Minnow Tank Registration Form

This form is used to submit your final business plan for consideration in the 2026 Minnow Tank Competition. All applicants are requesting $5,000. Only complete submissions received by the stated deadline will be reviewed and will be judged to move on to the finale.

Minnow Tank Business Competition — 2026
$10,000 in cash awards for rural entrepreneurs in northeast Montana.
Minnow Tank is a competitive funding program designed to support for-profit startups and existing small businesses operating in Northeastern Montana. Hosted by Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Minnow Tank provides direct cash awards and business planning support to entrepreneurs who are ready to launch, grow, or stabilize their operations.

Since launching, Minnow Tank has awarded over $40,000 directly to local business owners, with more than 75% of past finalists still operating today. This is not a pitch show or idea contest. Minnow Tank focuses on viable businesses, realistic plans, and responsible use of capital.

https://gndc.org/minnow-tank

Full Name*

First NameLast Name

Address*

Street Address

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number*

E-mail*

example@example.com

Business Name*

County Where Business Operates or Will Operate*

Final Business Plan – PDF Upload Only*

Upload Instructions (display text):

File format must be PDF
This document must include your complete business plan, including financials
Maximum file size: [set limit, e.g., 25MB]
Recommended file name:
BusinessName_MinnowTank_ FinalPlan.pdf

☐ I understand that only the final business plan submitted through this form will be reviewed.

Submission Confirmation*

I confirm that this document represents my final business plan submission for the Minnow Tank Competition.I understand that all applicants are requesting $5,000, and that submission does not guarantee funding.I understand that late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

Certification & Electronic Signature*

I certify that the information submitted in this form and within my uploaded business plan is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Full Legal Name (Electronic Signature)*

Please review each statement below and check all boxes to proceed.*

I certify that I am 18 years of age or older.I certify that I do not owe any outstanding or unpaid back taxes to the State of Montana or the federal government.I certify that I have not been convicted of a felony under state or federal law.I certify that my business operates, or intends to operate, in Northeastern Montana.I certify that the business associated with this application is a for-profit business and that Minnow Tank funds will not be used for a nonprofit organization.I understand and agree that Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) may disclose that I am, or have been, a client or participant in their programs.I consent to GNDC and SBDC identifying my business as one that is working with or has received assistance from them on local, statewide, and national platforms, including social media, websites, press releases, and other media.I grant GNDC and SBDC permission to use my name, business name, photographs, video, audio recordings, quotes, and general business description related to my participation in the Minnow Tank Competition for promotional, reporting, and educational purposes, without compensation.I certify that the information provided in this form and within my uploaded business plan is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Final Submission & Electronic Signature By typing my name below, I acknowledge that I have read,understand, and agree to all eligibility certifications and consent statementsabove. I understand that this electronic signature has the same legal effect asa handwritten signature.*

Business Name*

Today Date*

Date

For any questions, please contact

Ashley Trottier at (406) 653-2590 ext. 202, email nabc@gndc.org
Quincy Walter at (406) 653-2590 ext. 203, email sbdc@gndc.org

Application