Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) is proud to announce the 4th annual Minnow Tank business
competition, offering $10,000 in cash awards to rural entrepreneurs across northeastern Montana. The contest
supports both startups and existing small businesses looking to grow, turning strong ideas into sustainable operations. Minnow Tank isn’t just a competition; it’s a proven community investment model. Over the past three years, more than 60 individuals have applied, with over 75% of past finalists still operating their businesses today. That’s over $40,000 awarded directly to business owners in northeastern Montana. All donations go straight to award recipients.
“Minnow Tank isn’t about putting on a show; it’s about providing real capital to real businesses that are building something in rural Montana,” said Quincy Walter, Small Business Advisor with GNDC. “We’ve seen that when entrepreneurs have access to both planning tools and funding, they’re more likely to launch and stay in business, and the Minnow Tank success rate backs that up.”
2026 Minnow Tank Key Dates:
*Business Plan Submission Deadline: March 12, 2026, 11:59 P.M. – Online submission only. Drop-off applications or mailed-in applications for the 2026 competition will not be accepted.
*Finalist Announcement: March 24, 2026 Live Finale Event: April 30, 2026 – Glasgow, MT
*Awards: Two $5,000 cash prizes — one for a startup, one for an expanding business
Eligibility:
*Applicants must be 18 years or older. The competition is not open to nonprofits. Business plans must be submitted via the GNDC Minnow Tank Page by March 12, 2026, 11:59 PM MST . See the event website for complete competition rules.
Free Business Plan Writing Workshops – Open to All
To support Minnow Tank applicants and other entrepreneurs in the region, GNDC and the Small Business
Development Center (SBDC) are hosting a free workshop series in seven communities this January. These trainings are open to any individual interested in learning how to write a business plan, even if they do not intend to compete in the Minnow Tank competition. Each workshop will walk participants through the full structure of a business plan—covering key areas like financial projections, marketing, and operations—while also showing how a well-written plan can improve funding opportunities, strategic clarity, and long-term sustainability. Attendees will also receive free access to LivePlan, GNDC’s online business plan software tool that simplifies planning and helps elevate the professionalism of each plan.
“Strong business plans lead to better funding, better decisions, and more stability,” said Walter. “This class is
designed to give business owners the tools they need to be taken seriously by lenders, partners, and customers.”
Class Schedule – Business Plan Writing Workshops
All trainings are free and open to the public. Registration is required; you may register at gndc.org.
Entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to work one-on-one with Quincy Walter, SBDC Business Advisor at GNDC. Advising is 100% free and confidential, available to anyone in the region seeking help building or refining a business plan. Community partners and local businesses are invited to sponsor Minnow Tank. All funds raised go directly to awardees. For more information on becoming a sponsor, contact GNDC at info@gndc.org.
About Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC)
Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) is a regional economic development organization serving northeast Montana. Based in Wolf Point, GNDC supports local communities, businesses, and entrepreneurs across Daniels, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Valley, Garfield, McCone, and Richland counties.
Through programs like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), GNDC offers free, confidential advising and resources for business planning, financing, expansion, and technical support. Our mission is to strengthen rural Montana’s economy by investing in people, partnerships, and practical solutions that create long-term opportunities.
To learn more about GNDC’s programs or the Minnow Tank competition, visit gndc.org or contact us at 406-653-2590.