Montana Native Growth Fund, a nonprofit focused on Native-led economic development, hosted the fourth annual Big Sky Indigifest in Billings last week.
Indigifest is designed to spotlight Indigenous entrepreneurs, artists, and small business owners. Beyond the showcase, the organization plays a key role in supporting Native-owned businesses through services like business training and access to Indian Equity Grant funding.
Interim executive director of Montana Native Growth Fund Cora Chandler hosts a panel discussion with three Montana-based Indigenous business owners who were awarded the Indian Equity Grant in past years at Big Sky Indigifest at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center on July 17, 2025.
EMMA JANE
The Indian Equity Grant is a state-funded program that offers up to $14,000 to Indigenous entrepreneurs in Montana, with the final award amount matching how much the applicant has