Tony and Emily Simonsen moved to Sheridan with an interest in starting a business in their hometown. The couple soon recognized the community’s need for senior housing and immediately pursued the opportunity. The Simonsens purchased land with plans to build an assisted living facility and, as industry novices, acquired necessary training and licensing. The plan had support from the Town of Sheridan and the local Ruby Valley Bank from the get-go, but the bank needed a funding partner. The Simonsens contacted the Butte Small Business Development Center at Headwaters RC&D for help. The SBDC pointed the couple towards Headwaters and helped put together a loan package. The collaboration was a success. Headwaters’ loan committee approved financing for the project and partnered with Ruby Valley Bank. A total financing package of $450,000 was approved for the project. Construction started in late July 2010 and wrapped up by the end of that October. The Simonsens held an open house on Veterans’ Day 2010. Currently, three of eight rooms are occupied. Sheridan Assisted Living has a staff of four, and plans to hire additional staff as rooms are occupied. Community support has been strong and the Simonsens are grateful for the opportunity to give back to Sheridan.

Jan Thorne first approached the Butte Small Business Development Center at Headwaters RC&D in 2001, when she took the helm as owner of the Subway franchise in Whitehall. Nine years later, she came back to the SBDC, this time with plans for a new building to house her restaurant. Jan knows her business inside and out, but needed help showing the bank the numbers. Staff helped Jan work through cash flows to show the bank that not only was the project feasible, it would increase cash flow over her existing rental location. The bank chose a structure for the project that, in the end, was based entirely on staff’s cash flow scenario. With the loan approved, Jan expressed gratitude to Headwaters and SBDC for supporting her goals. Construction on her new building began in fall 2010, and the new Whitehall Subway opened April 28, 2011. It was the first brand new building in Whitehall since a fire destroyed much of the downtown area several years prior. The project and its resulting jobs have been a boon to the local economy.

Dan and Jen LaPierre began pursuing their dream of opening a meat shop and deli in September 2009. Dan and his brother, Dave, had long made a smoked salmon that was famous among friends and family. That popularity made them sure their product was unique enough to set them apart from others. And Dave’s experience in the butchering and deli fields gave them the confidence to attempt their own shop. The LaPierres approached a local bank for financing, and after being turned down contacted the Butte Small Business Development Center at Headwaters RC&D for assistance. The SBDC helped Montana Smoked Fish and Meat Company write a business plan, project cash flow, create a marketing plan and identify competition. The organization also helped the business acquire financing with Headwaters, and assisted in putting the finance package together for a loan committee’s review. Dan, Jen and Dave have all credited SBDC with being critical to landing financing and helping them save their previous investments. The SBDC stayed in contact with the LaPierres right up to the new business’s opening day. The Montana Smoked Fish and Meat Company provides local products, fresh produce, fresh meats and seafood. The business is also smoking fish and sausage using their own recipes. This family business has been warmly welcomed into the Dillon community.