Minnow Tank Finalists Announced
Great Northern Development Corporation and the Small Business Development Center are proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Minnow Tank Business Plan Competition, marking the fourth competition cycle in eight years of investing in rural entrepreneurship across northeastern Montana.
Minnow Tank continues to serve as a regional platform for business growth and development, supporting entrepreneurs across Daniels, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Valley, Garfield, McCone and Richland counties. Since its inception, the program has invested more than $40,000 in local businesses, with a high percentage of finalists continuing to operate and grow in their communities.
Following a competitive application process, GNDC is pleased to recognize the 2026 finalists representing communities across the region.
Minnow Tank Finalists Start-Up Division Rise and Grind Coffee LLP, Garfield County; Zuroff Drilling & Well Services, McCone County; Frosted Feelings, Daniels County; Sip Stop, Roosevelt County; The Rancher’s Rail, Sheridan County; Jeanie’s on the Prairie, Richland County; Rogue Acres, Valley County. Existing Business Division
Sugg Primary Care Clinic, Garfield County Little Wildcats Learning Center, McCone County; Wealth Management LLC, Richland County; Meadowlark Apothecary, Valley County.
Finalists will present their business plans live at the Minnow Tank Finale on April 30, at the Glasgow Elks Lodge, starting at 5:30 p.m. During the event, participants will pitch how they plan to use the funding to strengthen and grow their businesses.
Two winners will be selected: $5,000 for a startup business, $5,000 for an existing business.
The event is open to the public, and attendees will participate in the scoring alongside a panel of judges.
