With over a decade of experience supporting women entrepreneurs in Montana, Kassi Strong brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her role as Program Director at Rocky Mountain Women's Business Center. Part of the group of commissioners behind the new Montana Women's Finance Co-op, she shares what inspired this innovative initiative: 

"The creation of this co-op was inspired by the need for additional funding opportunities for women-owned businesses in Montana. Women-owned businesses in Montana, especially in rural areas, often struggle to access traditional funding due to systemic barriers and limited financial networks. The Montana Women's Finance Co-op plans to pool community funds to create a revolving loan fund that will help finance projects that might traditionally have a hard time securing funds." 

When asked what makes this model unique, Kassi explains: "This model is beneficial to the recipient of the funds because it prioritizes relationships, community impact, and long-term sustainability over quick returns. I also love that the investment co-op model allows regular people to pool funds to support local projects that make a real difference in their communities. It's the perfect opportunity for people, no matter their income level, to invest their funds in a meaningful way." 

For Kassi, this work is deeply personal: "As Director of the Rocky Mountain Women's Business Center, I've worked closely with women across Montana who struggle to secure funding, especially in rural areas. Combined with my own experience as an entrepreneur and insights from Accelerate Montana's Access to Finance Study, I've become incredibly passionate about the need for additional creative funding opportunities in the state. I'm honored to contribute to a growing movement that's building more equitable access to capital for Montana women." 

Innovative Solution: Montana Women's Finance Co-op 

The Montana Women's Finance Co-op empowers women entrepreneurs by pooling resources from members and preferred shareholders to support women-owned businesses, foster local economic growth, and strengthen communities across the state. Rooted in collaboration, the Co-op prioritizes mission-driven outcomes. The founding commissioners of the Co-op are Kassi Strong, Program Director of the Rocky Mountain Women's Business Center; Karen Smith, SVP, Chief Advocacy Officer, Montana’s Credit Unions; and Dr. Jennifer Isern, CFA, the CEO of Catalyze Global Impact LLC. 

Join the Movement 

The co-op is now accepting members with two options: 

• Common Stock: First 50 "founding members" join at $750 per share (later $1,000) 
• Preferred Stock: Available at $500 per share to individuals and organizations 

Learn more at Montana Women's Finance Co-op and follow their progress on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Strengthening Montana's Economic Future 

At the Women's Foundation of Montana, we're proud to support innovative approaches like this that create economic pathways for women. RMWBC's co-op model exemplifies the creative solutions needed to transform opportunities for women entrepreneurs across our state.