Economic Development

A stable, well-educated workforce, an ideal location, cutting-edge internet connectivity and an unsurpassed quality of life combine to make Whitefish the ideal spot for business success – both now and in the future.

Add to that our business-friendly city government, a new wave of major private – and public – investment, and a number of Chamber initiatives designed to strengthen and diversify the local economy, and we think you’ll agree ... Whitefish, Montana is where your business ought to be.

Whitefish 2020 Plan

DannyOn Trail - Photo by Donnie Sexton (visitmt.com) The Chamber’s Whitefish 2020 Plan focuses on three separate-but-equal strategies for enhancing the Whitefish economy:

Helping existing businesses get the help they need to survive, grow and thrive;
Attracting new companies to Whitefish that will mesh with (and complement) the existing business community, and capitalize on the state-of-the-art technological infrastructre that already exists in Whitefish;
Identify and implement programs, projects and events that enhance the Whitefish visitor experience, and focus on growing tourism in the shoulder and winter seasons.

In addition, the Chamber promotes our community on a local, regional, statewide and global basis, in an effort to:

Attract new business and investment to Whitefish;
Create new, high-paying jobs through business relocation, new business start-ups and the expansion of existing companies;
Promote the Whitefish area’s assets to prospective employers, investors and residents; and
Improve our community by encouraging planned economic development, strong civic leadership, better education and increased cultural and recreational opportunities.

Business Assistance Partners

The Whitefish Chamber has partnered with a handful of other local and regional organizations to provide a full menu of economic development and business assistance services to local employers ... and to those considering Whitefish as a home for their new – or relocating – business. Our partners include:

Montana West Economic Development
Kellie Danielson, President/CEO - (406) 257-7711
www.dobusinessinmontana.com

Montana West connects new and existing businesses to the resources they need to accelerate their growth and leverage their investment. Services include: connections to expertise, demographic information, financing and incentive resources, industry trends, workforce assistance, site selection, gap financing lending programs, and grant programs for business development and expansion.

Small Business Development Center (part of SBA)
Chris Parson, Director - (406) 756-3836
www.nwmontanabusiness.com

Assists small businesses with business & marketing plans, solving technical & management problems; financing; one-on-one business counseling, liaison between lenders and borrowers, etc.

Flathead Job Service
Mora McCarthy, Business Resource Consultant - (406) 758-6241
Mike Jackson, Workforce Consultant - (406) 758-6252
www.flatheadjobs.mt.gov

Assistance on HR issues – from hiring interviewing, reference checking, employee retention & training, wage, hour & employment laws. Jobs’ website matches employers with workers.

Business Expansion & Retention Program
Sarah Stewart, BEAR Team/Whitefish Chamber - (406) 862-3501

BEAR is your direct connection to: business assessments; business plans; capital; education & training programs; import/export assistance; site location and expansion; government contracting assistance; HR programs; manufacturing; marketing & positioning; regulatory assistance & technology resources.