Business Resources & Tools
Free calculators, guides, and educational content to help Montana your business succeed
Financial Calculators
Make informed decisions with our free financial calculators
Loan Payment Calculator
Calculate monthly payments, total interest, and true cost of a loan.
- ✓Monthly payment estimates
- ✓Total interest calculation
- ✓Adjustable term length
DSCR Calculator
Calculate your debt service coverage ratio to assess loan qualification.
- ✓Instant DSCR calculation
- ✓Qualification insights
- ✓Lender threshold benchmarks
Line of Credit Calculator
Calculate payoff timeline and total interest for your line of credit.
- ✓Payoff timeline estimate
- ✓Total interest paid
- ✓Minimum vs. custom payment
Balloon Payment Calculator
Calculate payments for loans with a large final balloon payment.
- ✓Lower monthly payments
- ✓Balloon amount at maturity
- ✓Amortization vs. balloon term
Working Capital Calculator
Determine how much working capital your business has and how lenders see it.
- ✓Working capital amount
- ✓Current ratio analysis
- ✓Cash runway estimate
Fixed Charge Coverage
Calculate your ability to cover all fixed financial obligations.
- ✓FCCR ratio with kickouts
- ✓Additional proposed debt
- ✓Industry thresholds
Equipment Lease vs. Buy
Compare true after-tax cost of leasing vs. financing — including Section 179 deductions.
- ✓Side-by-side net cost
- ✓Section 179 tax savings
- ✓Adjustable tax bracket
See exactly what the lender sees — before you submit
Use our underwriting software, free, to run the same analysis a lender would on your application: DSCR, cash flow, credit profile, and industry benchmarks. Know your numbers before you walk in.
Which Lenders Will Fund You?
Diagnostic quizzes convert at 2–3× the rate of a standard form because they feel like an actual assessment. Answer 4 questions and get matched to your lending tier in 60 seconds.
- ✓Identifies Tier 1 (Bank/SBA) vs Tier 2 (Fintech) vs Tier 3 (Asset-Based)
- ✓Shows which loan products you actually qualify for
- ✓Includes optimization tips if you fall short
Which Lenders Will Fund You?
Answer 4 quick questions and we'll place your profile into the right lending tier — from SBA banks down to alternative financing.
4 questions · 60 seconds · No sign-up required
Guides & Articles
In-depth guides on SBA loans, equipment financing, commercial real estate, startup funding, and state-specific lending programs — plus step-by-step how-to articles for every stage of the process.
- SBA 7(a) Loan Guide
- The 5 C's of Credit
- Business Plan for Lenders
- Lending Terms Glossary
- Credit Improvement Tips
Grants & External Programs
Programs from government agencies, CDFIs, and nonprofits that may be available to your business. We have no affiliation with these organizations — they are listed as a public resource.
Grants & State Programs
- Montana Department of Commerce Business ProgramsMontana Department of CommercePortfolio of loan, grant, and tax incentive programs including the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund and job creation grants.
- Big Sky Economic Development Trust FundMontana Department of CommercePlanning and infrastructure grants for regional economic development organizations supporting Montana businesses.
- Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance ProgramUSDA Rural DevelopmentGrants and technical assistance for microenterprises in rural areas — including equipment, inventory, and working capital.
Lending & Credit Resources
- SBA 7(a) Loan ProgramU.S. Small Business AdministrationThe SBA's flagship loan — up to $5M for equipment, working capital, real estate, or refinancing.
- SBA 504 Loan ProgramU.S. Small Business Administration (via CDCs)Long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets like real estate and heavy equipment. As little as 10% down.
- USDA Business & Industry Loan GuaranteeUSDA Rural DevelopmentLoan guarantees up to $25M for rural Montana businesses — particularly strong for agricultural operations and rural employers.
- Kiva U.S.KivaCrowdfunded microloans from $1,000–$15,000 at 0% interest — no credit score required. Backed by your community.
Advisory & Technical Assistance
- Montana SBDCMontana Small Business Development Center10 regional centers statewide providing free business advising, financial analysis, and loan packaging — over 20,000 jobs supported.
- SCORE MentorshipSCORE (SBA Partner)Free, confidential business mentoring from experienced executives — in-person and virtual sessions nationwide.
- SBA Lender MatchU.S. Small Business AdministrationFree tool that connects you with SBA-approved lenders for 7(a), 504, microloans, and more.
Program availability and eligibility requirements change. Verify current details directly with each organization.