BSED JANUARY BOARD MEETING
2024-01-11 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Denver) | Untitled
January 11 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 am

This meeting will be held in-person in the Zoot Training Room on the 2nd floor. Please RSVP to rsvp@bigskyeda.org if you are planning to attend.
BSED January Board Packet 01.11.24

Deadline: Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Environmental Consulting Services Big Sky Economic Development
2024-01-11 12:00
Responses to this RFQ
Responses must be received on or before 12:00 P.M, Mountain Time, Thursday, January 11, 2024.
Respondents should submit via email to:
Thom MacLean – thom@bigskyeda.org

Responses not received by the deadline WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CONSIDERATION.

Office Closed | Martin Luther King Day
2024-01-15 08:00 - 17:00
The Big Sky Economic Development offices will be closed today in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

UTAH Boots to Business | Reboot
2024-01-19 08:30 - 17:00
Please join VBOC for this in person training on Veteran Owned Small Business.

Craft a Personal Financial Statement
2024-01-23 13:30 - 14:30 | Untitled
Learn the essential components and how to effectively organize your assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Gain insights into creating a comprehensive snapshot of your financial health, enabling better decision-making for your financial future. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your financial literacy and take control of your financial well-being.

Is Your Computer System Secure Enough? Get Cybersecurity Ready!
2024-01-24 10:00 - 23:00 | Untitled
Please join the Montana APEX and Project Spectrum for a VIRTUAL webinar to learn more about Cybersecurity requirements for Federal Contracting. Project Spectrum is a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) recognized cybersecurity awareness initiative offering resources, training, and tools toward increasing cybersecurity awareness for businesses. The webinar will be an overview of Project Spectrum support and resources & overview cybersecurity requirements.
Topics to Cover:

Current Cyber Threat Landscape
Why Small Businesses are Lucrative Targets
Government Guidance, Mandates and Requirements (NIST, CMMC, FAR, DFARS)
Project Spectrum’s Cyber Advisory Services
Project Spectrum’s Training Courses
Project Spectrum’s Proprietary Cybersecurity Tool Development
Engagement with Project Spectrum
Who should attend? Any business in any industry who are interested in learning more about cybersecurity compliance. The importance of cybersecurity compliance will be essential when pursuing government contracts. Join the webinar to learn more about CMMC levels (1,2 & 3), NIST SP 800-171, FAR 52.204.21 and DFARS 252.204-7020 compliance. Don’t miss this FREE webinar to learn more about cybersecurity and cybersecurity tools aimed toward improving overall cyber hygiene for ALL businesses!

BSED February Executive Committee Meeting
2024-02-07 07:00 - 09:00
This meeting will be held in-person in the lower-level Venture Conference Room. Please RSVP to rsvp@bigskyeda.org if you are planning to attend.

Executive Committee Packet 02.07.24

BSED February Board Meeting
2024-02-08 07:00 - 09:00
This meeting will be held in-person in the Zoot Training Room on the 2nd floor. Please RSVP to rsvp@bigskyeda.org if you are planning to attend.

BSED February Board Packet 02.08.24

February Startup Roadmap
2024-02-08 13:30 - 15:00 | Untitled
Are you eager to turn your business dreams into reality? This workshop is tailor–made for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to kickstart their ventures. Join us for an insightful exploration of the crucial elements in launching a successful business.
In this workshop, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the fundamental aspects of starting a business. We cover essential topics such as start–up costs, financing options, and business planning, providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to kickstart your venture. Our workshop provides the essential information and resources to start a business. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and set your entrepreneurial journey on the right track!

Office Closed | President's Day
2024-02-19 08:00 - 17:00
The Big Sky Economic Development offices will be closed today in observance of President’s Day.

Take Action! Move Beyond SAM!
2024-02-21 11:30 - 12:30 | Untitled
Please join the Montana APEX for a high-level VIRTUAL training on how the federal government and State of Montana purchases products and services. Topics include: – Federal and State of MT purchasing thresholds – Conducting market research – Federal purchasing vehicles (methods) – Where to find opportunities and how to get automatic notices – Marketing your business to government agencies – Tips on finding subcontracting opportunities – Q & A session Who should attend? Any business in any industry that is interested in developing a focused market strategy for the government segment. It is not a requirement to already be registered in SAM or eMACS to attend the training. However, we will not be going over the registration process in this training.

Serving Our Community Through the WOIA - MT. Dept. of Transportation
2024-02-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Untitled
Share your input on programs for adult, youth, and dislocated workers. The Department of Labor wants to hear from you!

Business Community
Economic Development Authorities
Union Partners
Community Service Providers
Education Institutions
Tribal Representatives
Council members

BSED March Executive Committee Meeting
2024-03-06 07:00 - 09:00
This meeting will be held in-person in the lower-level Venture Conference Room. Please RSVP to rsvp@bigskyeda.org if you are planning to attend.

Empowering Excellence Series No. 1
2024-03-06 08:30 - 09:30 | Untitled
Series 1: This 4 part series aims to guide new, middle managers in the current work climate to lead their teams with excellence.

Enroll for $25 each session or
$75 for all 4 sessions!

All Proceeds will benefit Billings Public Schools.

SBA's Small Business Mentor Protégé Program
2024-03-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Untitled
Learn the benefits and steps to participate in the SBA’s Mentor Protégé Program. Protégés can get valuable business development help from their mentors in several areas, including:

Guidance on internal business management systems, accounting, marketing, manufacturing, and strategic planning
Financial assistance in the form of equity investments, loans, and bonding
Assistance navigating federal contract bidding, acquisition, and the federal procurement process
Business development, including strategy and identifying contracting and partnership opportunities
General and administrative assistance, like human resource sharing or security clearance support

Health Tech Forum for Founders and Funders
2024-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Untitled
Billings has an opportunity to develop and lead the way in healthcare innovations by bringing together healthcare leaders, investors, and innovators to change the future of healthcare delivery.
Join us for a fascinating conversation with two health tech leaders as they share their insights on the opportunities, challenges, and future of healthcare technology.
Following the HealthTech Forum, meet with startup advisors with legal, funding and marketing expertise from 1:30-3:30.

BSED March Board Meeting/Board Planning
2024-03-14 08:30 - 16:00
This meeting will be held in-person in the Zoot Training Room on the 2nd floor. Please RSVP to rsvp@bigskyeda.org if you are planning to attend.

March Startup Roadmap
2024-03-14 13:30 - 15:00 | Untitled
Are you eager to turn your business dreams into reality? This workshop is tailor-made for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to kickstart their ventures. Join us for an insightful exploration of the crucial elements in launching a successful business.
In this workshop, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the fundamental aspects of starting a business. We cover essential topics such as start-up costs, financing options, and business planning, providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to kickstart your venture. Our workshop provides the essential information and resources to start a business. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and set your entrepreneurial journey on the right track!

March- Take Action! Move Beyond SAM!
2024-03-20 11:30 - 12:30 | Untitled

Is Your Computer System Secure Enough? Get Cyber Security Ready!
2024-03-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Untitled
Please join the Montana APEX and Project Spectrum for a VIRTUAL webinar to learn more about Cybersecurity requirements for Federal Contracting

Girl Geek Presents: Grow with Google
2024-03-26 13:30 - 14:30 | Untitled
Launch your Business with Customer-Focused Marketing
As a new entrepreneur, you’ll need more than good products or services to grow your business. It’s also important to have strong customer-focused marketing strategies to reach your audience and turn them
into loyal customers.
In this workshop, you will learn how to:

Create a compelling brand
Define your audience
Convert customers
Build loyalty and advocacy

This workshop is $10 to attend.
Workshop Facilitated by Girl Geek Communications in partnership with Grow with Google.

E3 Billings - Elevate, Educate, Empower
2024-03-26 17:00 - 18:30 | Untitled
Grow your business and your network at this FREE in-person event for current and aspiring women business owners!
Join the Rocky Mountain WBC, topic experts, and aspiring and current women business owners for an in-person networking and learning experience.
Each month participants will have an opportunity to network with each other, learn from a lightning keynote from a professional or experienced business owner, and walk away with knowledge you can actually use to grow your business the very next day.
This month we will discuss how you can better understand and predict your business financials so you can pay yourself and reach your personal finance goals!
Join us for a drink, a snack, some education, and community!
If you’re looking to meet more women who are running their own business (no matter the size, industry, or length of ownership) in a casual, fun, inspiring setting this is the event for you!
We can’t wait to see you there.

Scaling Montana Watch Party
2024-03-27 14:00 - 15:30 | Workspace
To kick off the Speaker Series, we will feature Xavier Rolet, named by Harvard Business Review as one of the 100 Best CEOs in the World.
Xavier will be joined by VP of Engineering & Product of Google Workspace, Philip Brittan to discuss how startups can maximize their value and compete in global markets.
For more information about the speakers and the Speaker Series, visit www.scalingmt.org.

BLM Industry Days
2024-03-28 | Untitled
Join BLM and Montana APEX Accelerator to learn about business opportunities for your company! Open to All Industries! Emphasis on: Construction/Trades, Land Stewardship, Architect & Engineering, Cultural Resources/Archeology, Recreation Services, Veterinary Services, Professional Services & Supplies During this event, businesses will receive information on the topics below and meet with BLM contracting officers.
AGENDA 8:00 a.m. Coffee, Donuts & Networking
8:30 a.m. to Noon
• BLM Mission and Overview
• Current Opportunities
• Commonly Purchased Products/Services
• Forecast of Upcoming Opportunities
• Requirements for Doing Business with BLM
• How to Read and Respond to an Opportunity/Notice Types
• Helpful Tips from BLM Contracting Officers
Noon: Lunch will be provided onsite
1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. Individual Meetings with BLM Contracting Officers

BSED April Executive Committee Meeting
2024-04-03 07:00 - 09:00
This meeting will be held in-person in the Zoot Training & Event Space on the second floor. Please RSVP to rsvp@bigskyeda.org if you are planning to attend.

Executive Committee Packet 04.03.24

Let's Get to Work Career Fair
2024-04-09 08:00 - 14:00 | Untitled
Billings Public Schools invites local businesses
to join us for the Let’s Get to Work Career Fair.
This event is free to vendors and designed for
all of our graduating seniors to learn about
career and job opportunities in our local
businesses and throughout our community.
Employers: Click the link below or email
bruinsmab@billingsschools.org to register.

Questions?
Email Bo Bruinsma:bruinsmab@billingsschools.org

How to Put Together Your Personal Financial Statement
2024-04-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Untitled
Join our workshop on crafting a Personal Financial Statement! Learn the essential components and how to effectively organize your assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Gain insights into creating a comprehensive snapshot of your financial health, enabling better decision-making for your financial future. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your financial literacy and take control of your financial well-being.

BSED April Board Meeting
2024-04-11 07:00 - 09:00 | Untitled
This meeting will be held in-person in the Zoot Training Room on the 2nd floor. Please RSVP to rsvp@bigskyeda.org if you are planning to attend.
April Board Packet 4.11.2024

April Startup Roadmap
2024-04-11 13:30 - 15:00 | Untitled

Boots to Business | REBOOT
2024-04-12 00:00
This program is facilitated by subject matter experts from the SBA’s Helena, Montana Small Business Development Center, Big Sky Veterans Business Outreach Center and their extensive network of skilled business advisors. After completion of the course, participants can elect to further their study through the B2B Revenue Readiness online course, delivered through a partnership with Mississippi State University (MSU). Participants are also encouraged to take advantage of the many resources and services offered by the SBA and its partner networks.
Topics Covered:
– Intro. to Business Ownership
– Basics of Opportunity Recognition
– Understanding Markets & Your Competitive Space
– The Economics of Small Business Startup
– Legal Considerations for Veteran-Owned Small Business
– Introduction to Business Planning
– Financing your Venture
– Resources to Support you Efforts in Montana
