Wolf Point, MT — Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Minnow Tank Business Plan Competition, marking the fourth competition cycle in eight years of investing in rural entrepreneurship across northeastern Montana.
Minnow Tank continues to serve as a regional platform for business growth and development, supporting entrepreneurs across Daniels, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Valley, Garfield, McCone, and Richland counties. Since its inception, the program has invested more than $40,000 in local businesses, with a high percentage of finalists continuing to operate and grow in their communities.
Following a competitive application process, GNDC is pleased to recognize the 2026 finalists representing communities across the region.
2026 Minnow Tank Finalists
Start-Up Division
Rise and Grind Coffee LLP – Garfield County
Zuroff Drilling & Well Services – McCone County
Frosted Feelings – Daniels County
Sip Stop – Roosevelt County
The Rancher’s Rail – Sheridan County
Jeanie’s on the Prairie – Richland County
Rogue Acres – Valley County
Existing Business Division
Sugg Primary Care Clinic – Garfield County
Little Wildcats Learning Center – McCone County
Restoration Woodcraft – Roosevelt County
Wealth Management LLC – Richland County
Meadowlark Apothecary – Valley County
Finalists will present their business plans live at the Minnow Tank Finale on April 30, 2026, at the Glasgow Elks Lodge, starting at 5:30 PM. During the event, participants will pitch how they plan to use the funding to strengthen and grow their businesses.
Finalists will present their business plans live at the Minnow Tank Finale on April 30, 2026, at the Glasgow Elks Lodge, starting at 5:30 PM. During the event, participants will pitch how they plan to use the funding to strengthen and grow their businesses.
Two winners will be selected:
- $5,000 for a Startup Business
- $5,000 for an Existing Business
The event is open to the public, and attendees will participate in the scoring alongside a panel of judges.
“Minnow Tank continues to show what’s possible when rural entrepreneurs have access to both planning tools and capital,” said Quincy Walter, SBDC Business Advisor at GNDC. “Each competition cycle, we see strong, viable businesses come forward, businesses that are not only ideas, but operations that can sustain, grow, and contribute to our local economies.”
Community Investment
Minnow Tank is made possible through the support of local and regional partners. All sponsorship and donation dollars are awarded directly to participating businesses, reinforcing GNDC’s commitment to reinvesting in the communities it serves.
GNDC also recognizes Montana Main Street and the Downtown Conference, hosted by Two Rivers Economic Growth (Valley County), this year, for helping promote this year’s Minnow Tank competition and sponsoring appetizers for the finale event.
Community members are encouraged to attend and support local entrepreneurs as they present their businesses and compete for funding. Additional event details and information can be found at: https://gndc.org/minnow-tank/
About Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC)
Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) is a regional economic development organization serving northeast Montana. GNDC supports businesses, communities, and entrepreneurs through financing programs, planning, and technical assistance.
Through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), GNDC provides free, confidential business advising, including support with business planning, financial analysis, and market research. GNDC’s mission is to strengthen the regional economy by supporting sustainable business development and long-term growth.
For more information, visit https://gndc.org or contact:
Quincy Walter
sbdc@gndc.org | 406-653-2590