April Startup Roadmap
2024-04-11 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Denver) | 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!

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

Take Action! Move Beyond SAM!
2024-04-17 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.

Boots to Business Reboot Hosted by Kaysville Small Business Development Center
2024-04-19 08:30 | Untitled
**Lunch provided for in-person attendees** For all veterans, active duty, reserve, guard, and spouses looking to start a business. The curriculum provides assistance to those interested in exploring business ownership or other self-employment opportunities by leading participants through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and providing foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan. Participants are introduced to a broad spectrum of entrepreneurial business concepts and resources available to access start-up capital, technical assistance, contracting opportunities, and more. More information about Boots to Business Reboot can be found here: https://sba.my.site.com/s/reboot-course-information All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance of this event. Contact Jackie Hobson at jackie.hobson@sba.gov or (435)632-0355.

The Workforce Behind the Workforce | Child Care Community Conversation
2024-04-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Untitled
Join us for a gathering of business leaders, childcare professionals, employees, and advocates to discuss the link between workforce shortages and childcare issues.
Jason Nitschke and Shelby Whelan from Zero to Five will present incentives for businesses to support employee childcare. Local childcare data will be shared, followed by small group discussions. Don’t miss this important event shaping the future of workforce and childcare!

V2V April Networking Event
2024-04-25 16:30 - 18:30 | Workspace
Please join us at Big Sky Economic Development for a Veteran To Veteran Social Networking event. We will be in the lower level Builder Space.
Drinks and small bites provided!

Balance Sheet VS. Profit & Loss
2024-04-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Untitled
Unlock the secrets of financial statements in our exclusive workshop.
In this workshop, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the distinct roles these financial statements play in assessing a company’s financial health. We’ll delve into the nuances of each statement, exploring how the Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of an organization’s assets, liabilities, and equity, while the Profit & Loss Statement reveals its income, expenses, and overall profitability.
Whether you’re a current business owner or just getting started, this workshop will empower you to make informed decisions and interpret financial data with confidence.
This workshop is sponsored and facilitated by Kyle Jordan | US Bank.

BSED May Executive Committee Meeting
2024-05-01 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 #2
2024-05-02 08:30 - 09:30 | Untitled
Series 2: This 4 part series aims to guide new, middle managers in the current work climate to lead their teams with excellence.
– Developing your Expert Power in Technology & The Future of Work –

Enroll for $25 each session
All proceeds will benefit Billings Public Schools.

Rapid Training Film Courses
2024-05-04 09:00 - 2024-05-05 17:00 | Untitled
Want to join the exciting and fast growing MT Film Industry?
Production Assistant:
This PA course will help your enter the film workforce.
Full Tribal Scholarships!
Why Choose us? Professional film training with industry connections to get you to work on real production sets.
mediatrainingcenter.co

Cash Flow Projections: Where Will You Be in 3 Years?
2024-05-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Untitled
Gain financial foresight and secure the future of your business in our exclusive workshop on “Cash Flow Projections: Where Will You Be in 3 Years?” In this workshop, participants will learn the art of cash flow projections and how to harness this vital financial tool for long-term success. We’ll delve into the importance of forecasting and guide you through the process of creating realistic projections that go beyond mere speculation, enabling you to make informed decisions for sustainable growth. Join us for an insightful session that empowers you to navigate the future with confidence, ensuring your organization’s long-term success.

BSED May Board Meeting
2024-05-09 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 May Board Packet

Pathway to Success: Connecting the Dots with the SBA
2024-05-09 12:00 - 16:00 | Untitled
Join the U.S. Small Business Administration for a virtual #MilitarySpouseAppreciationMonth event focused on connecting you with SBA resources for every part of the entrepreneurship journey. This event will highlight valuable information for every type of business owner. From the aspiring startup to the experienced entrepreneur, there is something for everyone.
Learn more about:

SBA counseling and resource partners
SBA’s Learning Platform and other virtual training
Accessing capital, including being lender ready
Federal government certification and contracting opportunities
Emergency preparedness and resilience for small businesses
BONUS! Hear success stories from veterans and military spouses

Learn about small business resources for military spouses at sba.gov/milspouse. Check back to see more featured speakers!
All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two
weeks in advance. Contact stan.kurtz@sba.gov.

May Startup Roadmap
2024-05-09 13:30 - 15:00 | Untitled

8th Annual Veteran-Owned Business Conference
2024-05-10
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!

TICKETS AND SPONORSHIP AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

This conference convenes businesses in the State of Utah as collaborators, business owners, veteran organizations, etc. from all over the state. You will hear from subject matter experts that cover a variety of topics. We are also going to her from keynote speaker Chris Fogt, a United States Army Major, three time USA Olympian, and Olympic Silver medalist. Additional keynote speakers include leadership from the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) on the State of the Utah Entrepreneur, and a panel of Utah Veteran Owned Businesses. You’ll also get a wealth of information from attending the planned breakout sessions including topics such as:

Negotiations in Business
Developing a Strong Capability Statement
Impact Utah’s Breakout Session
Checking Your Online Presence
Becoming Bankable
Branding Utah as The Startup State
Utah Small Business Credit Initiative
A.I. and How to Utilize It In and For Business
Patent Resources with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Cybersecurity Protection and Prevention

SD2: Graduate Profile at Rock31
2024-05-20 13:00 - 14:30 | Untitled
Attention Billings Employers, Innovators, and Entrepreneurs
Billings Public Schools (BPS) is creating a Graduate Profile, and we need your input! This profile will identify the key attributes and skills students should develop in addition to the 21 academic credits required for graduation.
Why is this important? Every Montana school district is developing a Graduate Profile as part of an Integrated Strategic Action Plan. This plan will help guide student development throughout their educational journey and track progress over time. As community members who are visionaries for the future of Yellowstone County, we need your feed-back on how the district’s four anchor attributes (Academic Readiness, Critical Thinking, Character Development, and Social Emotional Wellbeing) support the Big Sky EDA’s vision of growing a vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life.
How you can help? You can participate in two ways:
1) Complete the Online Survey: Click the link below to share your thoughts;
2) Community Work Sessions: Join our live session to give direct input:

Monday, May 20, 2024, 1:00-2:30 PM – Rock 31 Downtown

Rock 31 is located at 201 N. Broadway, Billings, MT 59101
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K869SKP

Effective Email Marketing
2024-05-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Untitled
Facilitated By: Girl Geek Communications
Reach your customers right in their in-box! Learn how e-mail marketing can become one your best tools for communicating with your customers. We will discuss:
– Mass email software
– How to obtain email addresses
– Permissions and legalities of bulk emailing
– Using email marketing for more than just sales
This workshop is $20 to attend.

Office Closed | Memorial Day
2024-05-27 08:00 - 17:00
The Big Sky Economic Development offices will be closed today in observance of Memorial Day.

Montana Festival
2024-05-30 - 2024-06-01
MONTANA’S INAUGURAL GATHERING OF ENTREPRENEURS, CREATORS, & COMMUNITY BUILDERS CONNECTING & SHAPING OUR FUTURE.

– MONTANA IS AT A CROSSROADS –
Inflection points create opportunities for innovation, for creativity, for connection, and for personal growth. It is time to come together as leaders to seize the moment and build our future together.

Montana Festival is bringing together the top entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, investors, culture creators, designers, community builders, movers, shakers and policymakers to connect, share, and accelerate Made in Montana ideas, projects, startups, and policy solutions that create good jobs, great towns, and can serve as model across America.

Visit: montanafestival.org
For full schedule and registration

BSED June Executive Committee Meeting
2024-06-05 07:00 - 09:00

June Startup Roadmap
2024-06-13 13:30 - 15:00 | Untitled

Unlock Supply & Subcontracting Opportunities with General Dynamics
2024-06-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Untitled
Join the Montana APEX Accelerator in collaboration with General Dynamics to learn about opportunities to supply/subcontract with General Dynamics (GD), a federal government contractor. Open to all industries!
Presentation topics will include
o Federal agencies that currently contract with GD
o Review of current and upcoming opportunities with GD
o How to get started o Mentor/Protégé Options o Q & A Agenda
• Introduction: Montana Apex Accelerator
• Presentation General Dynamics Overview GulfStream & Jet Aviation: Virginia Foley Marine Systems Bath Iron Works: Virginia Foley Electric Boat: Jea Hur NASSCO & European Land Systems: Virginia Foley GD Land Systems: Jeanne Schabath-Lewis GD Ordnance and Tactical Systems: Courtney Cooper GDIT: Virginia Foley GD Mission Systems: Suzanne Trinh
• Panel questions to General Dynamics

Balance Sheet Vs. Profit and Loss
2024-06-18 13:30 - 14:30 | Untitled
Unlock the secrets of financial statements in our exclusive workshop, “Balance Sheet vs. Profit & Loss.”
In this workshop, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the distinct roles these financial statements play in assessing a company’s financial health. We’ll delve into the nuances of each statement, exploring how the Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of an organization’s assets, liabilities, and equity, while the Profit & Loss Statement reveals its income, expenses, and overall profitability.
Whether you’re a current business owner or just getting started, this workshop will empower you to make informed decisions and interpret financial data with confidence.

BSED June Board Meeting/ FY '25 Budget Hearing
2024-06-20 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.

Campus Billings
2024-06-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Untitled
Discover why Billings is the best place to live, work, and play as a student and graduate.
This program is designed to build your interns connection with Billings to help retain talent. There is no cost to participate.
The Program:
Campus Billings offers your interns the opportunity to:

CONNECT with other interns throughout the community
EXPLORE the community and all it has to offer
LEARN from local leaders
DISCOVER the importance of personal branding, knowing your strengths to build confidence and excel in the workplace

BSED July Executive Committee Meeting
2024-07-03 07:00 - 09:00

Office Closed | Independence Day
2024-07-04 08:00 - 17:00
The Big Sky Economic Development offices will be closed today in observance of Independence Day.

BSED July Board Meeting
2024-07-11 07:00 - 09:00

What's the Flow and Where Does It Go? What Happens After Northrop Grumman Receives Your Capability Statement.
2024-07-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Untitled
Join Montana APEX Accelerator and Small Business Liaison Officer from Northrop Grumman Space Sector’s Strategic Deterrent Systems, Tracy Jerman to learn more how to do business with Northrop Grumman.
Topics will include:

Capability Statements
Northrop Grumman Portal
Vendor Vetting Process
Doing Business with Large Federal Contractors
Socio-Economic Categories
Pre-Marketing Suggestions
Responding to RFP’s/RFQ’s
Subcontractor Attributes
Cyber Security & CMMC
Tips for Success
Next Steps
