Missoula Economic Partnership

09/24/2026

Don't forget! Climate Solutions Week kicks off this Saturday!

Climate Solutions Week returns to Missoula September 26–October 4, bringing together organizations and community members for more than 20 events focused on practical solutions to local climate challenges.

Hosted by Climate Smart Missoula and community partners, the week includes conversations, workshops and events exploring the work already happening across our community.

Among this year’s events is a roundtable focused on the intersection of affordable housing and climate-smart building, featuring Homeword, Missoula Housing Authority, Missoula College and Jackson Construction.

Explore the full Climate Solutions Week lineup and find opportunities to take part at MissoulaClimate.org/solutions.

09/23/2026

What does Montana’s growing photonics and sensing industry mean for our economy and traditional industries?

This month on KGVO’s Talk Back, MEP Deputy Director Nicole Rush was joined by John Beltrone, Testbeds Development Lead for the Headwaters Tech Hub.

They discussed the work underway at the Lubrecht Experimental Forest Testbed, how companies and researchers can use these real-world testing environments, and the potential applications for forestry, wildfire management, agriculture and more.

Listen to the conversation to learn how this work is helping turn emerging technology into new opportunities for Montana.

AND be sure to join us the 4th Tuesday of every month at 9:03 AM for MEP's regular segment on KGVO.

Listen here:

Newstalk KGVO Radio, a Townsquare Media station, has the best news coverage in Missoula, Montana.

09/22/2026

Missoula employers: Please share this housing opportunity with your employees and networks.

Ravara has move-in ready condos available to households earning up to 120% of Area Median Income through Front Step Community Land Trust. Studios start at $177,760 and two-bedrooms at $262,600, with income limits up to $91,080 for one person and $129,960 for a family of four.

Learn more at today’s open house from 4–7 p.m. at 1120 Charlo St., with home tours, refreshments and food from Deli Arepa.

09/22/2026

Thank you to Missoula’s healthcare, civic, business and community leaders for coming together last week to discuss the current and future state of access to quality care. We’re grateful for your insights, partnership and shared commitment to supporting the health and wellness of our community.

City of Missoula, Missoula College, Missoula Economic Partnership, TrailWest Bank, First Security Bank, Missoula Family YMCA, United Way of Missoula County, Missoula Downtown Partnership (Association), Missoula Food Bank & Community Center, Missoula Aging Services, Missoula County Commissioners, Missoula Public Health, Missoula County Sheriff, MESI – Missoula Emergency Services and Partnership Health Center.

09/17/2026

Climate Solutions Week returns to Missoula September 26–October 4, bringing together organizations and community members for more than 20 events focused on practical solutions to local climate challenges.

Hosted by Climate Smart Missoula and community partners, the week includes conversations, workshops and events exploring the work already happening across our community.

Among this year’s events is a roundtable focused on the intersection of affordable housing and climate-smart building, featuring Homeword, Missoula Housing Authority, Missoula College and Jackson Construction.

Explore the full Climate Solutions Week lineup and find opportunities to take part at MissoulaClimate.org/solutions.

09/10/2026

A great start to the Headwaters Tech Hub 2026 Summit in Missoula!

This morning’s Industry Panel brought together leaders from across sectors to discuss the complex challenges they’re tackling through new technologies and innovative approaches. Among the panelists was Thomas Coleman of Novara Sensing Corp., a Missoula-based company working at the forefront of sensing technology.

The Summit continues through Friday, bringing together leaders from industry, higher education, economic development, nonprofits and government to strengthen collaboration and advance Montana’s growing technology ecosystem.

MEP Deputy Director Nicole Rush is attending this week, connecting with partners and hearing firsthand about the work underway across the Headwaters Tech Hub.

09/08/2026

Do you know what your business or organization actually needs to bring in each month? Not just to cover expenses, but to support your goals?

J. Vader Consulting is offering The Cash Flow Clarity Workshop. It's a 60-minute virtual working session for small business owners, founders and nonprofit leaders who want to better understand their numbers and set clear financial targets.

Thursday, September 24, 12 PM MST
Virtual | 60 minutes
Early bird registration: $15
Click here to learn more:

Have you ever caught yourself wondering... how much money do I actually need to bring in each month? A 60-minute working session for founders, business owners, and EDs who have never actually sat down and done this math. Thursday, September 24 @ 12pm MT | Virtual | 60 minutes Early Bird Pricing: $15...

09/03/2026

What happens when Missoula gets busy but the economic impact isn’t felt evenly?

In our September newsletter, MEP takes a closer look at what local businesses experienced this summer, from major events and changing consumer habits to rising costs and the need to adapt quickly.

Business Development Director Christine Littig shares what she heard directly from business owners throughout the season, including an important distinction between foot traffic and actual spending.

We’re also sharing an update on Montana’s revised Automation Financing Program, with applications now open for direct loans of up to $100,000, along with upcoming opportunities during Climate Solutions Week.

Read the September edition of The Indicator for insights from across Missoula’s business community here: https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=fb7a6b5e85a30a3f2bbb79cf6&id=d31cdf3f17

08/26/2026

There’s still time to RSVP! ⏰

Meet the panelists joining “AIFluency for Montana Business” on Tues., Sept. 1 at the University of Montana. Hear their perspectives on the AI tools they use daily, where AI rollouts can go wrong, and how businesses can save time and cut overhead costs. The panel is free and open to the public.

Save your spot: https://bit.ly/3TKy8Vi

- Chris DeWitt, Head of Engineering & Founding Partner at Stealth Talent Solutions, leads AI adoption and builds the software powering the company’s recruiting operations.

- Jacob N. Rebo, CEO & Founder of Cullis AI, brings extensive AI governance experience, including helping Nokia develop its enterprise AI governance framework.

- Ryan Morton, Founder & Principal Data Scientist at Morton Analytics, has 12 years of experience developing AI, geospatial, and data products for federal and enterprise clients, including the USDA.

- Kincaid Day, Senior Director of Strategic Programs APAC at EPAM Systems, leads global teams and multimillion-dollar partnerships focused on AI-driven transformation across industries.

- Cody Rose, Founder & CEO of AIFluency.ai, will moderate the engaging conversation.

08/26/2026

What turns an ordinary day at your business into a reason for people to stop by?

The next Downtown Dialogues will explore how events, pop-ups, collaborations and creative customer experiences can help businesses generate buzz, drive traffic and build stronger connections with customers.

Join us September 22 at the AC Hotel Downtown for a conversation with local business leaders Julie Clayton, Colin Hickey, Kia Liszak and Melissa Richardson. They’ll share their experiences creating memorable moments, what they’ve learned along the way and ideas other businesses can put to work.

Making Your Business Pop! Events, Pop-Ups & Experiences That Drive Traffic
September 22 | 4–6 p.m.
AC Hotel Downtown | 175 N. Pattee
RSVP Here: https://www.missouladowntown.com/event/downtown-dialogues-2/

Downtown Dialogues is co-hosted by the Downtown Missoula Partnership and Missoula Economic Partnership and sponsored by First Security Bank.

Join the conversation and connect with other members of Missoula’s business community.