Business Incubator
The average life expectancy of Native people in Montana is 20 years younger (or one generation) than their non-Native counterparts due in part to socioeconomic factors. Big Horn County is the second poorest county in Montana with residents making half the median income of the average Montanan.
Why the disparities? What are we going to do about it?
MSA is partnering with the Town of Lodge Grass to build a 3,300 sq. ft. business incubator, housing up to 10 small businesses, with the goal of providing mentorship and support so community members can pursue meaningful work that builds the infrastructure of the town, the economy of the region, and a legacy of positive change for their families. We hope to break ground on this project in the spring of 2020 and are pursing this project as a community build. This project is an opportunity for our residents to gain valuable experience in the building and landscaping trades that can benefit them with employment and also help them care for their own homes with more knowledge and ability.
Our current building budget is very tight for this project and all community partners are working as volunteers or on building teams donating half their labor wages to the project.
Skills
Do you have professional building or landscaping skills and would you be interested in mentoring a community member? Please respond here and we will contact you. We will soon post a building schedule that will inform volunteers of the data for specific sections of the building project.
Materials
Are you a builder or construction company with left-over materials you would like to donate? We can assess your donation for its value and the town will provide a tax-deductible receipt. We can also schedule a pick-up for your materials.