Resources

The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority is a Port Authority, a legal entity under Montana Code, and a 501(c)(3). The RCEDA will, either alone or in cooperation with others, enhance the Bitterroot Valley by securing funding for programs and facilities development from public and private sources, support growth of existing companies and nurture new company formation, operate business incubation and entrepreneurial support services, work to expand early-stage business capital resources for young companies, and help create the infrastructure for a “knowledge-based community”.

The Ravalli County Commissioners, at the request of the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber’s Business Advocate Committee, created the Economic Development Authority in 1997. 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.

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.

Following are a few of the areas where RCEDA can provide technical assistance:

1. Assist with feasibility studies to identify potential opportunities and/or markets.
2. Assist with business planning.
3. Assist with business entity selection, i.e. S Corp, Sole Proprietor, Cooperative.
4. Referrals and networking; connecting businesses with resources.
5. Assistance in obtaining start-up funds or expansion funds.
6. Assist with capitalization plans.
7. RCEDA has a Revolving Loan Fund. *Call or email for application.
8. Project planning and implementation.
9. Grant Administration and Grant writing assistance.

Ravalli County Deomographics