Investing in Montana Summit | June 12, 2025 | Bozeman, MT
The 2025 Investing in Montana Summit is a dynamic event exploring the investment landscape for businesses in Montana. The summit will cover key topics such as capital-raising strategies, securities laws for businesses and investors (1 CLE), and the intricacies surrounding the cost of capital. Attendees will gain valuable insights into Montana’s unique investment opportunities, equipping attendees with the knowledge and connections needed to navigate the challenges of business entrepreneurship, growth, and funding in the state.
Welcome Lunch and Keynote Commissioner James Brown Brianna Daniels, Founder/CEO, Bridger Bionics
12:45 PM
Different Options for Raising Capital This session will discuss businesses’ different financing options, from bootstrapping to venture capitalists and everything in between. It will examine the pros and cons of various capital formation pathways and help determine when each option is appropriate.
Moderator: Kirsten Madsen, Interim Deputy Securities Commissioner Paul Reichart, Executive Director, Prospera Scott Holton, CFO/Managing Partner, Next Frontier Capital Paul Green, Executive Director, Big Sky Economic Development Brent Donnelly, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration Liz Marchi, Head of Community Engagement, Two Bear Capital
1:45 PM
Money and More: The Cost of Capital This session will address a crucial question every startup business should ask before starting its capital formation journey: How much will it cost to make this happen? This discussion will focus on financial expectations when starting a business.
2:30 PM
Break
2:45 PM
Securities Laws and Capital Formation (1 CLE) In this session, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation, will discuss the intersection of securities laws and capital raising. Attendees will gain insight into the state of small business capital formation through a data-informed discussion and learn about the SEC and its broad range of educational tools and resources to support small businesses and their investors.
Stacey Bowers, Director/Attorney, Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation
3:45 PM
Break
4:00 PM
Small Business and Startup Experiences Panel This session will highlight various Montana businesses and their startup experiences. Speakers will explain where to find appropriate investors, how to navigate hurdles, and what they’ve learned about raising capital in their business journeys.
Moderator: Brian Gillespie, Dean, Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship Ronald Zook, Founder/CEO, Swan Valley Medical Andy Auble, Co-Founder, Proof Razors Ryan Abramson, Co-Founder/CEO, Scout
5:00 PM
Closing Remarks Commissioner James Brown
5:15 PM
Social Hour
$50.00 CSI Investing in Montana Securities Summit Ticket Sales
Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Montana State Auditor
