This document summarizes a case study about entrepreneurship in Montana. It finds that successful entrepreneurs in Montana have benefited from mentors and investors like those at RightNow Technologies. While support organizations are less dense than in larger areas, entrepreneurs report that the willingness to travel and a small network helps connect people. Both long-time residents and newcomers choose to start businesses in Montana for its high quality of life. The implications are to identify local success stories to help others, map support resources both locally and in nearby areas, and recognize the strengths of the region rather than compare to larger tech hubs.

1. © 2013 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Case Study: Montana
Yas Motoyama
Director
Kauffman Foundation

2. © 2013 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Bozeman 97K
Missoula 114K

3. © 2013 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Key Findings
• Successful entrepreneurs = mentors/investors
o RightNow Technologies sold to Oracle for $1.5 billion in 2011
• Lower density of support organizations
• A small degree of separation = supportive people
• High willingness to travel
o Bozeman to Missoula = 200 miles
• Entrepreneurs come to Montana for quality of life
o Both boomerang back and newly settled

4. © 2013 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Implications
• Identify and convene successful local entrepreneurs;
Include them to discuss local problems and solutions
• Map support organizations in your area, as well as
surrounding areas
• Do not compare yourself with Silicon Valley, coastal
areas, or big cities. Find beauty in thyself!