Building Opportunities, Growing Communities
SEMDC Financial Services
At Southeastern Montana Development Corporation, we are a team of dedicated business development professionals who are passionate about helping businesses grow. We have years of experience working with companies of all sizes, and we are committed to providing top-notch service to all of our clients.
SEMDC currently has access to Seven (7) different “participation financing” programs for the small business community. SEMDC
Loan Officer Amber Hert provides a funding link between the banking and small business communities to make deals happen, thus creating economic activity in the private sector. Since 2010, SEMDC has made direct loans of over $5.2 million while partnering with area financial institutions. SEMDC continues to collaborate with regional banks rather than compete with them.
* SEMDC also has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in place with the Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation (EPEDC). This mutually beneficial partnership allows SEMDC to provide RLF administration and services to EPEDC and its service region of five (5) additional counties.
2026 Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Programs
Helping Small Businesses Access Capital with Flexible, Low-Interest Financing
Struggling to meet conventional bank loan requirements? The RLF Program supports qualifying businesses with low fixed interest rates, flexible payment options, and participation financing to help close the gap when banks can’t finance the full loan. Whether it’s limited collateral, equity shortfall, or marginal credit. RLF loans can help make your project possible.
- CDBG: Community Development Block Grant – Regular Fund
➤ Three funds available for a variety of economic development projects - IRP: Intermediary Relending Program – USDA / MT Board of Investments
➤ Participation loans with banks for real estate & equipment - SSBCI 2.0: State Small Business Credit Initiative
➤ Participation loans with banks for real estate & major equipment - EDA: Economic Development Administration RLF
➤ Partner loans for real estate & major equipment - Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) RLF
➤ Montana-focused RLF supporting bank participation for growth projects - Brownfield Cleanup RLF
➤ Regional EPA-backed fund with SEMDC, EPEDC, and GNDC for environmental cleanup - Eastern Plains Economic Development Corp. (EPEDC)
➤ Administered and serviced in partnership with regional CRDCs via MOU
Loans for Startup or Expansion
Qualified applicants may borrow funds at a low fixed interest rate. The loan proceeds may be used for fixed assets. Credit decisions are based on a business plan that notes repayment ability, credit, and management capability. Because SEMDC works closely with each applicant, criteria such as collateral and credit history are evaluated individually. The terms and conditions of each loan depend on the applicant’s needs, business plan, and collateral’s useful life. Completed applications and business plans are submitted to the SEMDC Revolving Loan Fund Committee for evaluation and decision.
Who is it for:
- Startups and existing small businesses
- Projects that require funding for real estate, equipment, or cleanup
- Businesses ready to pledge available assets and personal guaranties
How it works:
✔️ Work with your bank and RLF administrator to develop financing
✔️ Secure loan with available assets and personal guarantees
✔️ Get access to critical funding your business needs to grow
Small business development centers
Our Mission
The SBDC helps to provide tools and guidance to help small businesses succeed. For an individual that is looking to start a new business or expand their existing business, the SBDC network is the best place to start. The SBDC network supports ten regional centers across the state, focusing on free one-on-one counseling and low-cost training in areas such as financial analysis, business planning, strategic planning, loan packaging, financial projections and market research to help small businesses achieve their goals of growth, innovation and success.
Elizabeth Smith
SBDC Regional Director / MCC Workforce Development Coordinator
Miles Community College, 2715 Dickinson Street, Miles City, MT 59301 - Room 221
OFFICE: 406-874-6168
