Bear Paw Development has $13.1 million impact in 2021

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Bear Paw Development Corp. continued its major economic impact in the region, highlighted in its annual report.

The nonprofit economic and community development organization had a $13.1 million impact on the region it serves in northern Montana.  The annual report also documented that Bear Paw Development assisted the private sector to create or retain 61 jobs through their small business lending and advising activities. 

“The work Bear Paw Development was able to accomplish in 2021 helped the communities we serve weather the economic downturn associated with the global pandemic,” Bear Paw Executive Director Paul Tuss said. “Through coordinating funds from federal and state government sources for aging community infrastructure, as well as assisting with the start-up and expansion needs of our region’s business community, we were able to have a positive and noticeable impact on our Economic Development District.

“While 2021 was arguably one of the most economically difficult years for everyone, including our small business community, the work we were able to accomplish with our partners was key in doing what was possible to weather the COVID-19 storm,” he added.

Tuss, who also is facing Rep. Ed Hill, R-Havre, in the race for Montana House District 28, said Bear Paw Development, Montana’s longest-serving economic development district, has partnered with local and tribal governments, the private sector, and state and federal funding agencies for more than 52 years to secure financial and other resources to help stabilize and grow the economy of northern Montana. 

“While rural areas of our country are often overlooked when people think of economic development, the truth is rural America is the breadbasket for our country,” Tuss said. “Strong and economically vibrant small communities in places like northern Montana are critical for our state and nation.” 

The Annual Report showed that for every one dollar received by Bear Paw Development from its local government members it was able to leverage $125 from outside sources. 

“Overall, the return on investment for our local government partners is significant due to the great work of our top-notch team of community and economic development practitioners,” Tuss said. 

Bear Paw Development Corp. is a federally-recognized Economic Development District and a state-recognized Certified Regional Development Corporation and serves the economic and community development needs of Liberty, Hill, Blaine, Phillips and Chouteau counties and the Rocky Boy’s and Fort Belknap Indian reservations. More information about Bear Paw Development can be found at http://www.bearpaw.org .