Helena Regional Small Business Development Center

Counties Served: Broadwater, Lewis & Clark, Meagher

 

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Staff:

Regional Director

Ryan Loomis, MBA, SBDC Regional Director
406.447.6376 | Ryan.Loomis@HelenaCollege.edu

Ryan Loomis joined the Montana SBDC, hosted out of Helena College, as the Regional Director for the Helena area in September 2018. Prior to joining the Montana SBDC, Ryan worked as an Assistant Store Manager for a large retail store in Helena. In cooperation with Helena College, Ryan doubles as the Workforce Development and Community Outreach Coordinator for Helena College.

As the Small Business Development Center Regional Director in Helena, Ryan assists entrepreneurs in 3 counties in business planning, marketing, financial analysis, and technical assistance. He also advises existing businesses in marketing, market research and growth and retention. Ryan’s professional experience lends a well-rounded approach to small businesses. Ryan has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration- Marketing and Management from the University of Montana and earned his MBA in the Spring of 2019.

Ryan's Administrative Office is located at 1115 North Roberts St., Helena, MT 59601.
SBDC/ Workforce Development Office is located at 2300 Airport Rd., Helena, MT 59601

 

JoshBennett.jpegJosh Bennett, Business Advisor
406.447.6900

Josh Bennett joined the Montana SBDC, hosted out of Helena College, in January 2021. Prior to joining the Montana SBDC, Josh worked as a Regional Manager for Montana MVD and the Retail Services Manager for Helena College.

As a Business Advisor, Josh coordinates training sessions for clients and assists entrepreneurs in 3 counties in business planning, marketing, financial analysis, and technical assistance. He also advises existing businesses in marketing, market research, and growth and retention. Josh has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Walla Walla University.

 

Jason Nitschke

 

Jason Nitschke, Zero to Five Senior Child Care Business Advisor
406.402.2455 |  JasonN@ZerotoFive.org

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Jason joins Zero to Five Montana as a Senior Child Care Business Advisor after eight years in economic development as Vice President with the Great Falls Development Authority (GFDA) and Regional Director of the Great Falls area Small Business Development Center (SBDC). He will be delivering educational opportunities and one-on-one consultation support to entrepreneurs and communities starting, growing, and expanding childcare and early education solutions.

Since 2014, he has advised and trained nearly 4000 entrepreneurs and business professionals, helped start over 100 businesses, supported 2800 jobs, and helped in attracting nearly $75M in capital investment into area businesses. He was the 2022 recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Boots to Business Instructor of the Year, a national award recognizing the top five presenters of the SBA’s Introduction to Entrepreneurship curriculum for active-duty military and veterans. In 2018, he was named the Montana State SBDC Star honoring the top 1% of business advisors in the U.S.

Prior to joining the economic development community, Jason owned two businesses and spent 16 years as a print and broadcast journalist. He is an award-winning broadcaster, native Montanan, and is a proud daughter-dad. Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in Communication from Hawaii Pacific University-Honolulu.

He is a certified business advisor, Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), and certified Profit Mastery and PeerSpectives facilitator.