BEAR Program
One of the most important aspects of a community's
economic development is the expansion and retention of its existing
businesses. A community's business climate is a measure of the strength
of its local economy and a determining factor for the possibilities
of future growth. The BEAR program deals with both expansion and
retention and business climate issues.
The BLDC contracts with Headwaters RC&D to
administer the BEAR program for the seven counties in southwest
Montana. The BEAR program is a program that offers suffort, help
and assistance to the hometown businesses that support our local
economies. In essence, the BEAR program is our way of saying, "Thank
you for keeping your business in southwest Montana."
What is a BEAR interview?
The BEAR interview process helps bring out very
important information concerning your business. The business owner
or manager can feel comfortable knowing that this vital information
will be held in the strictest confidence by all participating in
the program.
A team of experts wil review your interview data
and suggest resources that may offer you new means by which you
can reach your goals.
- Your business can join the BEAR program by
contacting Jim Smitham at 406-723-4349 or jsmitham@bldc.net Interviews
are scheduled at mutually convenient times, usually within two
weeks.
- The interview will identify your strengths
and weaknesses. Information from the interview questionaire will
be entered into a confidential database. If appropriate, a tour
of your business will be conducted.
- A BEAR Resource Committee meeting is held to
put together a proposed resource assistance team for your business.
- Your business is presented with the names of
the potential resource team. After approval, the resources contact
your business to set up a meeting date.
- The BEAR program will follow up with your business
after the BEAR consultation to determine if advice and assistance
from the resources were beneficial to your business.
- Businesses in southwest Montana will have the
resources that they need to be more successful and profitable.
View
a BEAR brochure
To set up a BEAR interview for your business,
contact the BLDC at 406-723-4349. |
