Confidential Business Advising at No Cost
The Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC) helps entrepreneurs and small business owners make informed business decisions, focusing on free one-on-one counseling and low-cost training in areas such as financial analysis, business planning, strategic planning, loan packaging, financial projections, and market research to help small businesses achieve their goals of growth, innovation, and success.
Whether you’re exploring a new business idea, launching your first venture, purchasing an existing business, seeking financing, or growing an established company, we’re here to give you the educational tools and resources to help guide you.
Serving Our Region
We serve businesses throughout Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, and Meagher counties as part of the statewide Montana SBDC Network.
How We Can Help
Every business is different. Our role is to help you evaluate opportunities, reduce uncertainty, and identify practical next steps.
Financial Analysis
Business Planning
Strategic Planning
Loan Packaging
Financial Projections
Market Research
Workshops & Resources
In addition to one-on-one advising, the Montana SBDC offers workshops, educational resources, and tools to help entrepreneurs strengthen their business knowledge and skills.
Getting Started
Step 1: Register for Montana SBDC Services
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment
Business advising is confidential and provided at no cost through funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Montana Department of Commerce, and Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC).
Your Local SBDC Business Advisor
Carlos Joaquin
Regional Director, Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Carlos Joaquin serves as Regional Director for the Montana Small Business Development Center at MBAC, providing free, confidential business advising to entrepreneurs in Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, and Meagher counties.
With more than two decades of experience in leadership, customer experience, and business advising, Carlos helps entrepreneurs gain clarity and make informed decisions at every stage — from a new idea to launching, growing, or expanding a business.
Before MBAC, Carlos spent 15 years at Apple in leadership and learning roles, and later worked with Rocky Mountain Credit Union and AlphaGraphics Helena, strengthening employee development and customer experience.
He also builds community connections by hosting Learning Lounge, Bullet Journal Club, and HLN Deep Roast Dialogues.
Outside of work, you’ll find him on Montana’s trails, at local events, enjoying live music, or dancing with his wife, Jo.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (406) 594-7487