GNDC and SBDC Announce Winners Of The Third Minnow Tank Business Plan Competition

Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are thrilled to announce the winners of the Third Minnow Tank Business Plan Competition. This event, which aimed to foster economic growth in Northeastern Montana, attracted entrepreneurs and existing businesses from the region.

After careful consideration and evaluation, the judges and live audience have selected the following winners:

Startup Category Winner: Wolf Point Mercantile (Roosevelt County)

Existing Business Category Winner: Highway 2 Inn (Valley County)

Each winner received a $5,000 cash award to help implement their business plans of starting or growing and further contribute to the economic development of their communities.

The competition, which unfolded across seven counties, including Valley, Garfield, McCone, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, and Daniels, showcased Northeastern Montana's entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas. On May 3, the finalists presented their business plans to a live audience and a panel of judges at the Great Northern Development Corporation Conference Room in Wolf Point.

"We are incredibly proud of all the participants and finalists of this year's Minnow Tank competition," said Quincy Walter, SBDC Director. "The dedication and creativity demonstrated by each entrepreneur are truly inspiring. We believe that these businesses have the potential to make a significant impact on our local and regional economy."

The success of the Minnow Tank Business Plan Competition would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Montana Department of Commerce, Ag Partners LLC, Beagle Properties, Cottonwood Inn, Daniels County Chamber of Commerce & Ag, Farmers Union Oil Co., Fox Ford, KLTZ/Mix 93 Radio, Nemont, PRO Co-OP, Grassland Federal Credit Union, Opportunity Bank, and Richland Federal Credit Union for contributing to the award prizes for each of the winners.

For more information about the Minnow Tank Business Plan Competition and other initiatives by GNDC and SBDC, please visit https://gndc.org/minnow-tank/.