MISSION STATEMENT
The Montana Business Assistance Connection catalyzes community leaders, stakeholders, and opportunities driving prosperity, our economy, business vitality, high quality job growth and the enhancement of quality of life throughout the region.
The Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC) was created with the expressed purpose of improving the economy and livability of Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and Meagher counties. We help businesses start up, improve, expand, relocate or transition to new ownership.
MBAC professionals and our key partners (SCORE, SBDC, Job Service, Chamber) mentor businesses. This is done by getting to know the business model, the people involved and specific needs. We help you identify potential opportunities but at the same time minimize risks. These services prepare your team to obtain financial resources and secure capital. Our strategic partnerships with traditional lending institutions, as well as access to more than a dozen different types of loan funds, make it possible for businesses to gain financing for which they may not normally qualify.
Our ultimate goal is to improve the standard of living for all citizens by enhancing the area business climate, diversifying the local economy, expanding the tax base, and enhancing local employment opportunities. Since our inception in 1999, we have leveraged private and public capital resources and professional business development assistance to directly create and retain hundreds of area jobs and injected millions of dollars of capital into the regional economy.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Katherine Anderson
Economic Development Program Manager
Katherine Anderson serves as the Economic Development Program Manager within MBAC’s Community Development Department. A graduate of Carroll College, she also holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Montana. Katherine has a diverse professional background, having worked with non-profit organizations, international think tanks, and state government.
Alongside her professional pursuits, Katherine is an avid traveler, outdoor enthusiast, and is driven by her passion for making a positive impact in the community.
Katherine can be contacted at [email protected].
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Carlos Joaquin
Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (406) 594-7487
Register with Montana SBDC
Calendly
ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT
Rebekah Dupre
Office Manager
Rebekah Dupre is the head of the accounting department and office manager at MBAC, bringing her close to twenty years of accounting experience, predominantly within the non-profit sector. A proud graduate of Montana State University, she holds a business degree in accounting. Before joining MBAC, Rebekah held various roles in non-profit organizations across Montana, including positions with the National Affordable Housing Network, the Student Assistance Foundation, and the Helena School District. Outside of work, Rebekah enjoys music, baking, traveling, and hiking. Rebekah can be contacted at [email protected].
Sarah Moeller
Accounting Technician
Sarah Moeller works as an accounting technician in the accounting and payroll department at MBAC, bringing almost 16 years of experience to her role. Sarah pursued a math degree at Carroll College and later graduated with a degree in business economics from Eastern Oregon University. Originally from Alaska, Sarah has lived in several states, including Idaho, Washington and Oregon. Outside of work, she is passionate about crafting, reading, and exploring the Montana outdoors with her husband and two dogs. Sarah can be contacted at [email protected].
LENDING DEPARTMENT
Charmayne Kaminski
Loan Officer
Charmayne Kaminski is MBAC’s loan officer. She grew up in Helena and received her Bachelor of Science from Montana State University—Bozeman. She has worked in the banking industry for over a decade as a credit analyst, most recently at Valley Bank of Helena. She is inspired daily by her husband and their two sons. Charmayne enjoys riding horses, spending time with her family, doing anything related to volleyball (e.g., playing, coaching, and officiating), and living a true Montana lifestyle surrounded by good people who do what she loves.
Charmayne works to impact her community daily by helping small businesses thrive and guiding new businesses through the startup process. She looks forward to working with business owners, community leaders, and organizations within Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, and Meagher Counties. Charmayne can be contacted at [email protected].
2025 MBAC BOARD
President
Andy Shirtliff
Executive Director, Montana Building Industry Association
Past President
Dustin Stewart
Owner/Lead Developer, Edge Marketing
Vice President
Kali Wicks
President, Treasure State Strategies
Treasurer
Vickie Rauser
Mayor, City of Townsend
Secretary
Wes Feist
City of East Helena
General Board Members
Victor Sample
Broadwater County Appointment
Dallas Rasmussen
Vocal Credit Union
Candace Payne
Dave Allard
McDantim, Inc.
Callie Aschim
Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, Ex Officio
Lindsey Richtmyer
Broadwater County, BW Co. Liaison (Ex Officio)
Ginger Kunz
Jefferson County Appointment, Ex Officio
Sandra Bauman
Helena College, Ex Officio
