Business Chitchat

Ready to take your business plan to the next level with ease? In this episode, Fionn Zarubica, Business Advisor at Headwaters SBDC, reveals how entrepreneurs are streamlining their planning process using the cutting-edge LivePlan software. Discover how this tool empowers users to craft impressive, professional-grade business plans with comprehensive financial projections – all made even simpler with AI-powered features. Whether you're launching a startup or refining your current strategy, tune in to learn how LivePlan could be the game-changer you've been searching for!* Register for SBDC services here: https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/ About Fionn: Fionn Zarubica is a versatile professional with over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship, organizational consultation and the cultural sector. Currently, she brings her expertise to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Montana, where she helps business owners navigate the challenges of starting and growing their ventures. She provides personalized consulting services tailored to the unique needs of each client, specializing in budgeting and finance, business planning and start-up consulting. Fionn pursued her education at the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of California, Los Angeles. Before moving into business consulting, she had a distinguished career as a costume designer, working in theater, film, ballet, opera and television across the United States, Canada and Europe. In the museum sector, Fionn held key roles managing the renowned costume and textile collections at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). She contributed to several prominent exhibitions, including California Design, 1930-1965: Living in a Modern Way (2011), Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915 (2010) and Breaking the Mode: Contemporary Fashion from the Permanent Collection (2006). From 2010 to 2021, Fionn served as an instructor of museology at California State University Long Beach, College of Professional and International Education. She later worked as a museum consultant and educator in Europe, where she developed cultural programs supported by U.S. State Department grants. Additionally, Fionn is an experienced grant writer and the founder of Fionn Zarubica Creative Partnerships, which provides multidisciplinary support to the creative industries. Her international experience lends a global perspective to her work at SBDC, where she continues to empower entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies they need to succeed.

Is your ag business ready for growth? Would grant funding or a low-interest loan help your business? Are you located in rural Montana? In this episode, we explore Montana's Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) grant and loan program with Hailey Vine, Food & Agriculture Development Officer for the Montana Department of Agriculture, as well as Headwater's RC&D's very own Food and Ag Development Center Director, Brennan Hammer. You'll learn about the application process as well as some key steps.  The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering. The GTA program is administered by the Agriculture Development Council (Council) which is attached to the Department of Agriculture. About Hailey: Hailey Vine joined the Montana Department of Agriculture in November 2023 as the Food & Ag Development Officer. Prior to her position with the Department, she worked very closely with the organization as the Food & Ag Development Center Director of eastern Montana for over two years assisting producers in business planning, grant applications, financial projections, and more. She brings a unique perspective and knowledge of the agriculture industry and value-added business world with her background in economic development, federal programs, and business administration. Hailey has a passion to meet people where they are at, assisting them to achieve those next steps to success, both professionally and personally. Growing up as a South Dakota farm girl, she's truly enjoyed working in the Montana agriculture scene along with its great producers and supporters. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in animal science and minor in business administration from Montana State University. Hailey is encouraged daily by her husband, Tyler, as they continue to build their new life and community in the Flathead Valley.    Links: More about GTA: https://agr.mt.gov/GTA GTA Guidelines for 2024: https://agr.mt.gov/_docs/GTA-docs/GTAGuidelines.pdf

How can creating a Business Improvement District (BID) in Uptown Butte move the needle on the Uptown Butte Master Plan? Shanna Adams, civil engineer, co-owner of the Finlen Hotel, and champion of the Uptown Butte Master Plan Association, speaks to how the creation of BID in Uptown Butte can create a steady source of funding that can be leveraged to bring the vision of the Uptown Butte Master Plan to reality.    About Shanna:  Licensed professional civil engineer with 22+ years' experience leading teams, managing complex infrastructure projects, and advocating for projects that create lasting improvements in our communities.    My career has provided me with a broad range of experiences including working in environmental restoration, community planning and community engagement, pedestrian facilities, and creating successful funding strategies. I have specific expertise in drinking water and water resource (stormwater and river systems) projects. I value operational knowledge and love elegant solutions that are easy to maintain. I've worked in the public and private sectors and on both coasts of the United States, but I've been lucky enough to spend most of my career in Montana. Links:  https://www.uptownbuttemt.com/ https://www.instagram.com/uptownbuttebid/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559847306163  https://uptownbuttemasterplan.com/

Ever thought of turning an old abandoned building into a thriving cornerstone of your community? Headwaters RC&D Brownfield Program Manager, Melissa Wanamaker can help you make this dream a reality. Learn about Headwaters RC&D's Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund and how Brownfield Clean Up's are rippling across the United States! Melissa Wanamaker Brownfield Program Manager mwanamaker@headwatersrcd.org (406) 533-6781 https://www.headwatersrcd.org/brownfields

What's the best way to hire? How can employees and employers poise themselves for a smooth hiring practice? What's the best way to deal with a shortage of employees? Tabatha Hyatt, Co-Owner of Express Employment in Butte and owner of Express Employment in Helena breaks down for us all the best practices for hiring and workforce needs.  About Tabatha:  Tabatha began her journey with Express Employment in 2017 in a usual and unusual way. Usual in that she lost a job in a unique field and didn’t know where to turn. She went to her local Express Employment office for help! Unusual in the fact that she landed AT Express working as a Business Developer partnering with businesses on their job needs. She loved it so much she became partner and she loved that so much that she recently purchased the Helena Express Employment also! Originally, Tabatha earned her degree in Health Promotion and ran corporate wellness programs for 20 years. She added her MBA with marketing around the time she started at Express to expand her skills and be able to step out of wellness. Little did she know she was stepping into the most ‘well’ thing she’s done!  Helping people on both sides of the coin with employers and employees is the ultimate rewarding position to be in. We help problem-solve all day everyday and find solutions every day! Whether you’re looking to hire or be hired, seeking help for a day or a decade, you can find it with Tabatha and Express! Find Express Employment Online: expresspros.com/buttemt

Jen DeLong and Lisa Howell, owners of Recreate Climbing + Fitness in Butte, Montana talk to us about what it takes to bring to life a dream. Their story is one of grit, determination, aligned timing, and lots of trust. In this episode, you'll hear about their do's and don'ts, and their wins and failures. They share their best tips for entrepreneurship and scaling the walls of what is possible for your business.    Visit Their Website: https://recreateclimb.com/    About Jen & Lisa: Lisa Howell CO-FOUNDER For fifteen years, I worked as a dental hygienist and loved the relationship aspect of working in direct patient care. Prior to dental hygiene, I worked as a human resource specialist for Montana State after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from MSU-Bozeman. Go Cats! I have a wonderful husband, Ryan, and two beautiful children, Sawyer and Sadie. We live in Butte and also run an electrical contracting business, Wired Electric. I have always made fitness a priority in my life, and have found group fitness training to be the most effective way to stay committed to a workout routine. Prior to group training, I trained for long distance running events and ran outdoors. Throughout my life, I struggled with various injuries brought on by my career and also years of running. I spent many years in physical therapy to correct these injuries. Through these trials, I have gained a passion for mobility training and injury prevention. I am certified in Functional Range Conditioning and am also certified as a Healthy Steps Nutrition (HSN) Coach. The foundation for fitness is nutrition, and I truly believe in a holistic lifestyle. Coaching with HSN makes this endeavor simple, but, not easy. We’re so stoked to be partnered with such an amazing company. Recreate is truly my dream gym – which is why you’ll see Jen and I, and our families, working out and climbing right along side you. We created the gym we wanted to belong to – we hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Jen DeLong CO-FOUNDER Hello, my name is Jen DeLong. I graduated from the University of Montana in 2003 with a degree in History and Communications. While I was at the U of M, I competed on the University Track Team for four years.  On the side, I got a minor in Contemporary Dance and went on the study dance for the next decade. After completing my studies I was a college pastor and spent several of my summers as a tour director in Europe and Central America working with high school students. Both of these jobs fueled my love for faith, personal growth and leadership development. In 2012 with a curiosity for business, I launched a wedding and portrait photography business that I’ve done over the last decade. In 2014, my husband and I relocated to Butte, where we began investing in real estate, revitalizing old buildings into vibrant living spaces. Presently, I am the co-founder of Recreate Climbing and Fitness Gym with Lisa Howell, embracing the opportunity to inspire others to reach new heights in their health and wellness. As I grow in experience, I believe strength training and functional fitness are foundational to living a vibrant and active life. In 2020, I completed a certification as a Health and Life Coach from the Health Coach Institute. I love running Spartan races and exploring my potential. I’m a mom of three beautiful kids, Ava, Jude, and Adele and I have an amazing husband, Matt DeLong.

How can you make the most of the USDA Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program? Marlee Johnston of USDA and Headwaters Food and Ag Development (FADC) Director, Karley Carter share with us how Headwaters and USDA can help you be a successful grant applicant for this critical food and ag grant program!   More on Value Added Producer Grants: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants/mt#overview Book a consult with Headwaters FADC Director: https://www.headwatersrcd.org/food-and-agriculture-1 About Marlee Marlee Johnston, Ag Producer State Specialist, has been with USDA Rural Development since July, 2019. Marlee’s primary role is assisting producers across MT in accessing grant and loan funding. Montana has seen great success in the Value-Added Producer Grant, bringing over $7.0 million dollars to over 45 receipts in the last 3 cycles.

How can you use USDA's Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG) or Montana's Growth Through Agriculture Program (GTA) to grow your ag business? Cari Verlanic of Farmer Boy Eggs in Drummond shares with us how they have used grants to grow!  About Cari  My name is Cari Verlanic and I’ve been married to a rancher for 39 years. I’m the mom to three grown boys who are the owners of Farmer Boy Eggs. I was a school teacher for Drummond Public Schools for 27 years and am now the manager of our boys egg business. When I’m not at the chicken coop or delivering eggs, I am busy on the ranch helping to manage the day to day schedules, bookkeeping and field work. More About Farmer Boy Eggs: https://www.farmerboyeggs.com/

Dawn Conklin, Executive Director of Trust Montana, shares with us the community land trust model and how Trust Montana is working to bring affordable housing solutions to Montana. How can we make housing affordable for teachers, farmers, ranchers, nurses, and emergency responders? How can we keep Montana's rural cities affordable? Learn about this and more! About Dawn Conklin Dawn brings years of nonprofit experience to lead the mission of Trust Montana.  Her career has led her to work with NGO’s, the US government and mission organizations in Bangladesh, Ukraine, South Africa, Uganda and Ghana. She is skilled at working in cross-cultural settings and has served as a bridge builder through her work in economic and community development.   Dawn is acutely aware of the housing affordability challenges and began her advocacy early in her career in her home state of Pennsylvania. Her first nonprofit job was managing a transitional shelter for homeless families.  Dawn had the privilege of marching side by side with her clients in the Housing Now! March in Washington D.C.   Dawn holds a Master of Science degree in Economic and Community Development and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business.  Her passion for attainable housing, stewarding resources and compassion for vulnerable populations are sure to make it an exciting journey as she sets off to lead Trust Montana. Email: dawn@trustmontana.org Phone: (406)-898-7636   Learn More about Trust Montana https://trustmontana.org/about/

When should your business consider a loan? How much do you need for a downpayment? What can you get ready for the loan process? How can you work with a bank? Learn from Jess Pendleton, Our Director of Loan Services, Kerry Taylor our loan assistant, and Courtney Loeffler, the Regional Director of our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on how to prepare for a loan and all things getting your business ready for a loan.

What does your business need to export or import goods? How can you set your business up for foreign direct investment (FDI)? Are their grants available for foreign trade? In this episode, Brigitta Miranda-Freer of the Montana World Trade Center answers all questions related to international trade and explains how the Montana World Trade Center can help your business navigate it with ease and confidence. Contact Brigitta: (406) 243-6982 Brigitta@mwtc.org https://www.mwtc.org/   About the Montana World Trade Center: Montana World Trade Center is a program of The University of Montana. We strengthen Montana businesses through international trade while providing immediately relevant, hands-on opportunities for students to participate in the process. Although more than 300 World Trade Centers operate worldwide, MWTC is unique in its relationship with The University of Montana. Integrating the extended resources available through the University system, MWTC provides a higher, more personalized level of service than typically received through World Trade Center membership. Compiling and analyzing information obtained through the World Trade Centers Association, governmental organizations, trade associations, professional networking, and comprehensive primary and secondary research, MWTC trade specialists and project managers can be an invaluable extension of your company’s capabilities.   Our History A license to operate a World Trade Center for the State of Montana was transferred from private developers to the University of Montana and approved by the Board of Regents in 1995. MWTC is part of the World Trade Center Association (WTCA), which includes more than 300 World Trade Centers (WTCs) in 88 countries. Since its inception, the MWTC has undertaken a dual role as consultant and economic developer, assisting our member businesses to establish and strengthen international commercial capabilities while striving to develop untapped international trade opportunities throughout the State of Montana and the neighboring regions.   Our Mission Montana World Trade Center’s mission is to grow Montana’s international trade portfolio. MWTC works to develop the untapped international trade opportunities for the state and region. This mission includes a heavy emphasis on providing experiential learning for students, technical assistance to businesses and promoting international economic development for Montana companies and industries. The MWTC also incorporates the mission of the WTCA, which is peace and prosperity through trade.

Join me for a conversation about Reimagining Rural with Tara Mastel of the MSU Extension Service. Reimagining Rural is a program to increase volunteer engagement in rural communities. Reimagining Rural communities each host an in-person gathering for their local volunteers and leaders to watch rural-focused speakers via Zoom. Following the speakers, each community has their own local discussion about the ideas they heard from the speaker and how they might apply locally.    About Tara:  Tara Mastel is Program Lead for Community Development at MSU Extension where she leads the Reimagining Rural program and works to support rural community vitality and local leaders.  Tara grew up in Wolf Point and served as a county Extension agent in Jefferson for 10 years.      Where to apply for Reimagining Rural and to Learn More: https://www.montana.edu/extension/communitydevelopment/reimagine-rural.html

Resodyn's new contract with the U.S. Navy will bring $13.2 million to Southwest Montana. What does this contract mean for Southwest Montana? What is advanced manufacturing like for this Butte-based business? How long was this contract in the making? Join us for a conversation with Resodyn's Dr. Joe Mayne and Mark Shutey on how this contract will impact our region.    About Dr. Joseph Mayne Dr. Joseph Mayne Senior Chemical Engineer Resodyn Corporation Dr. Mayne boasts over 13 years of expertise in spearheading the discovery and advancement of cutting-edge technologies, always with a keen eye on bringing them to the commercial forefront. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan, with a thesis that focused on the practical application of catalysis for generating hydrogen through liquid fuel reforming. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah. For nearly a decade, Dr. Mayne dedicated himself to pioneering innovative membrane technologies tailored for gas separation within the natural gas sector. In the most recent four years, he has served as a Senior Chemical Engineer at Resodyn, where he assumes a leadership role in shaping the development of flow processes built upon the groundbreaking ResonantAcoustic® Mixing platform.   About Mark Shutey Director of Business Development & Marketing Resodyn Corporation Mark is the acting Director of Business Development and Marketing for Resodyn Acoustic Mixers, Inc. He is a dynamic leader with 30+ years of leadership, business planning, and business management experience. Mark has a background in engineering and earned his BS in Environmental Engineering from Montana Tech. A Butte Native, Mark is skilled in strategic planning, corporation start-up, new technology development, market analyses, marketing, advertising, and sales.

What makes a high-impact video? How can you make a connection with your followers and customers? KXLF's, Lindsey Silveira, breaks down for us what goes into telling your story as a business owner and how you can make a video that will resonate with your audience!  About Lindsey My name is Lindsey Silveira and I am a local account executive for KXLF KBZK with the Montana Television Network. My professional background includes 13 plus year in sales and business development. I am also an active member of the United States Army Reserves as a military police officer. I have a heart for serving people and I am passionate about assisting people thrive in their businesses and reaching their goals. Outside of work, I am a mother of two incredible little children. My daughter Sophia who is nine & My son AJ who is seven years old. Life is busy, but it is so beautiful. I've been in Butte for four years now and the Butte community has truly blessed me, and I've gotten to know some of the most remarkable people. Butte, MT is such a unique place and there is a community here like I've never seen anywhere else.    Reach Lindsey Here:  https://www.kxlf.com/ Lindsey.Silveira@kxlf.com

Learn the ins and outs of purchasing a home in Southwest Montana from Nicole Hanni of Guild Mortgage and Headwaters RC&D's HUD-certified homebuyer education specialist, Sam Motzko! Even if you already have a home this episode breaks down the investment of buying a home and how homebuyer education can help you in your homebuying process.  All About Nicole Hanni: As a Lending Branch Manager who has worked in the Banking and Mortgage Industry for over two decades, I look forward to helping my customers by using my vast banking knowledge.  My own experiences have provided me insight on how I would like to deliver exceptional service.  I have personally purchased, refinanced, and sold many of my own homes.  I, myself, have used many different Mortgage loans.  Programs ranging from USDA First time home buying loans to Conventional loans, Construction Loans with Long term locks to even Investment loans.     Not only do I want to provide you with exceptional customer service, but I would also like to provide you with education on all the different loan programs I have to offer.  My customers range from First time to Experienced Homebuyers.  I also specialize in Veteran, Relocation, Jumbo, or Investment Loans.   I look forward to helping you through the full loan process whether you are purchasing or refinancing.  Once you have applied for a loan, my team will be in continuous communication with you along the way.  You will be fully prepared to make an offer and get to closing.    When COVID-19 pandemic affected the mortgage industry I was able to adapt my process.  I continue to work with my customers and their comfort levels.  With our advanced technology, we can complete the loan process digitally or we are happy to have you come into the office and meet our staff face to face.    I am married with two very active teenage children and one fur baby, so I know life can get busy. I am always willing to work with my customers schedules.  I am not just your “9-5 mortgage lender” if you need to schedule an application after “normal business hours” I am here for you.  I am also not just a transactional lender, I prefer to build long term relationships with my customers.  I look forward to working with you and becoming Your Lender for Life.    Contact Nicole:  M: 406.498.3130 https://branches.guildmortgage.com/mt/butte/nicole-hanni-394-bvnha.html https://www.facebook.com/p/Nicole-Hanni-Guild-Mortgage-100082480373167   All About Sam Motzko: Sam Motzko has been working with Headwaters RC&D as the Specialty Crop Block Grant Director, Director of Food and Ag Development, and Homebuyer Education Specialist since September 2022.  Prior to joining the Headwaters team, she has worked in a variety of industries, in a wide range of roles, with an emphasis on business planning, financial analysis, monitoring and management.  She has a passion for bettering her community, and loves sharing knowledge with her clients to help improve their financial situations and businesses. Contact Sam: Director, Food and Ag Development Center & Specialty Crop Block Grant Programs Homebuyer Education Specialist smotzko@headwatersrcd.org

How many manufacturers are in the Headwaters RC&D region? What resources can manufacturers take advantage of? What's the future of manufacturing like for Southwest Montana? Learn all of this and more on this episode with Brian Sullivan of the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC). Brian brings us the latest on manufacturing in our region.    About Brian Brian Sullivan has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, construction and management, with much of it focused within the silicon, power and nuclear industries.  Prior to MMEC, he served in numerous key positions at REC Silicon in Butte, including Plant Engineering Department Manager. He offers broad expertise in project management, plant construction and start-up, Process Safety Management (PSM), Document Control, and lean manufacturing. A Butte native, Brian earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Engineering Science from Montana Tech.  He was also in the first class to complete a Master’s in Project Engineering and Management jointly from Montana Tech and Montana State University. Active in numerous local health, education, and economic development organizations, Brian is committed to helping reinvigorate Butte as a major industrial powerhouse. Contact  To get a hold of Brian go to: https://www.montana.edu/mmec/about/sullivan-brian.html

Join us for a conversation with TDS Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Drew Petersen, and Associate Manager - Field Marketing, Tom Cronnelly, about the expansion of Fiber internet in Butte. Where will Fiber in Butte be available? How soon will it be available? What does this mean for our economic future in Southwest Montana? Find out on this episode.   Where to find TDS: https://tdsfiber.com/   About Tom: Tom Cronnelly  is Associate Manager- Field Marketing for Butte and is responsible for leading the community marketing and philanthropy efforts. Previously, Tom owned OMG! Mongolian Grill with his wife Kristi.   About Drew: Drew joined TDS Telecom in 1997 and was appointed SVP of Corporate Affairs in 2018. In his current role, Drew leads the company's out-of-territory community expansion efforts. He oversees the company’s regulatory, legislative, and judicial efforts at the local, state, and national levels. He also works to advance TDS' public policy positions through partnerships with industry-affiliated trade organizations and federal and state policymakers. In addition, Drew supervises the business development, compliance, and legal affairs groups. He manages internal and external communications at TDS, serves as the company's chief corporate spokesperson, and oversees Zolo Media, a TDS Broadcasting company that operates KOHD-TV (ABC Affiliate), KBNZ (CBS Affiliate), COTV11, and CO4 Visitors Network, which offer a wide range of viewing options in Central Oregon. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Drew currently serves as an executive committee member on the board of directors for America’s Communications Association and is a director for Madison-based Park Bank. He is past president of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, a seat he earned through gubernatorial appointment and senate confirmation in 2015. Drew is also the past president of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board, Madison Club, and Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association. In his free time, Drew enjoys traveling, and golfing, and is learning pickleball. Drew maintains a Bachelor of Arts in History and Leadership Studies from Ripon College (Wis.) and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Drew has been quoted in numerous periodicals such as the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Drew was also recently named to the 2023 100 Power Players list by Cablefax—The Magazine.

How can your business keep up in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the digital marketing of your business? In this episode, Erica Yakawich, of Amplified Digital, breaks down for us some easy and effective ways you can use AI to help the digital marketing of your business. All About Erica:  Erica Yakawich is a regional sales manager in Montana for the Amplified Digital Agency, a national full-service marketing agency. Based in Helena, Erica has more than 20 years’ experience in graphic/layout design, digital marketing, project management, website design, media planning and buying, and marketing consulting. Originally from Butte and a graduate of Montana Tech, she serves clients across Montana with all their marketing needs. She may be reached at 406-461-6120 or EYakawich@AmplifiedDigitalAgency.com. Learn more about Amplified at https://amplifieddigitalagency.com/.

What can your business do to thrive on social media? If you're a business owner looking for help with your social media this episode is for you! Is social media a magic bullet for your marketing? How can you create a presence on social media that fits with your business and your needs?

What makes a successful business in Southwest Montana? In this episode, we hear from business owners and staff members about their definitions of success and what that means, and how each business has a different view of success. You'll get our best tips and tools for how to get your business in alignment with success.    For SBDC Services go to: https://www.headwatersrcd.org/sbdc For BLDC Membership go to: https://www.bldc.net/member-center/join-bldc/