Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prospera Business Network?
Prospera Business Network is a private, non-profit, member-supported economic development organization in southwestern Montana. Originally established in 1985 as the Gallatin Development Corporation, Prospera is now the leading economic development organization serving a region that is one of the fastest growing economic areas in the northern Rocky Mountains. Prospera’s economic development programs and services are dedicated to encouraging and supporting business expansion, business retention and business relocation by providing access to business consulting, financing, professional development and economic research.
What is the Gallatin Development Corporation?
The Gallatin Development Corporation is the original name (and still legal name) of Prospera Business Network. The organization started doing business as Prospera Business Network at the end of 2006 to better reflect the organization’s expanded regional focus beyond Gallatin County.
What is Prospera Business Network’s mission?
Prospera Business Network’s mission is to provide economic development programs services throughout southwestern Montana in support of business expansion, business retention and business relocation. Our goal is to support the continued economic expansion in our area and the overall growth and diversification of Montana’s economy.
How is Prospera Business Network funded?
Prospera Business Network is largely funded through the generous financial support of our members. Additional funding is provided by federal programs and grants, including the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Department of Defense. Other income is obtained from event fees and administration fees for Prospera’s grant and loan programs.
Does Prospera Business Network help people start a new business?
Prospera’s programs and services are focused on assisting existing, established businesses to reach the next level in their growth plans. For assistance in starting a new business, contact the Bozeman Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at 406.922.0451 or sbdc@nrmrcd.org or the Bozeman SCORE chapter at 406.586.5421 or bznscore@bozemanchamber.com. Both programs have offices in the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce building.
Who are Prospera Business Network’s “customers”?
Prospera’s “customers” are a diverse group of entrepreneurs, business owners, managers, employers, employees, businesses, non-profit organizations and governments.
Why become a member/supporter of Prospera Business Network?
Businesses and organizations become a member of Prospera Business Network to provide financial support for Prospera’s economic development mission, programs and services. In return, members enjoy professional development opportunities, exclusive professional networking opportunities as well as recognition and promotion of their businesses or organizations.
Who are Prospera Business Network’s “partners”?
Prospera works closely with other economic development and business assistance resources in Montana, including:
Area City and County governments
Area Chambers of Commerce
Big Sky Economic Development Authority
City of Bozeman
Elected Representatives (state and federal)
Montana Community Development Corporation
Montana Department of Commerce
Montana Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Montana Manufacturing Extension Center
Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)
Montana Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
Montana State University
Montana World Trade Center
Northern Rocky Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Area (RC & D)
SCORE
TechLink
TechRanch
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
Helping Business Prosper
© 2010 Prospera Business Network
222 E Main Street, Suite 102, Bozeman, MT 59715 | Ph: 406.587.3113 | Fx: 406.587.9565| Email
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