About

Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA)

The purpose of the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority is to promote, stimulate, develop and advance the general welfare, commerce, economic development and prosperity of our local citizens, Ravalli County, and the State of Montana.

A primary goal of the RCEDA is to create the infrastructure for a knowledge-based business community in the Bitterroot Valley that helps existing and new businesses turn information and innovation into opportunity.

Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) is a Port Authority with 501 (c) (3) tax status. Created by the Ravalli County Commissioners in 1997, RCEDA is governed by seven Commissioners appointed by the County Commissioners.

RCEDA is funded in large part through the Ravalli County General Fund. Recently this funding has been augmented by a grant from the City of Hamilton as well as private sector participants.

This funding has allowed the organization to mature and demonstrate the meaning and work of economic development through action and accomplishments.

A few of those accomplishments are:

Establish a Revolving Loan Fund to provide gap finance to local businesses through partnerships with local lenders. RCEDA has participated and or written over $4 million in successful grant applications for Ravalli County businesses since 2002.

We provide technical assistance to businesses and entrepreneurs in Ravalli County. RCEDA participates in regional economic development planning with local government helping to build awareness and leadership.

55% of new jobs are created through expansion of existing business. 44% are created by new businesses. Only 1% are created through industry recruitment.

RCEDA’s approach is to nurture the entrepreneurs and businesses we have; to grow from within.

The development model that the RCEDA uses in pursuit of this goal is “Economic Gardening”. Economic gardening emphasizes development support for existing local businesses and entrepreneurs. Businesses with strong ties to the community are more likely to make economic decisions with social and civic responsibilities in the mix. This approach is essential to protecting the quality of life in the valley, especially the natural and recreational amenities that attract and retain successful business people and employees.