Beartooth RC&D tells commissioners it lent over $1M locally, won $400K USDA microloan grant

Representatives of Beartooth Resource Conservation and Development presented their annual report to the Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners, highlighting lending activity, grant awards and regional economic-development work.

Beartooth's revolving loan manager (unnamed in the presentation) said the organization currently has 12 active loans in Yellowstone County and has lent just over $1,000,000 locally; total investment including partner banks was reported as approximately $4,300,000. The manager said a USDA microloan grant awarded this summer adds $400,000 in microlending capital and will fund technical-assistance offerings such as QuickBooks training and inventory assistance.

JC Head, Beartooth's economic development director, described program activity tied to EDA designation and a comprehensive economic development strategy. Head noted small flood-relief grants (the group requested $10,000 from the Montana Community Foundation and received $15,000) and assistance to local entities including Ballantine United Food and the Lunch Box program. He also described involvement in Brownfields assessment work and a tourism initiative tied to the Bozeman Trail effort; Head said the group is pursuing funding and partnerships for blight remediation and senior-housing feasibility follow-up.

Commissioner Jones moved to accept the Beartooth RC&D annual report and approve a related memorandum of understanding; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The action does not, in the transcript, include additional funding approvals but records the board's acceptance of the report and the MOU.

Speakers noted ongoing projects and asked the board for guidance on future engagement; Beartooth asked the county to advise on areas where staff could be engaged in the coming year.