Frequently Asked Questions
Obtaining a Business License
Your local city and county offices issue business licenses in Montana. The SBDC does not issue general licenses nor does any agency within the state. For specific, professional business licenses and registrations for state regulated permits for your business please visit the following links:
Does the SBDC Give Out Grants?
No, the SBDC does not give out grants or directly loan money to small businesses. Your SBDC advisor can help you find an appropriate source of financing and assist you with the necessary business planning and financial projections needed to apply for SBA guarenteed loans and approach local banks for capital.
What can the SBDC help me with?
Free one-on-one business consulting. The SBDC's help with a large variety of business issues ranging from basic start-up issues to assisting with finance issues, preparing business plans and marketing assistance. SBDC advisors do not provide specific legal or tax advice, but they can provide you with information to help you make informed decisions or provide referral resources if further help is needed.
How much does it cost?
They are free. SBDC consulting services are confidential and provided at no cost to the business owner. Most training programs, workshops and services are offered at an affordable fee.
I have an idea, what do I do first?
Attend an "Evaluate a Business Idea" workshop at your local SBDC office. "Evaluate a Business Idea" is designed to help you examine your buisness idea and determine your potential for success before you spend time and money developing a full business plan. After you decide to proceed, set up a counseling appointment with your SBDC advisor.
How do I get an SBA loan?
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs are designed to encourage commercial lenders (like banks) to make loans to business owners and entreprenuers. The SBA does not make direct loans. Your SBDC advisor will be able to walk you through the loan application process and help you determine what kind of loan package is right for your financing needs.
Will the SBDC write my business plan or grant for me?
No. Your SBDC advisor will guide you through the how-to of business plans and grants and/or loan paperwork. They will work one-on-one with you to develop a comprehensive plan and accompanying cash flow projections and financial statements.
Levels of Business Registration
Local -Check with local government offices to find out about licences in a particular area. Links for Missoula, Hamilton and Stevensville in the bottons below.
State -If you want to start a business entity which provides legal separation between you and your business this paperwork is filed online with the Montana Secretary of State. You may want to set up an LLC, especially if you have employees or buy property in the future. Setting up a business entity also provides a level of professionalism which can be particularly helpful in securing commercial clients. The cost is $70 for the first year and $20 for each year after.
Federal -Register for a tax ID number so you can keep your social security number safe. When working with commercial clients, they may want you to fill out a W9, which will ask for your business name and Tax ID number.
Specialty -Some industries reequire special licences. You can see what is required for those in the state of Montana on the link below.
Independent Contractors Exemption Certificate -This is not a licence but is sometimes requried for commercial cleaning jobs or state contracts. It certifies that you are an independent contractor and waives your ability to make sure a workers comp claim against the business or insurance claim against a resident should you become injured while working at a personal residence. The cost is $125.
Can I be consulted on my non-profit?
The Montana Nonprofit Association has a wealth of information on its website for all things nonprofit. Specifically, their page on "Starting a 501(c)3" has a step-by-step guide to starting a nonprofit.
In Missoula, the Missoula Nonprofit Network for peer support and access to nonprofit expertise.
Both organizations have email newsletters that list relevant current events for nonprofits, nonprofit job openings across the state and regionally, and nonprofit conference and training opportunities. To get on these lists, email the respective organizations and ask to be added.
Also, if you are a University of Montana student, alumni, faculty, or staff, the Blackstone LaunchPad can assist with organizational development questions.