Accelerate Montana: A Year of Growth, Collaboration, and Impact in 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, we at Accelerate Montana take immense pride in reflecting on a year filled with meaningful achievements. Together with our dedicated partners and communities, we have empowered entrepreneurs, expanded workforce training, fostered innovation, and built stronger pathways to economic growth in Montana. Here’s a look at some of the milestones that have defined this incredible year.

Fostering Small Business Success

This year saw significant strides in supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across Montana:

The Women’s Business Center (WBC) hosted 24 free online learning events, delivered 519 hours of one-on-one counseling, and helped launch 17 new businesses. Three women entrepreneurs, guided by WBC, were featured in inspiring success stories accompanied by professional photoshoots—a testament to the WBC’s dedication to uplifting women in business.


At the Missoula Small Business Development Center (SBDC), 200 clients, including 50 from rural areas, received guidance. With eight new businesses launched and 1,200 hours of business counseling provided, the SBDC continues to be a critical resource for fostering small business growth.

Native Women Launch, which debuted in February, surpassed expectations by providing Indigenous women entrepreneurs with leadership and business development tools and resources to start and grow their business. In the program's first year, 141 participants enrolled in courses on business, leadership, and finance. Initiatives such as Big Sky Indigifest and the Next Gen Matriarchs podcast have amplified Indigenous entrepreneurship and creativity.

Advancing Workforce Development

Building a skilled and resilient workforce has been at the heart of our mission:

The Certified Nursing Assistant Course achieved remarkable outcomes by licensing 147 Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) in Indigenous communities. These certifications not only represent career entry points but also open sustainable pathways in healthcare. Collaborations with Indigenous governments, colleges, and local businesses ensured these programs were tailored to meet community-specific needs.

The SkillsFWD Grant, which provides funding for projects solving challenges around the adoption and accessibility of learning and employment records (LERs), enabled groundbreaking projects, including a skills-based hiring initiative with the Blackfeet Nation. Workshops in Browning introduced innovative solutions like Smart Resumes and digital credentials while addressing critical infrastructure challenges and fostering equitable hiring systems.

Driving Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Innovation continued to thrive through creative partnerships and cutting-edge projects:

Blackstone LaunchPad supported transformative ideas such as Sky Cycle, a wellness solution designed for airport travelers, and assistive technology for stroke survivors. Collaborations with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center and UM’s 3D Print Lab highlighted the value of local expertise in bringing bold visions to life.

Through the Microsoft TechSpark Fellowship, Accelerate Montana hosted Montana's first Tribal Broadband Bootcamp. This initiative trained 50 participants the skills needed to build their own broadband networks, creating new pathways to technology careers and laid the groundwork for bridging the digital divide in Montana. 

Celebrating Milestones and Partnerships

2024 also marked outstanding achievements through key partnerships and collaborations:

The Apex Accelerator Program exceeded expectations by assisting 41 new Defense Industrial Base clients, securing over $10 million in contract awards, and strengthening Montana’s small business ecosystem through an emphasis on equity and inclusion.

The Design and Development Team launched a new course, Conflict Resolution in the Workplace, taught by Clinical Psychology Professor Allison Sullivan and International Growth Specialist Kendall Clifton-Short. Through their combined decades of experience in fostering healthy interpersonal and corporate communications, they provide learners with the tools to build healthier and more collaborative work environments—underscoring our commitment to workplace well-being. 

Looking Ahead to 2025

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the hard work of our team, the dedication of our partners, and the trust of the communities we serve. As we look ahead, we are excited to build on these successes, reach even more Montanans, and continue driving innovation, opportunity, and collaboration throughout the state.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re making Montana a hub of innovation and resilience.

Wishing you a prosperous and inspiring New Year from all of us at Accelerate Montana!