The first group of participants from Blackfeet Country graduated from the Indianpreneurship™ Business Training Course April 3. The program was a collaborative effort among several entities, including the Montana Department of Commerce, Browning Community Development Corporation (BCDC), the town of Browning, Blackfeet Manpower programs, Blackfeet Housing RHED program and Blackfeet Community College.

The Onaben™ Indianpreneurship Business Training course is an 11-week intensive training program designed to enhance entrepreneurial skills and assist in creating a business plan. This course is for the business owner, manager or involved employee who wants to operate a business successfully, and it is also for people wanting to start a new business.

"My goal is to help those individuals that have always wanted to start a new business, turn that dream into reality and this curriculum makes it all that much easier to achieve," said Butch Conway of BCDC. The course focuses on teaching the art of better business practices while producing a comprehensive business plan to guide businesses with start-up, expansion decisions and activities.

Being armed with the knowledge and the tools necessary to help start a business is only one part; participants must also have the will and determination to put the required amount of time and energy into starting a business. Nearly all of the participants in this class are looking at retail businesses, with the exception of a couple of service providing ideas. Most are looking at being family operated and providing up to five employment opportunities per business.

The lack of storefronts in the community is and will be the biggest challenge for these business owners. Many are considering working from their homes until they become established enough to finance a building to house their business. Networking with fellow students and guest speakers played a big role in the success of this class and will do so in the progression of their ideas.

The Blackfeet reservation is like so many others and has the same issues. One weakness is being government-heavy, meaning an over-dependence tribal government. There should be a balance between government and private sector business for communities to become more viable and profitable. "The BCDC mission statement is to foster social and economic improvements in our community and work collaboratively to assist in creating opportunities for a self-sustaining, economically independent community," Conway said. "This can be accomplished through financing, training, technical assistance, advocacy, and collaboration and partnerships with other agencies and entities."

BCDC Home Page


BCDC News 2005

BCDC Has Moved Into a New Office Space

Browning joins Glacier County in looking to promote economic growth

BCDC asks county for $ 35,000 to spur local economic development

Browning resident named to board by Gov. Brian Schweitzer

Dr. Barcus appointed to Montana Commission on Community Service

BCDC News 2006

BCDC takes lead in establishing Regional Port Authority in county

BCDC develops jobs through HUD Capacity Building Grant

BCDC urges: ‘Make a difference in your community'

Glacier County Regional Port Authority ready to roll June 1

Browning Community Development Corporation Welcomes
Four New Individuals

Commissioners name Port Authority reps

Glacier County Port Authority hears from Shelby Mayor
on benefits of a successful port authority

Newly formed business alliance promotes Montana's "Indianpreneurs"

BCDC News 2007

Glacier County Commissioners give BCDC $ 20,000
to continue economic development work on Reservation

A revolving loan fund tops the wish list for County Port Authority

First Indianpreneurship™ Business Training graduates honored at BCC

Blackfeet Family Services receives donation of shoes, school supplies

BCDC receives $ 300,000 RHED grant to teach financial literacy

Port Authority looks at planning, property and urban renewal

BCDC News 2008

Port Authority seeks committee members

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