Montana Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund — Job Creation Program
Montana Department of Commerce
$5,000–$7,500 per new job
Researched for this program: 5 rejection traps · 6 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
$5K per new job for Montana exporters
The Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) Job Creation program provides grants to local and tribal governments to help basic-sector businesses — those selling primarily to out-of-state markets — create full-time permanent jobs in Montana. Awards are $5,000 per net new eligible job ($7,500 in high-poverty counties), with a 1:1 business match requirement. Businesses do not apply directly; a local government or economic development organization applies on their behalf.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $5,000
- Realistic amount
- Most BSTF Job Creation awards are $25,000–$150,000, representing 5–30 new jobs. Match can come from business expansion e…
- Deadline
- Applications not currently being accepted — Montana Department of Commerce has suspended intake pending legislative funding. Check commerce.mt.gov for reopening.
- Status
- paused
- States
- MT
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Business must be a 'basic sector' company — defined as a business with a primary focus on out-of-state sales and/or clients
- Must create at least one net new full-time, permanent job paying 170% of Montana's current minimum wage OR the current average weekly wage of the county, whichever is lower
- Jobs must be created after the contract's effective date
- Business must provide a 1:1 match, which can include building improvements, machinery, equipment, computers, software, furniture, fixtures, or wages
- A local or tribal government (or economic development organization) must apply on behalf of the business — businesses cannot apply directly to the state
Hard requirements
- Requires creating at least 1 new job
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Infrastructure supporting the new jobs (funded through the local government)
- Business expansion costs qualifying as 1:1 match: building improvements, machinery, equipment, computers, software, furniture, fixtures
- Wages paid to new employees (as match contribution)
Ineligible expenses
- Existing employee wages
- Non-permanent or seasonal positions
- Jobs paying below the wage threshold
- Business expansion in-state-only sales businesses
How to apply
-
1
Contact a local economic development organization
Reach out to your local or regional economic development authority, city, county, or Big Sky Economic Development (bigskyeconomicdevelopment.org). They will be the applicant of record and must apply on behalf of your business.
-
2
Confirm basic-sector qualification and job projections
Work with your local EDO to document that your business derives primary revenue from out-of-state customers and that planned new positions meet the wage requirements (170% MT minimum wage or county average weekly wage).
-
3
Local government submits BSTF application via Montana WebGrants
The local government submits the application through Montana's WebGrants portal (funding.mt.gov), including a business plan, job creation projections, wage commitments, and match documentation.
-
4
Receive award and execute contract
If approved, the local government receives the BSTF grant and passes funds to the business as jobs are created. Reimbursement is tied to verified job creation.
-
5
Create jobs and document compliance
Submit employment records confirming new positions meet wage requirements and full-time status. Match documentation (equipment invoices, building improvement receipts, etc.) also required.
You can't apply directly — your local EDO or city must be your champion. Reach out to Big Sky Economic Development (Billings) or your regional SBDC director early; the application timeline depends entirely on the local government's availability.
Deadline & timing
As of May 2026, the Montana Department of Commerce states that applications are not being accepted. The program is funded by legislative appropriation; intake suspensions occur between appropriation cycles. Contact the Department of Commerce at 406-841-2700 to confirm current status.
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