GREAT FALLS — The Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) have announced the winners of the third annual Minnow Tank Business Plan Competition.
The event, aimed at stimulating economic growth in northeast Montana, brought together entrepreneurs and established businesses from the region, according to a news release from the GNDC and SBDC.
The following winners were selected by the jury and the audience:
- Startup Award: Wolf Point Mercantile (Roosevelt County)
- Existing Business Category: Highway 2 Inn (Valley County)
Each winner was awarded $5,000 to implement their business start-up or expansion plans and further contribute to the economic development of their local community.
The competition, which took place in seven counties including Valley, Garfield, McCone, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan and Daniels, showcased entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas in northeast Montana.
On May 3, the finalists presented their business plans to an audience and a panel of judges at the Great Northern Development Corporation conference room in Wolf Point.
“We are incredibly proud of all of the participants and finalists in this year's Minnow Tank competition,” said SBDC Director Quincy Walter. “The dedication and creativity shown by each entrepreneur is truly inspiring. We believe these businesses have the potential to make a significant impact on our local and regional economies.”
The news release noted that the success of the Minnow Tank Business Plan Competition would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors, including the Montana Department of Commerce, Ag Partners LLC, Beagle Properties, Cottonwood Inn, Daniels County Chamber of Commerce & Ag, Farmers Union Oil Co., Fox Ford, KLTZ/Mix 93 Radio, Nemont, PRO Co-OP, Grassland Federal Credit Union, Opportunity Bank and Richland Federal Credit Union.
To visit the GNDC website, click here.
