Small Business Development Center

For years, the local carwash in Plentywood was a topic of discussion in our household, whenever it came up for sale, circumstances never seemed to align, or we couldn’t envision affording such a venture. Pat’s career shift nine years ago opened up new possibilities, and when the carwash became available in 2023, we knew it was time to act. Despite initial doubts, we were encouraged by the support offered by GNDC for purchasing businesses.

Recognizing the carwash’s importance to our community, we were determined to make it thrive. Quincy Walter at Great Northern Development Corporation and the Small Business Development Center played a crucial role, offering valuable guidance and making the process more manageable.

With the combined resources of Quincy, GNDC, and our local bank, we turned our dream into reality. The ongoing support from GNDC has been instrumental in our success, and we are confident in our decision.

Our customers’ satisfaction at PJ’S Car & Truck Wash is the ultimate reward. Their appreciation for our efforts to revitalize the business has been incredibly fulfilling. We remain committed to delivering excellence and ensuring our customers leave happy.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Quincy Walter, GNDC, and everyone who supported us on this journey. Your belief in us has been the driving force behind our success. We have not been disappointed with any advice that has been offered to us from GNDC”. – Pat & Tina Quam – Owner

On June 8, 1998, Kevin Farr and Hope Jones Farr launched Soma Dis Deli, a small deli in the middle of nowhere that would go on to make a significant impact. With its menu of sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as its one-of-a-kind interior design and exceptional customer service, Soma Dis Deli was a hit for 24 years. When Kyle E Bilger took over in June 2022, he brought his own spin to the business, slowly turning it into his unique version of Soma Dis Deli.

When Kyle finally decided to pursue his dream of buying Soma dis Deli, he had just experienced a death in his family, and the idea was put on hold until a terrible day at his job reignited his passion for the project. He walked into the deli and boldly asked the owner what their asking price was. When he reached out to GNDC for assistance, the initial meeting left him feeling discouraged and hopeless. However, after a few more emails with Quincy, hope was rekindled, and he was reassured that it would all work out.

With this assistance, Kyle could secure a commercial bank loan and Great Northern Development Corporation’s GAP financing to help him purchase his dream of owning Soma Dis Deli in Glasgow, Montana. Kyle has been able to keep many of the delicious menu items and add his own style to the business by growing into a new location.

“Quincy took over and made me feel like this dream was actually possible. Thanks to Quincy and the support of GNDC, I can confidently say that hard work truly does pay off and dreams really do come true” – Kyle Bilger, Owner

Pleasant Prairie Brewing and Taproom in Scobey opened in July 2022 to foster community building and fill the craft beer space in far northeastern Montana. We are area natives who share a fierce love of craft beer and northeast Montana. The brewery/taproom was built from the ground up with a strong focus on good beer, good people, and the free exchange of ideas for the benefit of our rural communities. As parents of young children, we envisioned a space where entire families could enjoy good music, good conversation, and fellowship. We also wanted to provide a venue for artists and musicians and to bring opportunities to the area that hadn’t yet been explored. It was a two-and-a-half-year journey to get open through COVID-19, supply chain issues, construction delays, and working full-time jobs.

GNDC was an essential partner in both the planning and funding of the venture. The assistance we received made our unlikely venture pencil out and enabled us to move forward. A year and a half in, we can focus on producing quality beer and giving back to the people here. We strongly believe in the continued vitality and resilience of northeast Montana, and the brewery is our contribution. We’re confident that it will fulfill its purpose as a community center and a way to attract new people to the area.

North Post, a thriving sporting goods and lifestyle store in Plentywood, Montana, was established in late 2023 by Cheryl Bjorgen of MBS Adventures, LLC. The store offers a wide range of products and services, including apparel, athletics gear, customization, engraving, embroidery, firearms, fishing equipment, outdoor gear, toys for all ages, and even tropical sno and hard ice cream. With its diverse offerings, North Post has become known as “more than a sports store.”

When my family and I decided to pursue the opportunity to purchase North Post, we were excited but unsure of the process. I reached out to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance, and that’s when I was connected with Quincy Walter.

Quincy was instrumental in our journey to ownership. She provided invaluable support and guidance throughout the process. Quincy helped us develop a solid business plan and was always available to answer questions and offer advice. Her positive attitude and belief in our vision gave us the confidence to move forward.

The negotiations with the previous owner were complex and challenging, but GNDC was there every step of the way, offering encouragement and assistance. With her guidance, we were able to finalize the sale quickly, a testament to GNDC’s expertise and dedication. We were able to secure gap financing for the down payment assistance.

Even after the purchase was completed, Quincy has continued to support us. She informs us about training opportunities and grants that could benefit our business, such as QuickBooks training sessions. Her ongoing support has been invaluable as we navigate the challenges of owning and operating North Post.

“Thanks to Quincy and the support of the GNDC, we have realized our dream of owning a successful business. North Post continues to thrive, and we are grateful for the guidance and support we received along the way.” – Cheryl Bjorgen – Owner

Sarah was a chemist who found herself in Mexico setting up a cement lab for her employer, which is when she met her husband. After moving to Eastern Montana Sarah found herself needing a challenge. “Being a stay-at-home mom was fulfilling but I felt the pull to do more but it had to be something I was passionate about.”

When going to a trade show in Las Vegas, she encountered a vendor who specialized in laser engraving. Months later the idea was still brewing in her day-to-day thoughts of owning a custom engraving shop. “My husband finally encouraged me to seriously pursue this dream and that is exactly what I did.”

After deciding to start her business Sarah reached out to the SBDC office in Wolf Point for market research and feasibility, business planning, loan packaging, and financial projection assistance. “Liveplan was something that made the actual business planning more manageable for me to see. It was more step by step and helped me to create realistic goals and projections to take to the bank. I remember that Shandy gave me some really practical advice by saying that most people over-inflate their projections to look good, but the banks don’t like seeing you think you are going to make a killing in your first year. So when Independence Bank was really impressed with my realistic projections, it was such a sense of accomplishment. And I am so thankful to SBDC and Shandy for making it possible”.

With the help of GNDC and the SBDC, Sarah was able to apply and receive gap financing to secure her first laser machine for engraving along with other start-up costs. In her first year, she managed to exceed the one-year projections that she had made in Liveplan by her first 6 months in operation. “GNDC and specifically the SBDC allows me to continue to grow and network with other businesses in our area. It helps to share my business and what I have to offer.”

Not only does Sarah wear the owner hat of her business but she also is the creator, designer, and technical support for the lasers. “Being able to create a specific type of joy that not only a customer has when seeing the final product, but knowing that that joy is then shared with someone else when they give the gift just makes every day in the office that much better, knowing that I created that.”

Moonlight Laserworks creates an array of promotional materials for businesses and clients alike but also does custom engraving. “I enjoy working on awards and prizes, industrial parts, business swag and presents that you can give your family and friends. I truly get to do it all.”

Sarah has big goals for the years to come and is reevaluating her business and her projections constantly. “I want to be able to give back more to our communities and to continue to offer a unique service in our rural part of the state.”

Visit moonlightlaserworks.com or on Facebook to view Sarah’s beautiful engraving creations and promotional products.