Tourism Grants Ignite Revitalization in Undervisited, Rural Areas

Surrounded by scenery that begs for a second look, Lake, Sanders, and Mineral Counties, as well as the Flathead Indian Reservation, are tapping into tourism grants that will ignite the revitalization of the most beautiful, but often undervisited, corners of the state.

Supporting local businesses and enticing travelers to stop and stay awhile is at the core of the Mission West Community Development Partners (MWCDP) mission. Creating vibrant communities results in a more resilient region where people, place, and opportunity come together… for the benefit of all.

It Takes a Village…

MWCDP proudly serves as the administrator for the $3.5 million Tourism Development and Enhancement Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) from the Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC). The goal? Help drive economic growth in the area through the creation of more tourism-focused businesses.

The RLF loans, which range from $5,000 to $250,000, are offered at low interest rates with flexible repayment terms. Although it doesn’t exclude urban areas, preference is given to projects in rural and under-visited locales and includes:

• Lodging facility upgrades or expansion
• Development of cultural, recreational, or historical attractions
• Infrastructure improvements to tourism-focused businesses
• Enhancements to food and beverage operations for visitors

Even better? More businesses mean more good-paying jobs for folks, which will also support generational prosperity throughout the community.

For more details about the RLF, as well as how to apply, visit our Loan Programs page.

Worth Stopping For

The region is also benefitting from MDOC’s Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program (PCTG), which was developed as a five-year initiative to help neighborhoods throughout Western Montana improve tourism infrastructure, inspire cultural heritage projects, and create more visitor-ready experiences.

However, instead of seeing only one town benefit, the grant aims for a collaborative approach involving multiple towns and partners. As a result, the entire area reaps the rewards.

One of the PCTG recipients is the city of Ronan. “We’re shifting the narrative from ‘passing through’ to ‘staying and exploring.’ Visitors will discover local businesses, scenic trails, and cultural experiences that make Ronan a place worth stopping for,” states the Ronan Tourism Grant website.

By collaborating with local businesses, community leaders, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the goal is to develop a long-term tourism model by increasing visitor spending, business growth, and job creation.

“Receiving these funds so far has benefitted our town in that it’s opening up doors that in the past we haven’t been able to open,” said Whitney Liegakos of the Steering Committee of Ronan, in a video from the MDOC. “Anything that improves the quality of life for people who live here is also typically things that travelers look for. It was clear through the community feedback process that downtown is an area that needs to be improved upon, and that’s what the community wants to see. We’re going to be able to redo the sidewalks, update the lighting, and add crosswalks. Do engineering reports for downtown that are actually going to provide that facelift we’ve been hoping for for years.”

Interested in learning more? Visit our Ronan Tourism Grant page.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

As part of the PCTGP, Ronan has also launched its Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) program. By enhancing the visual appeal of Main Street, the community is preserving and celebrating the historic and cultural character that gives the area its soul.

Eligible improvements include:

• Painting and cleaning
• New signage or lighting
• Repair or replacement of architectural details
• Window and door upgrades
• Awnings and canopies
• Masonry repair

Could your building benefit? Applications are open through the Ronan Tourism Grant website.