What: Monthly member meeting feat. Jordan Potti, Co-Founder of Adversis

When: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 17th

Where: Stockman Bank, 321 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

The Hellgate Venture Network facilitates social networking among entrepreneurs and advisors engaged in building growth businesses in Western Montana.

Adversis is a cyber risk advisory and professional services firm offering cyber security advisory, compliance readiness assessments, and penetration testing.

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What: Half-day course on the fundamentals of human resources, hosted by Associated Employers

When:

• Missoula: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3rd

• Billings: 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15th

Where:

• Missoula: BW Plus Grant Creek Inn, 5280 Grant Creek Rd, Missoula, MT 59808

• Billings: AE Training Room, 124 N 29th St STE 100, Billings, MT 59101

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT: 

If you are new to the HR role or if your company is new to having HR processes, this half-day course is for you! Associated Employers will cover the basics of the HR role within the employee life cycle, from recruiting and hiring to performance management and handling issues and complaints.

Who Should Attend: This seminar is geared towards new human resources staff, as well as other management-level individuals who want to strengthen their skills in the functional processes of HR.

How You Will Benefit:

• Gain the knowledge to apply HR best practices to your work world. 

• Use recruiting and onboarding to place and keep your most valuable asset.  

• Use a basic understanding of employment law to monitor compliance.  

• Understand the basics of handling employee complaints and resolving conflicts. 

• Have confidence in your role with HR processes.

Cost:

• AE Member: $160 / Additional Member: $115 

• Non-Member: $195 / Additional Nonmember: $155

Contact reg[at]aehr.org to register.

Download AE’s Summer Catalog

Associated Employers is a not-for-profit voluntary membership association committed to the success of employers, their employees, and their businesses. Founded in 1916, AE serves over 1,000 businesses and organizations throughout the region as the premier Human Resource outsourcing specialist.

What: Free public Open House hosted by VACOM Montana Inc.

When: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 12th

Where: VACOM MT Inc, 37 Brick Trail, Lewistown MT 59457

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

After a year of planning, renovation and testing, the first of VACOM’s facilities in Lewistown, Montana is poised to start operations. To celebrate, the company is hosting a free public open house on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The clean room operation will be open for viewing as part of the public tours at the Open House. Tours will start every half hour. Food and drinks, also free, will be available from the 406 Hot Dog Cart, and kids can enjoy the bounce house and kid’s corner activities.

What: In-person networking for Montana High Tech Business Alliance members and guests, sponsored by Big Sky Economic Development

When: 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10

Where: Rock31, 201 North Broadway, Billings, MT 59101

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Join the Alliance’s next High Tech Happy Hour with the Billings Local Chapter, sponsored by Big Sky Economic Development. Your first drink is on us. Afterward, we will walk to Alive After Five (ends at 8 pm) to enjoy live music. Registration links will be sent via email.

The number of guests per organization is based on MHTBA membership level: 

• $5,000 Platinum (10 guests) 

• $2,500 Gold (8 guests) 

• $1,000 Silver (6 guests) 

• $500 Bronze (4 guests) 

• $250 Industry Professional or $100 Startup (2 guests)

• $100 Remote Professional or $50 Emerging Professional (1 guest)

Prospective members may attend one event for free. All interested prospects should contact MHTBA Executive Director Christina Henderson at director[at]mthightech.org to learn more.

Learn more about MHTBA membership benefits.

What: Hybrid speaker series featuring conversations with top-tier technology and industry experts, hosted by Scaling Montana

When: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9th

Where: Hybrid watch parties & virtual - see ticketing options for details

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

The Scaling MT Speaker Series is a hybrid event featuring conversations with top-tier technology and industry experts to provide strategic insights and technology content for leaders, builders, and tech enthusiasts across Montana. 

The journey to scale a business is a high-stakes adventure—whether bootstrapped or venture-backed, every decision counts. How do you grow efficiently, stay resilient, and turn challenges into opportunities?

Join Scaling Montana for “Scaling Smart: Building Resilient Ventures That Thrive in Any Environment” featuring Adam Callinan, co-founder of BottleKeeper and host of the Growth Mavericks podcast, in conversation with Jake Wood, founder and CEO of Groundswell and chairman of Team Rubicon. Together, they’ll talk about what they have endured in building their companies. 

For questions, please contact Jenni Graff at jenni[at]earlystagemt.org

Register Here

Guest Speakers:

What: An evening of exciting tech start-up pitches, drinks, and appetizers with new and veteran angel investors, hosted by Frontier Angels

When: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26th

Where: EngineWorks, 2425 Technology Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59718 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Check out the brand new EngineWorks space and join new and veteran angel investors for an evening of exciting start-up pitches, drinks, and appetizers. Get insights on evaluating start-ups, what drives value creation, and the importance of developing a strong start-up ecosystem to build a stronger Montana. 

Register Here

What: 40th anniversary celebration of LC Staffing

When: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26th

Where: LC Staffing Headquarters, 620 Treeline Road, Kalispell, MT 59901

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

In 1985, LC Staffing set out to connect people with purpose, and wow, what a ride it’s been! LC Staffing is throwing a bash to celebrate 40 years of recruiting success and want YOU to be at the party. Let’s toast to the recruiters who make the matches, the clients who inspire us, and their employers. Enjoy 80s music, beverages, treats, and a “Flashback to the 80s” memory lane!

Dress Code: Business Casual (with a touch of New Wave)

What: Employment Law seminar for HR managers, hosted by Crowley Fleck PLLP and Associated Employers

When: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25th

Where: AE Training Room, 124 N 29th St STE 100, Billings, MT 59101, and Virtual

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Do you need to obtain a more thorough understanding of the vital responsibility of Human Resources? This class is intended for experienced and new HR professionals, as well as non-HR managers, who need to gain a better understanding of personnel-related issues. 

How You Will Benefit:

• Avoid costly litigation 

• Confidently deal with complex employment law and employee relations issues 

• Develop policies and procedures that do not violate federal statutes 

• Protection from the damaging effects of uneducated employment decisions 

• Gain knowledge and understanding from the legal experts from an area law firm

What You Will Cover:

• How Various Leaves Work in Montana - Vacation/ PTO/Sick Leave 

• Legal Considerations Regarding Employees Working for Montana Employers but Living Out of State 

• ADA/FMLA Basics 

• Layoffs & RIFs and How the WARN Act May Apply to Employers 

• Roundtable & Q&A Discussion Regarding Relevant Montana Legislative and Federal Topics 

Cost:

• AE Member: $195 / Additional Member: $135 

• Non-Member: $275 / Additional Nonmember: $225

Contact reg[at]aehr.org to register.

Download AE’s Summer Catalog

With a formidable team of approximately 150 attorneys, Crowley Fleck offers a comprehensive range of legal services across multiple practice areas.

Associated Employers is a not-for-profit voluntary membership association committed to the success of employers, their employees, and their businesses.

What: Free open house featuring special guest Mark Baer, hosted by the American Computer & Robotics Museum (ACRM)

When: 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24th

Where: American Computer & Robotics Museum, 2023 Stadium Drive, Bozeman, MT, 59715 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Join the ACRM for an evening at the museum featuring artifacts and experts that shed light on computing’s fascinating past and exciting future.

Special Guest Mark Baer will present on the work of his father, computer gaming pioneer Ralph Baer. Learn about Ralph’s life and legacy and see his Brown Box gaming console in action! Admission is free, so bring a friend and enjoy the evening!

Learn More

What: Workshop on financing options available to small business owners, hosted by the Montana Small Business Development Center

When: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24th

Where: Rock 31 Entrepreneurship Center, 201 N 28th St, Billings, MT 59101

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Securing the right funding can be a game-changer for your business! Join the MT SBDC in Billings for an insightful workshop where lenders, SBA representatives, and SBA 504 loan experts will break down the financing options available to small business owners. Learn about the different loan programs, how to navigate the lending process, and what resources can help you secure the capital you need to start or grow your business. 

Whether you're exploring financing for the first time or looking for new opportunities, this workshop will provide the knowledge and connections to move your business forward. 30 spots are available for this workshop, so register today to reserve yours!

Register Here

What: Family-friendly event to connect kids and families with science and technology, hosted by the American Computer & Robotics Museum (ACRM)

When: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st

Where: American Computer & Robotics Museum, 2023 Stadium Drive, Bozeman, MT, 59715 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Join the ACRM for this free, family-friendly event right here in the museum! ACRM will connect kids and families with science and technology at hands-on stations around the museum, and celebrate the longest day of the year with solstice-inspired family fun.

There will also be special exhibits and demonstrations throughout the museum to help introduce the foundational concepts and exciting science research happening right here in the Gallatin Valley.

Come to the museum and rub shoulders with an enthusiastic crowd of STEAM learners! Enjoy snacks, DIY kits, and gift shop discounts, too!

Learn More

What: Monthly member meeting featuring Chris Tilleman, founder of Teradact

When: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 19th

Where: Goodworks Place, 129 W. Alder St., Missoula, MT 59802

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

The Hellgate Venture Network facilitates social networking among entrepreneurs and advisors engaged in building growth businesses in Western Montana.

TeraDact is an AI data protection, optimization, and resilience partner for leading public and private sector enterprises. Committed to providing clients with full-spectrum data management, TeraDact focuses on protection, operational efficiencies, and data analytics and imaging solutions that ensure robust data protection across the integrated functions of security, privacy, governance, and compliance.

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What: Event series designed to raise awareness of the Montana Ambassadors and connect with communities across Montana, especially those ready for new energy, ideas, and revitalization

When: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18th

Where: Sacred Waters Brewing, 3250 US Highway 2 East, Kalispell, MT 59901 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Join the Montana Ambassadors for their initial event in Kalispell. The Montana Ambassadors On the Road event series is a statewide outreach effort designed to raise awareness about the organization and connect with communities across Montana—especially those ready for new energy, ideas, and revitalization. By bringing engaging events, inspiring speakers, and networking opportunities to different towns, Montana Ambassadors aims to spotlight local innovation, support economic growth, and invite new voices to join our mission of advancing Montana’s future.

Come raise a pint, enjoy great food, and connect with changemakers at Sacred Waters Brewing in Kalispell. Learn how you can get involved with the Montana Ambassadors—a network of leaders driving the future of our state.

Special Guest Ambassadors:

• Nic McKinley, Founder & CEO of Ten Point Data, on AI and the Age of Abundance

• Julie Mac, Executive Producer/Host of Montana’s Best, sharing behind-the-scenes insights on Montana’s Best TV

Whether you're curious about membership or just want to mingle with Montana’s finest, we’d love to see you there!

RSVP Here

What: Webinar covering the knowledge and tools needed to navigate organizational downsizing with integrity and compliance, hosted by Associated Employers

When: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18th

Where: Virtual (Link to participate will be sent to registered guests)

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

This webinar equips HR professionals, managers, and business leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate organizational downsizing with integrity and compliance. Participants will learn best practices for planning and executing layoffs and reductions in force (RIFs), minimizing legal risk, maintaining employee morale, and supporting affected employees.

How You Will Benefit:

• Tips to confront 

• Importance of effective listening 

• Coaching process  

• Coaching performance vs. behavior

Cost per webinar:

• AE Member Companies - $125

• Prospective Member - $155

Price is for one (1) login. Additional logins are available for $10 each. Registration includes 30-day access to the recorded version.

Contact reg[at]aehr.org to register.

Associated Employers is a not-for-profit voluntary membership association committed to the success of employers, their employees, and their businesses. Founded in 1916, AE serves over 1,000 businesses and organizations throughout the region as the premier Human Resource outsourcing specialist.

What: An evening of exciting tech start-up pitches, drinks, and appetizers with new and veteran angel investors, hosted by Frontier Angels

When: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12th

Where: Rock31 Entrepreneurship Center, 201 N Broadway, Billings, MT 59101

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Come by the Rock31 co-working space in downtown Billings to join new and veteran angel investors for an evening of exciting start-up pitches, drinks, and appetizers. Get insights on evaluating start-ups, what drives value creation, and the importance of developing a strong start-up ecosystem to build a stronger Montana. 

Register Here

What: Summit focused on supporting and promoting business innovation in Montana, hosted by the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance

When: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12th

Where: AC Hotel by Marriott Bozeman Downtown, 110 North Tracy Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

The 2025 Investing in Montana Summit will cover key topics such as capital-raising strategies, legal requirements for business funding, and the intricacies surrounding the cost of capital. Attendees will gain valuable insights into Montana’s unique investment opportunities, equipping attendees with the knowledge and connections needed to navigate the challenges of business entrepreneurship, growth, and funding in the state.

Tickets are just $50 and include lunch, learning, and networking.

Register Here

Guest Speakers:

• Keynote: Stacey Bowers, Director, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation. Stacey has extensive experience as a small business advocate, law professor, practicing attorney, and public company in-house counsel. She will discuss:

  • The intersection between securities laws and capital raising

  • Data highlighting the state of small business capital formation

  • Resources available through the SEC for small businesses and investors

  • The latest in federal securities laws, legislation, and practical strategies for capital formation

• Brent Donnelly, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration

• Paul Green, Executive Director, Big Sky Economic Development

• Scott Holton, Chief Financial Officer, Next Frontier Capital

• Kirsten Madsen, Deputy Securities Commissioner, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance

• Liz Marchi, Head of Community Engagement, Two Bear Capital

• Paul Reichert, Executive Director, Prospera

  • Panelists will discuss various financing options, ranging from bootstrapping to venture capital and everything in between.

What: Hybrid speaker series featuring conversations with top-tier technology and industry experts, hosted by Scaling Montana

When: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11th

Where: Hybrid watch parties & virtual - see ticketing options for details

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

The Scaling MT Speaker Series is a hybrid event featuring conversations with top-tier technology and industry experts to provide strategic insights and technology content for leaders, builders, and tech enthusiasts across Montana. 

The AI revolution isn’t on the horizon — it’s here. Yet while some organizations are unlocking extraordinary gains, others risk amplifying dysfunction at scale. How do you navigate this new frontier wisely?

Join Scaling Montana for “Exploring the Wild West of AI” featuring Jean-Louis Guillou, global business leader, impact strategist, and former CEO of Cargill Indonesia, in conversation with Sasha Hathaway, co-founder of LucidORG and expert in organizational effectiveness.

In this session, Jean-Louis and Sasha will unpack:

• Why AI is already a competitive advantage, and a risk multiplier, depending on how it’s implemented

• The “tool trap” that leads organizations astray and how to avoid it

• How successful companies are aligning commercial objectives, data, and technology for real impact

• What most teams miss when they rush to scale AI, and how to prepare your structure, not just your systems, for the future

• A glimpse at what’s next: autonomous agents, decision-making AI, and why your biggest barrier won’t be tech, it’ll be leadership alignment

This discussion is tailored for founders, executives, and innovators leading digital transformation and eager to maximize AI’s potential while avoiding common pitfalls.

For questions, please contact Jenni Graff at jenni[at]earlystagemt.org

Register Here

Guest Speakers:

What: Live chat with cybersecurity experts Sherri Davidoff and Matt Durrin on AI models developing “high-agency” behaviors, hosted by LMG Security

When: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11th

Where: Virtual (event details will be sent to registered guests)

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

What happens when your AI refuses to shut down—or worse, starts blackmailing users to stay online? In this episode of Cyberside Chats, industry experts Sherri Davidoff and Matt Durrin will dig into two chilling real-world incidents: one where OpenAI’s newest model bypassed shutdown scripts during testing, and another where Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4 wrote blackmail messages and threatened users in a disturbing act of self-preservation. These aren’t sci-fi hypotheticals—they’re recent findings from leading AI safety researchers. 

The session will unpack:

• The concept of "high-agency behavior" in cutting-edge AI 

• How API access can expose different (and darker) model behaviors 

• Why these incidents matter for security leaders right now 

• The implications for incident response and digital trust 

• A live Q&A with our cybersecurity experts. 

Whether you’re a CISO, security leader, or IT pro, this session will challenge your assumptions about AI safety and control.

Register Here

Speakers:

What: An evening of exciting tech start-up pitches, drinks, and appetizers with new and veteran angel investors, hosted by Frontier Angels

When: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5th

Where: Two Bear Capital, 1005 Baker Avenue, Whitefish, MT 59937

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Join Frontier Angels at Two Bear Capital's office in Whitefish to meet new and veteran angel investors for an evening of exciting start-up pitches, drinks, and appetizers. Get insights on evaluating start-ups, what drives value creation, and the importance of developing a strong start-up ecosystem to build a stronger Montana. 

Register Here

What: Focused legislative debrief tailored for Montana-based businesses presented by Parsons Behle & Latimer and Missoula Economic Partnership

When: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 5th

Where: Holiday Inn Downtown Missoula, 200 S Pattee St, Missoula, MT 59802

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Join Parsons Behle & Latimer and Missoula Economic Partnership for a focused briefing on the most critical legislative updates affecting Montana businesses. Parsons’ attorneys will address recent legislation pertaining to taxation, employment and labor, natural resources, litigation, real estate, development, and more.

Gain valuable insights from legal and policy experts, ask questions relevant to your business, and connect with fellow leaders over a beverage and light appetizers. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged in Montana’s evolving business landscape.

1 hour of CLE and 1 hour of CPE credit pending.

NOTE: Capacity reached for this event. Sign up for the Missoula Economic Partnership’s email list to hear about future events.

What: Live chat with industry expert Tom Pohl, LMG Security’s head of penetration testing, covering common misconfigurations his team exploits—and how to fix them.

When: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28th

Where: Virtual (event details will be sent to registered guests)

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

In this episode of Cyberside Chats, industry experts Sherri Davidoff and Matt Durrin will be joined by Tom Pohl, LMG Security’s head of penetration testing, whose team routinely gains domain admin access in over 90% of their engagements. Tom will share the most common weak points his team exploits, from insecure default Active Directory settings to overlooked misconfigurations that persist in even the most mature environments.

Whether you're preparing for your next pentest or hardening your infrastructure against advanced threats, this is a must-watch for CISOs, IT leaders, and anyone responsible for securing Windows networks. 

Takeaways include: 

• The most common footholds and privilege escalation paths seen in the wild 

• Actionable fixes to close security gaps before attackers exploit them 

• How to get more value out of your pentest by remediating the right issues 

Register Here

Speakers:

What: Monthly member meeting featuring Jon Johnson & Stephen McLaughlin, Co-founders of Remsight

When: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22nd

Where: Missoula Economic Partnership (3rd Floor), 500 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

The Hellgate Venture Network facilitates social networking among entrepreneurs and advisors engaged in building growth businesses in Western Montana.

Remsight equips Montana farmers and ranchers with innovative tools to analyze water data and improve water management. Remsight recently won first place in the University of Montana College of Business John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge and in the “traditional venture” category in the MSU Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship $100K Venture Capital competition.

Learn More

What: Webinar on emerging legal issues in AI and software, co-hosted by Worden Thane P.C.

When: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21st

Where: Virtual via Zoom (Link to participate and webinar recording will be emailed to all registered event attendees.)

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

The legal landscape for AI is evolving rapidly, presenting unique challenges and hidden risks for software entrepreneurs. Join experienced IP and software attorney, Martin Rogers, for an essential discussion: Emerging Legal Issues in AI and Software. We'll cover the critical legal landscape of software & AI, including:

• Understanding the uncertain rules around ownership of AI-generated content.

• Identifying and mitigating the significant risk of your AI's output infringing on existing copyrights.

• Protecting your core intellectual property (your models, algorithms, and software).

• Navigating data privacy and security requirements for data used by AI.

• Addressing potential liability and ethical concerns related to AI decisions.

• Ensuring your software agreements are drafted to handle these specific AI risks.

• Staying ahead of the rapidly changing AI Regulatory Landscape.

Registration links will be sent via email. Registration is free for Alliance members and $25 for non-members.

For questions, contact Executive Director Christina Henderson at director[at]mthightech.org.

Guest Speaker

What: Webinar covering the responsibilities of a Board of Directors to help drive organizational success, hosted by Associated Employers

When: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21st

Where:  Virtual (Link to participate will be sent to registered guests)

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Effective boards are the cornerstone of thriving organizations, yet the line between governance and management is often misunderstood. This one-hour webinar is designed to provide board members, executives, and organizational leaders with a clear understanding of their distinct roles and responsibilities in driving organizational success. 

How You Will Benefit:

• Understanding the Board’s role: make policy, plan for the future, and monitor results 

• Understand the Board and the Administrator relationship 

• Importance of effective teamwork 

• Effective board meetings 

• Board skills to strengthen accountability

Cost per webinar:

• AE Member Companies - $125

• Prospective Member - $155

Price is for one (1) login. Additional logins are available for $10 each. Registration includes 30-day access to the recorded version.

Contact reg[at]aehr.org to register.

Associated Employers is a not-for-profit voluntary membership association committed to the success of employers, their employees, and their businesses. Founded in 1916, AE serves over 1,000 businesses and organizations throughout the region as the premier Human Resource outsourcing specialist.

What: Hybrid speaker series featuring conversations with top-tier technology and industry experts, hosted by Scaling Montana

When: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21st

Where: Hybrid watch parties & virtual - see ticketing options for details

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

The Scaling MT Speaker Series is a hybrid event featuring conversations with top-tier technology and industry experts to provide strategic insights and technology content for leaders, builders, and tech enthusiasts across Montana. 

In today’s volatile landscape, scaling a high-tech company requires not only innovation—but resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight. It takes a lot to lead during moments of economic uncertainty, global conflict, and rapid technological change. 

This session features Garrett Smith, Founder and CEO of Reveal, in conversation with Les Craig, General Partner at Next Frontier Capital. They’ll discuss what Reveal is building for the Department of Defense and share real-world insights on:

• Navigating growth amid global uncertainty

• Lessons from operating at the intersection of defense, intelligence, and innovation

This session is designed for founders, investors, and operators building in high-stakes environments—and anyone curious about what it takes to grow a company when the world is anything but stable.

For questions, please contact Jenni Graff at jenni[at]earlystagemt.org

Register Here

Guest Speakers:

What: Free webinar featuring U.S. Census Bureau data to help companies, chambers, and economic development engines plan and grow, hosted by the State Business Executives (SBE)

When: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14th

Where: Virtual (Link to participate will be sent to registered guests)

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Discover the power of (free) U.S. Census Bureau data to help companies, chambers, and economic development engines plan and grow. This flash learning session will outline the most useful data tools for insights on industry health, customer dynamics, workforce indicators, marketing strategies, and opportunity zones. Data-driven decisions start with understanding demographic, socioeconomic, and business factors at different geographies (state, county, and metro levels). 

Register Here

What: An insightful look into the state of Montana’s international trade economy with an evening reception, hosted by the Montana World Trade Center (MWTC) and Big Sky Economic Development

When: 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7th

Where: Northern Hotel, 19 North Broadway, Billings, MT 59101

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Montana in the World Market: Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing and Beyond

The 2025 agenda includes a morning of tactical training for Montana firms engaged in international business followed by afternoon sessions crafted to share essential insights regarding a dynamic global trade landscape —from nationally renowned speakers and Montana firms alike. The MWTC will also honor the Montana exporter of the year as chosen by the Montana district export council and invite consuls general from trading partner nations to share their perspectives, meet with Montana firms, and amass more granular detail about mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities.

Following the event will be a closing networking reception hosted by Montana Ambassadors. Come celebrate Montana’s successes on the global stage, learn about untapped opportunities, and gather together in honor of World Trade Month!

Register Here

What: Traditional tea party fundraiser for Code Girls United

When: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3rd

Where: Triple B Ranch, 1187 Hodgson Rd, Columbia Falls, MT 59912

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

Join Code Girls United for their traditional spring tea fundraiser. This event makes for a great family day along with a free family photo, games for the kids, chance to celebrate Mother's Day, or a fun girls get together in your best frocks and hats. 

With free weekly meetings held after school, non-profit Code Girl s United provides opportunities for girls in grades 4th - 8th with hands-on experiences in coding, technology, and business. Code Girls United strives to expand future career opportunities in tech for women and empower tomorrow’s innovators.

Register Here

Download Flyer

What: Workforce expo for North Central / Hi-Line Montana businesses, hosted by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry

When: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30th

Where: Fort Belknap Bingo Hall/TERO office, 400 Agency Main St., Harlem, MT 59526

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:

You’re invited to invest in North Central / Hi-Line Montana’s future workforce. The 2025 Workforce Expo will feature hands-on career activities and training paths to employment. Businesses will have opportunities to share valuable insights and demonstrate key aspects of their profession to students from local schools. 

Contact Nancy Boushie at nboushie[at]ftbelknap.org or Cheryl Horn at cheryl.horn[at]ftbelknap.org to learn more and register.

Download Flyer