HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – As this tumultuous 2021 draws to a close, Bear Paw Development Corporation executive director Paul Tuss has said they continue to help local businesses start or stay afloat.

Tuss says they made more business loans in 2021 than any year in the previous two decades.

“We have crossed the $ 3.5 million mark in business. They’re mom and pop businesses, they’re small businesses. So to hit that $ 3.5 million in funding, whether it’s starting a new business or expanding businesses, that’s a lot of activity in a rural area of ​​Montana.

However, Tuss says there are a lot of challenges that need to be overcome, and businesses continue to face hurdles, such as the depletion of many funds providing COVID relief.

“Much of this funding was available to businesses when the pandemic started, and these programs have since disappeared. Some programs are still available to us. And some of the programs that funded Bear Paw will continue. But I think we’ve almost learned to live with this pandemic, horrible as it sounds. So while I know that we will be dealing with the effects of COVID-19 and the pandemic for maybe even years to come, I hope we will obviously continue to have the impact on our main streets that we have. done this year. “

Bear Paw Development serves Hill, Liberty, Blaine, Phillips and Chouteau counties, as well as the Rocky Boy’s and Fort Belknap reserves. You can reach them by phone at 265-9226.