Opportunities in Rural Economies

Program Overview

The ORE Program suite has two components: participation loans, including low-interest loans and forgivable loans, and grants.

• The Opportunities in Rural Economies Loan Participation Program is designed to accelerate the growth of new business opportunities, encourage the creation of high-paying jobs and diversify the state’s economy by providing low interest participation loans with a participating lender and/or forgivable loans.
• The Opportunities in Rural Economies Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant supports EDOs in strengthening their ability to provide outreach to their communities for economic development.
• The Opportunities in Rural Economies Grant Program may provide matching funds to assist with projects that would provide a significant economic benefit to a community.

ORE Program loans and grants may not be used for a project that would result in the transfer or relocation of jobs from one part of the state to another part of the state. See § 90-1-203(1), MCA.

The Montana Department of Commerce has created the ORE LPP, the ORE EDO CBG and the ORE GP. The ORE Program suite exists within the Big Sky Economic Development Program authorized by §§ 90-1-201, MCA, et seq.

Purpose

The purpose of the ORE LPP and ORE GP is to assist in economic development for Montana that will:

• Create good-paying jobs for Montana residents.
• Promote long-term, stable economic growth in Montana.
• Retain or expand existing businesses.
• Provide a better life for future generations through greater economic growth and prosperity in Montana.
• Encourage workforce development.

ORE Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant

ORE Grant PROGRAM

ORE Loan Participation Program