8.99.919 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF RULES FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL ECONOMIES PROGRAM

1. (1) The department adopts and incorporates by reference the Opportunities in Rural Economies Loan Participation and Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant Program Guidelines, administered under the Big Sky Economic Development Program authorized by Title 90, chapter 1, part 2, MCA.
2. (2) The guidelines establish the framework for administration of the Opportunities in Rural Economies program, including applicant eligibility, allowable use of funds, the application process, evaluation and ranking criteria, and compliance and reporting requirements.

3. (3) As stated in the guidelines, the department will provide:

   1. (a) low-interest participation loans in partnership with participating lenders;
   2. (b) forgivable loans for qualifying projects that meet specified performance and compliance standards; and
   3. (c) capacity building grants to enrolled economic development organizations to support implementation of loan participations and economic development activities.
4. (4) Copies of the guidelines may be obtained from the department's Business MT Division, 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200528, Helena, Montana 59620-0528, or on the department's web site at https://business.mt.gov.

Authorizing statute(s): 90-1-201, MCA

Implementing statute(s): 90-1-201, 90-1-202, 90-1-203, 90-1-204, MCA

History: NEW, 2025 MAR, Notice No. 2025-234, Eff. 9/13/25.