Montana Business Assistance Connection

What Montana Business Assistance Connection does

Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC) is a 501c(6) non-profit economic development organization headquartered in Helena, Montana, originally launched in 1990 as Helena Area Development Corporation (HADCO) and operating under the MBAC name since 1999. The organization serves a defined tri-county region (Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and Meagher counties) with a combined population of approximately 73,247, 45,981 employed workers, and 3,384 businesses. MBAC's stated mission is to mentor companies to maximize potential and gain access to capital by helping businesses start, improve, expand, relocate, or transition to new ownership.

MBAC does not develop proprietary technology; its operational stack consists of standard tools including Neoserra CRM for client relationship management, online application systems, and digital newsletter platforms. Its core service portfolio is built around three pillars: (1) direct business consulting and SBDC regional counseling at no cost to clients, (2) administration of 12 distinct revolving loan fund programs sourced from state, federal, and county capital (including USDA Intermediary Relending, EDA RLF, Montana Board of Investments, and Tourism Development RLF), and (3) statewide loan servicing for the Montana DEQ Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program, through which MBAC has processed over 550 loans totaling nearly $12 million. The organization operates an integrated dual-entity structure with its 501c(3) sister organization, Gateway Economic Development District (GEDD), added in 2005 to broaden grant eligibility.

MBAC's revenue model is funded primarily through government grants and contracts (Montana Department of Commerce, EDA, USDA, Montana DEQ), interest income from managed revolving loan portfolios, and 501c(6) membership contributions routed through GEDD's tax-deductible 501c(3) framework. Lending terms are structured as below-market rates, including alternative energy loans capped at $40,000 at 3.5% fixed (4.023% APR) over 10-year terms, and general business loans ranging from 1-year working capital to 20-year real estate financing. Since 1990, MBAC reports having injected more than $45 million of public and private capital into the regional economy and directly created or retained more than 1,000 jobs. The organization employs a small team of approximately 10-15 staff, including an Executive Director, Director of Lending, Loan Officers, SBDC Regional Director, Community Development Manager, Business Manager, and AmeriCorps VISTA positions, supported by an active board of directors and 25+ institutional partners.

Name

Montana Business Assistance Connection

Legal name

Montana Business Assistance Connection

Website

https://mbac.biz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC) is a non-profit economic development organization based in Helena, Montana, serving Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and Meagher counties. It provides free business consulting and administers 12 revolving loan funds, including a statewide Alternative Energy Loan Program in partnership with Montana DEQ.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392), Mortgage and Nonmortgage Loan Brokers (52231), Other Management Consulting Services (541618)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Loan Brokers (6163)

akta.pro primary industry

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Community Education (EDAAAFAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

SBA/USDA Government-Backed Loan Intermediation (FSAEAEAI), Economic Growth, Trade & Private Sector Development Programs (BPADABAF)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Revolving loan funds
• Small business lending
• Business consulting services
• Community development financing

Headquarters

HQ city

Helena

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Revolving Loan Program Interest: MBAC operates multiple revolving loan funds that generate interest income from business loans. These include state and federal programs such as USDA Intermediary Relending Program, EDA Revolving Loan Fund, Montana Board of Investments programs, and county-specific revolving loan funds.
2. Alternative Energy Loan Program: MBAC services alternative energy loans statewide through a partnership with Montana DEQ. The program has processed over 550 loans totaling nearly $12 million, with MBAC responsible for loan origination and servicing.
3. Government Grants and Contracts: MBAC receives funding through contracts with Montana Department of Commerce, EDA, USDA, and other public entities for economic development services. Recent $2.7 million Tourism Development and Enhancement RLF funding from MDOC.
4. Membership Contributions: MBAC/GEDD operates as a 501c(6) business league with membership contributions that support economic development activities. Membership contributions are tax-deductible through GEDD as a 501c(3) organization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC) is a non-profit economic development organization that provides small businesses and entrepreneurs in Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and Meagher counties with one-on-one mentoring, business planning assistance, financial analysis, and access to capital through twelve revolving loan fund programs. It also administers specialized loan programs including the statewide Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program (with Montana DEQ) and the Tourism Development and Enhancement RLF, and hosts the regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to deliver free consulting, training, and technical assistance.

Product overview

Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC) is a non-profit economic development organization, not a technology product company. It does not offer a software product or platform. MBAC provides economic development services including business loans, revolving loan fund programs, community development consulting, and small business development center (SBDC) services. Services include the Tourism Development and Enhancement Revolving Loan Fund Program, Alternative Energy Loan Program, and various regional revolving loan funds for businesses in Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and Meagher counties.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Revolving Loan Fund Programs (12 funds)
• Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program
• Tourism Development and Enhancement Revolving Loan Fund
• Business Consulting and Mentoring Services
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Regional Services
• Business Incubator Space

Quantifiable outcome

• Created and retained more than 1,000 jobs since 1990
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBA partners with MBAC through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program. MBAC hosts the SBDC Regional Director position serving Lewis and Clark, Meagher, and Broadwater counties. The SBDC operates under contract with Montana Department of Commerce and in partnership with SBA.
• Helena SCOREmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCORE is a key partner providing mentorship services to businesses. MBAC works with SCORE mentors as part of the comprehensive business support ecosystem.
• Helena Area Chamber of CommercemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber is a key partner in the Helena WINS workforce program and general economic development initiatives. The Chamber and MBAC co-host events and collaborate on business development.
• Job Service HelenamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJob Service is a key partner providing workforce development services and connecting job seekers with local employers through MBAC's economic development initiatives.
• Montana State University ExtensionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSU Extension partners with MBAC on community development initiatives including the Broadwater County Community Review process with WeCAN.
• Valley Bank of HelenamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorValley Bank is a sponsor of MBAC events and maintains bank partnership relationships for the Tourism Development RLF program. Preference given to projects with bank partnerships.
• Gateway Economic Development District (GEDD)coreOthersGEDD (501c(3)) and MBAC (501c(6)) operate as integrated economic development entities serving the tri-county region. GEDD was added in 2005 as the non-profit arm to complement MBAC's business league structure.
• Broadwater County Development Corp (BCDC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBCDC is a local development corporation with board representation on MBAC's board. Supports economic development activities in Broadwater County.
• Edge Marketing + DesignmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdge Marketing + Design is a long-term partner that developed the Accelerated Startups program with MBAC and provides marketing design services including website and branding support. Sponsors MBAC events.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• SCORE: National nonprofit providing free business mentoring and a key partner of MBAC. Comparable as a complementary small business advisory service that overlaps in mentorship delivery but is not a direct lender or EDO.
• National Association of Development Organizations (NADO): National membership association representing regional development organizations including EDDs, planning commissions, and similar entities—MBAC's industry trade body and source of advocacy, training, and best practices.

Broad incumbents

• Montana Department of Commerce: State-level economic development agency that funds MBAC's Tourism RLF, SBDC, and community development programs. Operates at broader scale across all Montana counties and serves as a key funding partner and overlapping service provider.
• USDA Rural Development (Montana State Office): Federal agency providing capital under the USDA Intermediary Relending Program that flows to MBAC and similar EDOs nationwide. Comparable as the upstream capital source and economic development partner in rural America.
• Small Business Administration (SBA): Federal agency that funds and partners with MBAC through the SBDC program. Comparable as the broad federal partner whose funding and policy framework shape EDOs' operating economics nationwide.

Direct peers

• Snowy Mountain Development Corporation: Regional Montana economic development organization that, like MBAC, operates revolving loan funds and manages brownfields/EPA-funded redevelopment programs for rural counties. Directly comparable as a Montana-based EDO with similar RLF-driven model.
• Headwaters RC&D: Resource Conservation and Development Council serving Montana counties with community and economic development programming—including business support and grant management—directly comparable to MBAC's regional EDD mandate.
• Great Falls Development Authority: Montana economic development entity providing business attraction, expansion support, and SBA-related services comparable to MBAC's tri-county mandate. Co-recipient of EPA brownfields supplemental funding alongside other Montana EDOs.
• Great Northern Development Corporation: Montana regional development corporation offering small business lending, technical assistance, and grant-funded economic development across rural counties—structurally identical to MBAC's model.
• Bear Paw Development Corporation: North-central Montana regional development organization serving a multi-county rural footprint with revolving loan funds, business development, and federal program administration similar to MBAC's charter.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/mtbusinessassistance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/montana-business-assistance-connection-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Montana Business Assistance Connection