Mission West Community Development Partners

Mission West Community Development Partners Mission West is an active collaborator in economic development efforts in Mineral and Sanders counties and the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Mission West Community Development Partners (formerly LCCDC) is a Regional Economic Development Organization established to provide Leadership, Community and Economic Development. Founded in March 1995 as a 501-C(3) nonprofit organization, Mission West Community Development Partners (formerly Lake County Community Development Corporation) is a regional economic development organization established

to provide leadership, community and economic development efforts and to address growth issues as they affect residents, communities and the quality of life in the region we serve. Our mission is to enhance the quality life and sustainable economic well-being of all residents of the communities we serve. If you are an existing business seeking funding for expansion or efficiencies, an entrepreneur with a new business idea, or you are looking for financial support, Mission West has a strong track record of successful projects, weathering tough times with our clients and providing training and development opportunities to assist them in business decisions. Mission West’s Business Development Center has provided on-on-one technical assistance to hundreds of entrepreneurs, micro or small business owners during the past five years. Additionally, we host free workshops and training events throughout the region. Our Community Development Center works on infrastructure, housing, public spaces and other community projects. Our Cooperative Development Center works with new and existing co-ops to help with start-up, planning, capitalization and management. Our Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center (MMFEC) is a leader in food system and food hub economic development strategies and initiative throughout the state of Montana. The shared –use commercial kitchen and value-added food processing incubator helps food and value added enterprises overcome regulatory barriers; develop and manufacture products for retail markets, and gain market acceptance prior to graduating into their own facility. The facility is USDA, FDA and organically certified. MMFEC provides educational and training resources and opportunities for food and meat processors; helps start-up companies develop marketing and business plans, facilitate labels and process approval through state/county agencies. Mission West is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Last Thursday, the community came together on Main Street in Ronan for our 11th Annual Harvest!, and it was a night to r...
09/01/2026

Last Thursday, the community came together on Main Street in Ronan for our 11th Annual Harvest!, and it was a night to remember. A sold-out crowd of over 125 guests gathered for a fully local meal prepared by the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center crew, drinks from Ronan Cooperative Brewery, live music from the Western Montana Music Cooperative, and a lively auction with Tomy Parker. Together, the evening raised approximately $19,000 to support Mission West's work across the region.

None of it would have been possible without the people who make this community what it is. Thank you to our Host of the Harvest sponsor Valley Bank, to all of our sponsors, to the local businesses, farms, and makers who donated auction items, to our volunteers, and to everyone who bought a ticket and showed up. Every dollar raised goes directly back into economic development across Lake, Mineral, and Sanders Counties.

From all of us at Mission West, thank you. We're already looking forward to next year. To stay connected with our work year-round, visit missionwestcdp.org

It's official: Harvest! 2026 is completely sold out. Thank you to everyone who grabbed a ticket and is joining us tomorr...
08/26/2026

It's official: Harvest! 2026 is completely sold out. Thank you to everyone who grabbed a ticket and is joining us tomorrow night. The response this year has been incredible, and it means the world to see this community show up the way it has.

To everyone coming out tomorrow, we can't wait to celebrate with you. A fully local meal from the MMFEC crew, drinks from Ronan Cooperative Brewery, live music from the Western Montana Music Cooperative, and a live auction with Tomy Parker are all waiting. Doors open at 5pm at 407 Main Street in Ronan.

If you didn't get a ticket this year, don't worry, there will be more chances to be part of the work Mission West does across Lake, Mineral, and Sanders Counties. You can always support us at missionwestcdp.org/donate. See you tomorrow, Ronan!

Starting a food business usually means signing a lease and building out a space before you know if the idea will work. M...
08/25/2026

Starting a food business usually means signing a lease and building out a space before you know if the idea will work. Mission West's Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center is changing that with the Spring Creek Kitchen, a new training kitchen designed to lower the risk of getting started.

The Spring Creek Kitchen gives aspiring food entrepreneurs a fully equipped, grab-and-go retail space they can occupy on a short-term basis while they develop their business, refine their operations, and build a customer base. It's a real storefront where you can prove your concept and build momentum before committing to a permanent location of your own. The goal is simple: leave the program as a known business with real customers, rather than starting from zero on opening day.

The Spring Creek Kitchen is launching soon. Stay tuned for details on how to get involved, and learn more about MMFEC at missionwestcdp.org/mmfec

Just one week to go. Mission West's 11th Annual Harvest! is next Thursday, August 27th from 5pm to 9pm at 407 Main Stree...
08/21/2026

Just one week to go. Mission West's 11th Annual Harvest! is next Thursday, August 27th from 5pm to 9pm at 407 Main Street in Ronan. If you've been meaning to grab your tickets, now is the time, because this is a night you won't want to miss.

A fully local meal from the MMFEC crew, drinks from Ronan Cooperative Brewery, live music from the Western Montana Music Cooperative, and a live auction with Tomy Parker are all waiting. Tickets are $50, and if your business wants to get involved, a few sponsorship opportunities are still available too. Every ticket and sponsorship supports Mission West's work across the region.

Don't wait until it's too late. Get your tickets now at givebutter.com/c/harvest-2026-lcvodk or explore sponsorship at missionwestcdp.org/harvest-on-main

Every item up for bid at Harvest! this year was donated by a local business, farm, or maker who wanted to see this commu...
08/21/2026

Every item up for bid at Harvest! this year was donated by a local business, farm, or maker who wanted to see this community succeed. Cherrywood Orchard, Glacier Bank, handMADE Montana, Harlow Ranch Bison Co., Lonesome Heritage Farms, Mission Country Market, Montana Flavor, Montana Knife Company, Ms. Billie Lee, Powder Hound Hot Chocolate, St. Luke Community Healthcare, Valley Bank, and Wild Horse Lavender stocked the silent auction. Celtic Winter and James Corwin Fine Art brought the live auction lots.

That's what makes this night different. The food is local, the music is local, and so is everything you'll take home. Every dollar raised goes right back into economic development across Lake, Mineral, and Sanders Counties.

Join us Thursday, August 27th from 5pm to 9pm at 407 Main Street in Ronan. Get your tickets at missionwestcdp.org/harvest-on-main

Behind every great community event are the businesses that believe in it. This year, Harvest! is made possible by an inc...
08/19/2026

Behind every great community event are the businesses that believe in it. This year, Harvest! is made possible by an incredible group of local sponsors who stepped up to support economic development across Lake, Mineral, and Sanders Counties, led by our Host of the Harvest, Valley Bank.

When local businesses invest in their community, everyone benefits. We're grateful to every one of these sponsors for helping make our biggest night of the year possible, and for showing what it looks like to put your community first.

They've set the table. Now there's a seat waiting for you. Join us Thursday, August 27th from 5pm to 9pm at 407 Main Street in Ronan for a night of local food, live music, and community. Get your tickets now at missionwestcdp.org/harvest-on-main

Tourism drives a huge part of the economy in rural Western Montana, but growing a tourism business, whether that's lodgi...
08/18/2026

Tourism drives a huge part of the economy in rural Western Montana, but growing a tourism business, whether that's lodging, an attraction, or a food and beverage operation, takes capital that traditional lenders aren't always set up to provide.

That's where Mission West comes in.

Mission West administers the Tourism Development and Enhancement Revolving Loan Fund, a $3.5 million fund through the Montana Department of Commerce. Loans range from $5,000 to $250,000 at low interest rates with 5 to 10-year terms. Eligible projects include lodging upgrades, cultural and recreational attractions, infrastructure improvements, and food and beverage operations, with preference given to rural and under-visited areas. That makes businesses across Lake, Mineral, and Sanders Counties well-positioned to qualify.

If you're building or growing a tourism-focused business, let's talk. Learn more and get in touch at missionwestcdp.org/business-development-center

Please note that the Community Cherry Pit Day scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled. We're sorry for any inconvenien...
08/14/2026

Please note that the Community Cherry Pit Day scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled. We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you still need cherries pitted, our commercial pitting service remains available. Please reach out to MMFEC at (406) 676-5916 to make arrangements or ask any questions.

Thank you for understanding.

Montana grows incredible food. The challenge is often getting it from the producer to the buyer efficiently and at a pri...
08/13/2026

Montana grows incredible food. The challenge is often getting it from the producer to the buyer efficiently and at a price that keeps the operation sustainable. For many producers across Western Montana, the missing piece isn't the growing, it's the distribution, the relationships, and the access to the right markets.

Mission West's cooperative development and regional food systems work focuses on building exactly those connections. That includes working with food hubs, supporting cooperative models, and linking producers with the regional networks that open new markets and create steadier demand. When local food moves more efficiently, everyone benefits, from the farmer to the family at the dinner table.
If you're a producer looking to strengthen your market connections, or a buyer wanting to source more Montana-grown food, Mission West can help.
Learn more at missionwestcdp.org/cooperative-development-center

There's a new addition to the local food landscape in Ronan, and it's a big one. SQK Quality Meats is Ronan's newest USD...
08/12/2026

There's a new addition to the local food landscape in Ronan, and it's a big one. SQK Quality Meats is Ronan's newest USDA-inspected meat processing and slaughter facility, now open on Mink Lane. For local ranchers and producers, a nearby USDA-inspected facility is a game changer, opening the door to new markets and making it easier to get quality local meat from the ranch to the table.
Mission West's Business Development Center is proud to support SQK Quality Meats as they get established, part of our ongoing work helping food and agriculture businesses across the region grow and thrive. New local infrastructure like this strengthens the whole food system and keeps more of the value right here in Western Montana.
Give SQK Quality Meats a warm welcome and follow along as they get up and running. Find them on Facebook, and learn how Mission West supports local businesses at missionwestcdp.org/business-development-center

Address

407 Main Street SW
Ronan, MT
59864

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14066765901

Website

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