hires. This workshop is both SHRM and HRCI accredited for 6 CEU credits.
In this full-day, highly interactive and participatory workshop, participants will learn:
The 4 key elements to a successful internship program
How to implement an impactful internship program that yields higher ROI
How to engage your interns with meaningful work assignments
How to create and maintain a pipeline of highly qualified and educated full-time job candidates
How to increase brand awareness more on college campuses
Speaker Bio: Christine Barkley, MA
Christine Barkley is the Director of Curriculum, Research & Programming and will now be responsible for leading the organization’s Total Internship Management workshops. Over the last decade, Christine has served as an experiential education program manager, a career coach and has successfully held professional leadership roles in public institutions of higher education. Christine is known for her unwavering dedication to students’ career success and her ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with both employers and university leadership.
MMEC Financial & Operations Management Excellence Workshop
What: Professional workshop teaching how Lean principles can help any organization improve through hands-on exercises, hosted by the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) and sponsored by First Security Bank.
When: 8:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 1st
Session 1 - Operational Excellence/Lean 101: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Session 2 - Financial Management Excellence/Lean Accounting: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Montana Business Assistance Connection, 225 Cruse Street # D, Helena, MT 59601
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Discover how Lean principles can help any organization improve through an eye-opening workshop with hands-on exercises. Engage your operations, finance, and accounting professionals and leaders in your journey to excellence with an introduction to the benefits and applications of Lean.
In Session 1 (Lean 101), participants will gain an understanding of and the ability to implement basic lean skills and tools leading to:
Cost reduction
On-time delivery improvement
Inventory/WIP reduction
Quality improvement
Culture of continuous improvement
In Session 2 (Lean Accounting), finance and accounting professionals will take the next step, learning tools well-suited to companies implementing Lean principles, including:
Methods to measure the performance and identify the financial impact of Lean manufacturing improvements
Specific tools to better understand and manage costs
Methods to eliminate waste from your current accounting and control systems
Strategies to focus business decisions around the value created for customers
Who should participate?
Session 1 (Lean 101) is ideal for staff throughout manufacturing (and even non-manufacturing) companies:
Owners, Managers, Supervisors
Production and Operations
Shipping and Logistics
Session 2 (Lean Accounting) is targeted for Finance and Accounting professionals. Lean Accounting participants should attend both Lean 101 and Lean Accounting.
Instructor Bios:
Brian Sullivan has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, construction and management, and currently serves as the MMEC Business Advisor in Helena and Butte. He offers broad expertise in project management, plant construction and start up, Process Safety Management (PSM), Document Control, and Lean manufacturing. His Lean training includes Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.
An alumnus of MMEC’s sister center in Chicago, Alistair Stewart became Senior Business Advisor in Bozeman in 2015. Alistair’s other experience includes leveraging operational excellence to accelerate & improve portfolio company performance for private equity investors, and he currently serves as a Senior Advisor to an investment banking firm.
Market Validation Workshop: Guidance and Support Services for Entrepreneurs
What: Luncheon class that will guide entrepreneurs and product managers through the process of Market Validation, co-hosted by Montana West Economic Development (MWED) and the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC)
When: 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 6th
Where: Montana West Economic Development, 44 2nd Avenue West, Kalispell, MT 59901
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Join MMEC Business Advisor Richard Turner for a free luncheon class to learn more about the valuable market validation process. Market validation demonstrates that you are not only reducing your risk of failure but also reducing risks for your investors as well. MMEC business advisors will leverage their expertise in market research, data analysis, and new product development to inform client-specific ventures with powerful and actionable insights.
Instructor Bio - Richard Turner
Richard Turner is a Business Advisor with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center. He has more than 20 years of leadership experience ranging from combat operations while serving as an officer in the United States Marine Corps to working as a consultant for Fortune 100 companies to launching his own startups.
