About the Made in Montana Program

Purpose

The Made in Montana Program is part of the International Trade & Relations Bureau in the Business Resources Division of the Montana Department of Commerce.

The program, which also includes Grown in Montana and Native American Made in Montana components, helps build recognition for products that are "authentically" Montana. That means they are grown, created, made, and/or enhanced in the state resulting in 50% or more added-value. The program requires that individuals and businesses meet the program's value-added definition to utilize the trademarked image on their qualifying products.

Who belongs to the Made in Montana Program?

There are over 1500 program participants producing Montana products today. Included are everyone from food and beverage producers to vehicle and machinery parts fabricators; software and online management companies to log home builders; fine artists to homey crafts makers; canvas tent makers to emergency rescue blanket manufacturers; and so many more.

It is important to note that the Made in Montana program is not a certification program for companies but rather for their products. To be eligible, the person or company producing or growing the product must sign a "self-attest" form that states the product meets the Made in Montana product criteria. The statement appears as follows:

"I verify that my products meet the Montana Department of Commerce, Made in Montana Program eligibility criteria of having either been grown, created, or substantially transformed within the state of Montana (and in the case of substantial transformation the value is now 50% or more of the individual parts used in the production process) and that I will only use the logos on products that meet this description as approved by the program."

To see a copy of the actual form go to page 3 of the New Member Registration Form.

What the Program Offers

- Product Label Identification Program

Provides a wide variety of full color logo products at low-cost or no cost including stickers, hang-tags, posters, and window clings. An electronic version of the logo is also available for participants to use.

- Advertising and promotional campaign

Billboards, targeted magazine and newspaper ads, and building murals are all placed in-state and out-of-state to encourage buyers to choose Made in Montana products by looking for products with the label and searching the website.

- Online Products Directory of Participating Members

The website directory provides members the opportunity to market their products close to home and worldwide. Listings include product descriptions, photos, contact information, and even a hyperlink to their own on-line store or website.

- Sponsorship of the annual Made in Montana Marketplace

This wholesale trade show is produced by the City of Great Falls and is a premier marketplace for Montana buyers and sellers to meet. The Made in Montana program provides sponsorship in terms of consultation on financing. The show is normally held in the early spring. For more information go to Made in Montana Marketplace.

- Trade Show Assistance Program

This program provides matching funds up to $2,000 to qualified companies for the purposes of attending wholesale trade shows outside of Montana (including internationally). Click here to see if you qualify.