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COVID-19 Business Emergency Assistance & Recovery (BEAR) Program

The Business Emergency Assistance & Recovery (BEAR) Program powered by the University of Montana is a single point of entry for Montana businesses looking for expertise and assistance with federal relief programs. This initiative is in collaboration with the Missoula Economic Partnership and the Missoula Economic Recovery Task Force.

The BEAR Program seeks to connect businesses to individuals, programs or organizations that are best placed to assist you. Assistance may be from one of UM's Accelerate Montana economic development programs or from individuals and organizations external to the University.  The immediate priority is helping companies access SBA loans under the "PPP" loan program passed by Congress. Other questions or areas of assistance might include:

  • SBA Loans (including Emergency injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program)
  • Other SBA Loan Programs
  • Other federal relief program questions
  • Families First Coronavirus Response Act
  • Employee and Unemployment Questions
  • Legal questions unrelated to the above options
  • Financial projections and related financial management advice
  • General business strategy advice including:
    • Moving business activities online
    • Remote working
    • Product & Service Innovation

Find more information or request business assistance at www.umt.edu/bear.