Access to Finance Analyzed by Demographic
Small businesses are the backbone of Montana's economy, accounting for 99.3% of all businesses. These micro-reports analyze the financial challenges faced by rural, women, and Native entrepreneurs across the state. Drawing from data collected for the 2023 Access to Finance in Montana report—conducted by the University of Montana's REAL Co-Lab and its partners—the findings reveal significant barriers to capital access and underutilization of financial products. Each report also offers targeted solutions to help address these issues.