The Montana Department of Commerce announced a big investment in Native American businesses throughout the state, as they have awarded $320,000 in grant funding.
The awards will match up to $14,000 and go toward new equipment, business expansion, developing new products and more, according to officials.
There are 26 recipients in towns across Montana:
- Bamn Junk Removal and Moving, LLC in Billings will receive $14,000 to upgrade trailers and purchase tools necessary for junk removal and moving operations.
- Caffiend to Go in Poplar will receive $5,000 for upgrading espresso and coffee equipment and trailer buildout.
- Diamond M Towing in Box Elder will receive $9,000 to upgrade their tow trucks with necessary towing and safety equipment.
- Elevate Fitness & Wellness Studio in Havre will receive $14,000 to replace worn flooring.
- Evening Star Outdoor Adventures in Browning will receive $14,000 to purchase rental boats, safety gear and improve booking/operations infrastructure.
- Glacier Gateway Vacation Rental & Culture Lodging in Browning will receive $12,000 to complete cabin interior as well as for furnishings, linens and appliances.
- Hood Rescue, LLC in Box Elder will receive $7,000 to purchase specialized hood cleaning equipment, safety gear and a vehicle setup for commercial kitchen cleaning services.
- Jack Rabbit Crossing Audio and Events, LLC in Wyola will receive $14,000 to purchase or upgrade sound, lighting and event production equipment, as well as a trailer and storage for mobile events.
- KayCo BBQ, LLC in Browning will receive $14,000 to upgrade smoker and food trailer equipment, as well as for initial inventory to expand event and catering capacity.
- Kilo Blends, LLC in Billings will receive $9,000 to buy and install barbershop equipment and to purchase a laptop.
- Log Creeations in Box Elder will receive $10,000 to acquire additional woodworking equipment and materials, as well as for shop upgrades to enhance production and product quality.
- MK Media, LLC in Poplar will receive $11,000 to buy equipment and editing software to professionalize and expand media production.
- Ni-Wah’s Kitchen in Box Elder will receive $14,000 to buy kitchen/catering equipment, storage and to improve mobile setup to expand capacity.
- Pretty Paint Catering, LLC in Harlem will receive $12,000 to purchase commercial kitchen equipment, storage and serving gear for larger catering jobs and for improved food safety.
- Rogue Grill & Catering in East Glacier will receive $14,000 to purchase a hot holding cabinet, a high-capacity generator and a commercial ice machine.
- Rollin Bean V2 in Polson will receive $13,000 to purchase espresso equipment, refrigeration and a generator.
- RX Carwash in Wolf Point will receive $12,000 to purchase a new cement foundation for expansion.
- Shiny Suds Car Wash in Arlee will receive $14,000 to upgrade wash equipment, install modern payment systems and improve signage.
- SLD Moore LLC in Havre will receive $14,000 to help finance a larger trailer and purchase additional food service equipment.
- Sunroad Woman, LLC in Billings will receive $14,000 to finance a production order of new apparel styles for the business.
- Turcotte Food Bus in Wolf Point will receive $13,000 to upgrade kitchen equipment and refrigeration on the bus, as well as signage.
- Walking Sun Custom Cuts, LLC in Dodson will receive $14,000 to purchase two refrigerated shipping containers to create separate cooler and freezer storage.
- Warrior Trail Jewelry & Gifts in Lame Deer will receive $14,000 to purchase inventory and improve displays and branding.
- Water Dawgs Fire in Hays will receive $12,000 to cover engine repairs and equipment to meet wildland engine contract requirements.
- Water People Tours in Ronan will receive $13,000 to upgrade tour boat equipment and safety gear and marketing/booking tools.
- Wolf Mountain Gunworks in Lodge Grass will receive $14,000 to build inventory, upgrade security, invest in marketing assets and purchase a computer.
- In 2025, SSW Beadwork received $10,000 in IEF grant funding, which enabled the business to grow beyond its online presence by opening a storefront location in Havre.