Resources

BEAR (Business Expansion and Retention) is a program aimed to service our area’s most important businesses and employers: those that already exist.  The BEAR project is available in Missoula, Ravalli and Mineral counties.

The BEAR Resource Advisory Team is a volunteer alliance with members from throughout the community, involving higher education and service providers, local and national government, utilities, and workforce development, among others. 

Opportunities

We learn about your business from the person who knows it best: you.  Two BEAR Volunteers meet with you at your convenience to gain an understanding of your individual business operations, your views on the business climate, and your business goals.

Success

Opportunities identified during this BEAR dialogue are then discussed confidentially within the BEAR Resource Advisory Team.  Goals you wish to pursue are addressed and referrals from within the community are brought to you at your convenience.

What business owners say about BEAR

• "Helpful in identifying and articulating goals and issues alike"
• "Informative about services provided to businesses in the area that I didn’t know about before"
• "Very beneficial feedback from the BEAR volunteers"
• "Offered practical ideas that I hadn’t thought of"

See How it Works or Become a BEAR Client