U.S. Small Business Administration Visits Montana to Hear Local Perspectives

SBA Regional Administrator Justin Everett meets with businesses across the state to discuss challenges and opportunities.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:37am

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a polished metal toolbox, a stack of business documents, and a pen, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background to conceptually represent the strategic tools and paperwork required to run a successful small business.A thoughtful display of the essential tools and documents that power Montana's vibrant small business community.Bozeman Today

The U.S. Small Business Administration's Regional Administrator for Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota and South Dakota, Justin Everett, visited Helena this week to meet with local business owners and hear their perspectives. Everett said he noticed a strong entrepreneurial spirit and public support for small businesses in Montana, and the SBA has been focusing on supporting the manufacturing and agricultural industries by helping businesses access capital and navigate federal regulations.

Why it matters

Small businesses are the backbone of Montana's economy, and the SBA plays a crucial role in providing resources and support to help them grow and thrive. Everett's visit to hear directly from local business owners allows the SBA to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing Montana's small business community and tailor its programs and policies accordingly.

The details

During his visit, Everett held meetings with individual businesses and participated in the Montana Economic Developers Association spring conference. He said the SBA has been particularly focused on supporting the manufacturing and agricultural industries, helping businesses access capital through partnerships with lenders and providing guidance on tax changes like the '100% bonus depreciation' that allows companies to write off the full costs of qualified equipment. Everett also said the SBA is soliciting feedback from business owners on federal regulations that may be hindering their operations, in line with the Trump administration's priorities.

  • Everett visited Helena this week.
  • He plans to visit Great Falls, Billings, Bozeman and Lewistown in about two weeks.

The players

Justin Everett

The regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration in Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota and South Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“'I think Montana is uniquely positioned to have that strong sense of community and collaboration.'”

— Justin Everett, SBA Regional Administrator

“'We want to make sure that they have the capital necessary.'”

— Justin Everett, SBA Regional Administrator

“'It's huge. It's the deciding factor between buying new equipment or not buying new equipment.'”

— Justin Everett, SBA Regional Administrator

“'Montanans are very hungry for the opportunity to have a voice in the federal government, especially when it comes to regulations.'”

— Justin Everett, SBA Regional Administrator

“'As Americans, we're just proud to make things here in America, and I think Montana's unique and taking a lot of pride in making things here in Montana.'”

— Justin Everett, SBA Regional Administrator

What’s next

Everett plans to visit Great Falls, Billings, Bozeman and Lewistown in about two weeks to continue engaging with Montana's small business community.

The takeaway

The SBA's outreach to Montana's small businesses demonstrates the agency's commitment to understanding the unique challenges and opportunities facing local entrepreneurs. By soliciting direct feedback and tailoring its programs accordingly, the SBA can better support the growth and success of Montana's vital small business sector.