Rural Montanans in Tech

Explore the content and resources below featuring stories of rural Montanans leveraging opportunities in the high-tech industry.

Content & Resources

  • A welder at Spika Design & Manufacturing

    Article: Central Montana’s Vibrant Manufacturing Center Reaches Global Markets

    Explore why Lewistown, Montana is home to one of the most vibrant manufacturing communities in the state.

    Read highlights
  • A New Frontier: Entrepreneurship Ecosystems in Bozeman and Missoula, Montana

    Study: Montana's Entrepreneurship Ecosystems

    Read the first report on rural entrepreneurship in Montana featuring our state's high level of entrepreneurship, dense networks of support, global businesses, high-quality workforce, and high quality of life.

    View study
  • Accelerate Montana Rural Innovation Initiative

    Resource: Accelerate Montana's Rural Innovation Initiative (AMRII)

    AMRII provides one-on-one coaching, learning materials and programs, and resources to help Montanans grow their ideas into thriving businesses.

    Explore AMRII

47 percent of Montana’s population lives in a rural area or an area with a population under 2,500 people. With the expansion of broadband networks across the state, Montanans can engage with high-tech opportunities while staying in their hometowns, farms, and ranches.

Additional Resources

  • Accelerate Montana's Rural Innovation Initiative (AMRII) works with Montanans to assist in taking their ideas and building them into the businesses they envision—wherever they live or whoever they are. AMRII provides one-on-one coaching, learning materials and programs, and resources to help Montanans grow their ideas into thriving businesses.

  • The Montana Department of Agriculture offers a variety of grant, loan, and outreach programs to assist rural communities and ag-related businesses. Programs include rural assistance loans, agricultural grants, food and agricultural development centers, farmers market assistance, and more.

  • The Montana State University Extension program is driven by a mission to improve the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased, research-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery, and engagement to strengthen the social, economic, and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities. MSU Extension hosts agriculture, youth, community, family, and yard & garden programs.

  • The Billings-based Northern Ag Network delivers nearly 200 weekly radio programs to listeners across Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas, including hourly farm news and market reports, weather updates, and special features to give farmers and ranchers the critical information they need.

  • The Rural Entrepreneurship & Leadership for Women Co-Lab (REAL Women Co-Lab) focuses on economic and individual impact solutions for rural America. Through prototype programs, the REAL Women Co-Lab trains and partners with funders to research new models for aspiring and current women business owners.

  • The Rural Health Information (RHI) Hub is funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy to be a national clearinghouse on rural health issues. RHI is committed to supporting healthcare and population health in rural communities. Gain insight and understanding of the issues affecting rural America through topic guides, timely news, and updates.

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Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.